Everything you need to know about King Charles’ Coronation

Apr 19, 2023

From the snubs to the sceptre, we break down the ceremony, concerts and carriage.

The Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is a historical moment not just for the United Kingdom but the world. The once-in-a-lifetime event is scheduled to take place on 6 May at Westminster Abbey and marks the crowning of Their Majesties.

While what’s known by security as Operation Golden Orb welcomes global dignitaries, it’s also a chance for local communities to come together. Plus, it’s already hitting the headlines – will Prince Harry play a role in the proceedings? Will the NHS snub the invitation? And, most importantly, will it rain on the big day?

So, whether you’re watching a special screening or baking a Coronation Quiche – yes, it’s really a thing – there are plenty of ways to join the fun. Here’s everything you need to know about King Charles’ Coronation.

The Coronation invitation

More than 2,000 invitations have been sent out for The Coronation. The first surprise was Camilla Parker Bowles title, which has been changed to Queen Camilla. She has previously been known as Princess Consort and Queen Consort, and will now officially be known as Queen Camilla.

We don’t blame you if the invitation feels a little Lord of the Rings. Andrew Jamieson is behind the design, which is inspired by the legend of King Arthur. Across the invitation, there are beautiful British symbols. The Green Man is an ancient figure from British folklore, which symbolises spring and rebirth. The wildflower meadow features lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance.

The Coronation guests

The Coronation is an international event, which attracts senior politicians, royals, charities and celebrities from across the world. After the dates were announced, all eyes were on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (aka Harry and Meghan). Will they or won’t they attend? Prince Harry has confirmed that he will be attending solo, but it has not been confirmed if he will undertake official duties.

In the past, Coronations have not been attended by royal families from around the world. King Charles is giving the 900-year-old tradition an upgrade, and inviting fellow royals from Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The foreign royals include Prince Albert II of Monaco and King Felipe VI of Spain.

The royal family are famous for their charity work. The Coronation guest list reflects their philanthropy and includes 850 charity representatives. Plus, it was recently revealed that NHS workers have been offered VIP seats.

Royal events are not without drama queens, and The Coronation guest list has significant snubs. President Joe Biden will miss the event, as it is not customary for US Presidents to attend such occasions, but First Lady Jill Biden will attend on his behalf. The Duke of York, Prince Andrew is expected to attend, but his former wife, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson has not been invited.

The King’s Procession

The King’s Procession will start at Buckingham Palace and end at Westminster Abbey. His Majesty will travel 1.3 miles in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was originally created for Queen Elizabeth II. The King’s Procession will be accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.

If you haven’t made it onto the guest list, you can join the public and line the streets. We’d recommend getting there early – or overnight – to secure a front-row seat to the special event.

The procession will depart from Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate, proceed down The Mall, and pass through Admiralty Arch, down Whitehall and Parliament Street. The procession will travel east and south of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary. The carriage arrives at the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey and The Coronation Service will begin at 11am.

After the service, the carriage will return to Buckingham Palace. Their Majesties will receive a Royal Salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces.

The Coronation Ceremony

Westminster Abbey has been the location of 38 Coronation ceremonies. The Coronation Ceremony will begin at 11am at Westminster Abbey. Their Majesties will be crowned in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Their Majesties grandchildren will play a key role in The Coronation. Prince George will be one of King Charles’ four page boys, and Queen Camilla’s grandchildren will also be page boys.

During the ceremony, The Archbishop of Canterbury will present King Charles to the people. King Charles will take an oath swearing to govern faithfully and maintain the Church of England.

A canopy is then placed over King Charles, and he is concealed from view.

The Archbishop anoints King Charles, and he is dressed in golden robes. When he returns to the Coronation Chair, he is presented with symbolic items including a sceptre and orb. The newly appointed Sovereign leaves the Coronation Chair and moves to the Throne, which is newly made for each Coronation.

The Coronation music

King Charles has personally commissioned and curated the music for The Coronation Ceremony, which showcases local and international talent. Plus, musical maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber is behind The Coronation Anthem, Make a Joyful Noise.

Andrew explained: “I had the good fortune to discuss the text with His Majesty The King. We discussed the writings of Solomon and I suggested adapting Psalm 98 with its message of Make A Joyful Noise unto the Lord, the King. It seems so appropriate to the moment in the Coronation service. I played and tried to sing my early score for The King. I have composed a short opening and closing fanfare, which will be played by the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Air Force.”

Six new commissions will also be performed in Westminster Abbey prior to His Majesty’s arrival. The Coronation Orchestra is conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director for the Royal Opera House and led by Vasko Vassilev, Principal Guest Concert Master, Royal Opera House Orchestra.

The Coronation weekend events

In the United Kingdom, the government has announced that there will be a public holiday to mark King Charles’ Coronation. The official events will take place over a long weekend, running from 6 to 8 May.

A special Coronation Concert will be held at Windsor Castle and welcomes local and international acts from the classical, musical and pop world. The concert takes place on 7 May at 8pm, and will be screened live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds and on screens across London.

So far, the confirmed acts include pop stars Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Take That, plus opera singers Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel. Plus, the Coronation Choir, which is made up of choirs from across the country, will sing at the event. If you’re after the royal treatment, tickets to The Coronation Concert are available through a public ballot.