On May 6th, 2023, history will be made with King Charles III coronation at Westminster Abbey. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy and will be celebrated with a weekend of festivities and events. From the procession to the balcony appearance, this is an event not to be missed.
What is the meaning of Coronation?
A coronation or crowning is both the actual act of laying a crown on a monarch's head and the symbolic religious rite that takes place during it. It symbolizes the transmission of the monarch's title and authority and formalizes the monarch's position as the head of the Church of England. The monarch does not actually need to be crowned in order to become the Monarch. After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, her son, King Charles III is set to be coronated as the King of the United Kingdom while his wife, Camila, will be coronated as the new Queen.
When is King Charles III’s Coronation Taking Place in London?
The coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The King and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will both be crowned at the ceremony. Since Edward VII was crowned King in 1902, this will be the first time a coronation will occur on a weekend. The first day of the three-day coronation of King Charles will be on May 6, 2023.
Experience the Best of London During King Charles' Coronation in May
- Witness the grandeur of Royal Palaces of London
- Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
- Explore the British Museum and its vast collections
- Take a stroll through Hyde Park and enjoy the spring flowers
- Go to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a world-famous gardening event
How to Watch the Coronation of King Charles III?
The "solemn religious service," which will take place on the morning of May 6, 2023, and will be officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, is set to be broadcast by the BBC. King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned on the first day of the 3-day coronation event.
What is the Significance of King Charles III’s Coronation?
1Legitimacy
The coronation of King Charles III is a symbolic event that represents the continuity of the monarchy and its connection to the country's history and traditions. It is seen as a way of legitimizing the monarch's claim to the throne and reaffirming the social contract between the monarch and the people.
2Ceremony
King Charles III’s coronation will be an elaborate and grand ceremony that involves a procession, anointing, and the presentation of various symbols of the monarch's authority. The ceremony is steeped in tradition and pageantry and is designed to showcase the monarch's power and majesty.
3Religious Significance
The coronation has a strong religious dimension, as King Charles III is anointed with holy oil and crowned with a symbolic crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who represents the Church of England. This imbues the monarch with a spiritual dimension and reinforces the monarch's role as the Defender of the Faith.
4National Celebration
The coronation of King Charles III is a major national celebration that will bring together people from all over the country and the Commonwealth to celebrate the monarch's ascension to the throne. It is a time of national unity and pride, and the celebrations are often marked by parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
King Charles’ Coronation Medal & Design
Members of the royal family, other chosen officials from the household and state, public servants, mayors, soldiers, the police, and others are all awarded medals by each monarch. After the coronation, the medal for King Charles III will be presented.
The Rituals and Ceremonies of the Coronation
- The invitation: The new monarch is invited to the coronation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the most senior bishop in the Church of England.
- The Procession: The monarch and the coronation party proceed to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace in a grand procession.King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. During the ceremony, he will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. Afterward, Charles, Camilla and the royal family will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession known as “The Coronation Procession”. This procession will provide an opportunity for the public to see and celebrate their new monarchs.
- The Anointing: The Anointing is considered to be one of the most sacred parts of any coronation ceremony. During this part of the ceremony, King Charles III will be anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. A special oil known as “chrism oil” will be used to mark a cross on King Charles III’s forehead. This oil has recently been consecrated in Jerusalem
- The Investiture: During this part of the ceremony, the sovereign is presented with items including the Royal Orb, representing religious and moral authority; the Sceptre, representing power; and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, a rod of gold topped with a white enamelled dove, a symbol of justice and mercy.
- The Crowning:During the ceremony, he will be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown which was first made for King Charles II in 1661. The crown is composed of solid gold and contains semi-precious stones such as rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines
- The Oath: The monarch takes an oath to uphold the laws and customs of the realm and to defend the Church of England.
- The Homage: The Homage is the final part of King Charles III’s coronation. During this segment, the Archbishop of Canterbury, royal blood princes (likely to include Prince William, the Prince of Wales), and senior peers will pay homage to the new monarch. They will do so by placing their hands between the King’s and swearing allegiance and touching the crown.
- The Benediction: The Archbishop of Canterbury offers a final blessing to the monarch and the people of the United Kingdom.
Why Westminster Abbey is Crucial to King Charles III’s Coronation
Westminster Abbey is crucial to King Charles III’s coronation as it is the traditional site of coronation and has been the location of coronation ceremonies for English and British monarchs since William the Conqueror's coronation in 1066. It will mark the continuation of a tradition rooted in centuries of rich history.
The Importance of Monarchy in British Culture
The monarchy is an essential part of British culture and identity, as it represents the continuity of the country's history and traditions. It also provides a sense of stability and unity, serving as a unifying force for the nation and a symbol of British values and heritage.
Things to do in London
The coronation of King Charles III will take place on May 6th at Westminster Abbey and the city will be buzzing with excitement and festivities. From royal ceremonies to street parties, there’s something for everyone. With the coronation heppening in May, it is definitely the best time to visit London and experience the city at its best.
Royal Palaces in London
London is home to several royal palaces that are open to the public. Some of these include Buckingham Palace, the London residence for British monarchs since Queen Victoria assumed the monarchy in 1837, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, and Kew Palace. These beautiful architectural masterpieces offer a glimpse into the lives of British monarchs and their families.
FAQs
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The King and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will both be crowned at the ceremony. Since Edward VII was crowned King in 1902, this will be the first time a coronation will occur on a weekend.
The coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. Westminster Abbey is crucial to King Charles III’s coronation as it is the traditional site of coronation and has been the location of coronation ceremonies for English and British monarchs since William the Conqueror's coronation in 1066.
The Archbishop of Canterbury traditionally officiates during coronations and is required to be present because he holds primacy over all other clergies. Traditionally, the ritual includes participation from the Great Officers of State. At the coronation, many landowners and other people are given honorary "duties" or privileges. Such rights have historically been decided by a unique Court of Claims, which the Lord High Steward has ruled over historically. The United Kingdom's prime minister and all Cabinet members, all the governors-general and prime ministers of the Commonwealth realms, all the governors of the British Crown Colonies, as well as the heads of state of dependent countries, all attend the coronation ceremonies alongside members of the nobility.
The entire procedure of King Charles III’s coronation will take place over 3 days starting on May 6, 2023.
King Charles III will be invited to the coronation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the most senior bishop in the Church of England. The monarch and the coronation party will then proceed to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace in a grand procession. The monarch will be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury, symbolizing the monarch's divine right to rule. King Charles III will be crowned with the St. Edward's Crown, which is made of solid gold and set with precious stones. Then he will take an oath to uphold the laws and customs of the realm and to defend the Church of England. The monarch will then receive homage from the peers and bishops in attendance, who pledge their loyalty and support. He will be presented with various symbols of authority, including the Scepter, the Orb, and the Sword of State. The Archbishop of Canterbury then offers a final blessing to the monarch and the people of the United Kingdom.
The reign of King Charles III may not have earned him the same honor as the Caroline or Carolean eras. The reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I are frequently referred to as the "Tudor period," therefore this period might come to be known as the "Windsor Age."
As Charles has become king, Camilla's title is officially queen consort rather than Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla will be referred to as Queen Camilla because a queen consort can also be called a queen.
Yes, there will be a coronation medal for Kind Charles III. After the coronation, the medal for King Charles III will be presented.
The coronation day of King Charles III is Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Yes, the coronation will be celebrated in 2023. There will be an honorary concert on Sunday, May 7, 2023, and a bank holiday on Monday, May 8, 2023.
Members of the royal family and other special members of the household and state are presented with a medal by each monarch to commemorate the occasion. These individuals also include representatives of the government as well as officers in the police, army, and armed forces.
