A new chapter for the British royal family has begun—and King Charles III is leading the way.
In the hours after the Queen’s death on September 8, a strictly planned chain of events began, and the biggest part of it involved her eldest son. While his coronation would take place some months later, Charles became King the moment his mother took her final breath, and his first vital task was undertaken.
He shared a statement on behalf of The Firm, writing: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
In the months following Elizabeth’s passing, Charles has ramped up his work, with his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, accompanying him on various engagements, including state dinners, meeting other Commonwealth leaders and dignitaries, and travelling on royal tours.
It’s a lot to undertake before his official coronation unfolds—but that’s the way it goes in royal circles. In October 2022, the Palace finally revealed the official date and information about the historic event (the first time a coronation has taken place in 70 years).
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about it.
When Will King Charles III’s Coronation Take Place?
Buckingham Palace has confirmed King Charles III’s coronation will take place on May 6, 2023.
While that might seem like a long time to wait after the Queen’s passing in September 2022, this is part and parcel to royal protocol. Back when Queen Elizabeth’s father died in 1952, her coronation did not take place for more than 12 months. This was to allow an appropriate period of time to mourn the loss of the former Monarch.
What Will Happen At King Charles’ Coronation?
Buckingham Palace has shared that not only will Charles be crowned King at his coronation, but Camilla, Queen Consort will also be formerly crowned.
“The Ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort,” an official statement read.
Given the lengthy 70-year gap between coronations, the Palace has also confirmed things will look slightly different this time around, with the service “reflecting the monarch’s role today and look towards the future”. That said, it affirmed the ceremony would remain “rooted in longstanding traditions”.
You can also expect a whole lot of pomp from the event, similar to that of a royal wedding or Trooping The Colour. The event is an age-old ceremony (for context, it’s been around for the last 900 years), so everyone expects it to go off without a hitch—there’s definitely been enough time to perfect it, after all.
It will take place at Westminster Abbey in London, and the service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It will include an anointing ceremony before the official crowning. Then Charles will read the coronation oath.
There will be an integral ‘coronation procession’, which is due to begin at Buckingham Palace and will end at Westminster Abbey, with the new King and his Queen, Camilla, travelling in the Diamond Jubilee state coach up ‘The Mall’.
They will pass through the Admiralty Arch and by Trafalgar Square, and then head down Whitehall, to turn at Parliament Square towards the Abbey.
The Diamond Jubilee state coach was fashioned in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, and is a lovely nod to the former Queen herself. The procession will be accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.
Once the coronation has been held in London, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will travel in the Gold state coach from Westminster Abbey, back the way they came, to Buckingham Palace.
The Gold state coach is one of the oldest coaches still in use, it was commissioned in 1760 and has been used in every coronation since William VI in 1831. The return home will be the larger procession, and their majesties will be accompanied by the Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and all services from the UK’s Armed Forces.
The Earl Marshall in charge of organizing the coronation said it will have “all the pageantry that Britain can muster”.
At the coronation, it’s been revealed that 12 new pieces of music will be performed, all of which were personally commissioned by the King himself. Charles will be anointed with Holy Oil on the occasion, which has been consecrated in Jerusalem and flown to the UK for the event.
The oil was made using olives from the Monastery of Mary Magdalene and the Monastery of Ascension. The Monastery of Mary Magdalene is the resting place of King Charles III’s paternal grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece.
King Charles Will Honour Prince Phillip During His Coronation
Despite the relationship The Crown would have us think Charles and Phillip had, it appears that the incoming king means to put together a tribute for his late father at his coronation.
Prince Phillip was born in Greece and baptized Greek Orthodox, but converted to the Church of England when he married Queen Elizabeth II in November 1947.
As a reference to his father’s roots, Charles will include Greek Orthodox music in the tracklist he is hand selecting for the service, performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble. It is not expected that this will be the only departure from tradition, with the modern King set to fuse the classic religious elements with a contemporary twist throughout the event.
The new King has even commissioned a new coronation anthem, written by the composer behind Phantom Of The Opera.
Who Will Perform At King Charles’ Coronation?
After the official coronation at Westminster Abbey, a concert will be held to celebrate the occasion (and residents in the United Kingdom will be given an extra public holiday, too). It is expected to take place the day after the coronation at Windsor Castle in Berkshire.
While the official line up hasn’t been released, there are reports that a few popular acts have turned down the honour.
According to OK! Magazine, there are reports that British singer Ed Sheeran will be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. He is currently on tour and has a show scheduled in Texas for that evening.
There are also rumours that Adele turned down the opportunity for an unknown reason, as she has no public engagements scheduled for May 7. Neither singer, however, has released a statement on the matter.
What Time Will King Charles’ Coronation Take Place?
In 1953, Queen Elizabeth’s coronation started at 11.15am sharp, and it lasted for more than three hours.
Provided the ceremony lineup doesn’t stray far from the last coronation, we expect a similar time frame for King Charles III. FYI, in Australian time (AEST) this will align to an 8.15pm start.
Who Will Attend Charles’ Coronation Ceremony?
Charles’ two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry will be in attendance, while their wives Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, respectively, will also likely attend with their children.
The ceremony will also be attended by representatives from the Houses of Parliament (including the British Prime Minister, Liz Truss), The Church of England and leaders from the Commonwealth.
What Is The Dress Code For King Charles’ Coronation?
According to People, King Charles is looking to make his coronation a modern affair. As a result, it’s looking like the dress code will be more relaxed then other ostentatious and pomp festivities hosted by the royal family.
Of course, by our standards a “relaxed” event will certainly be more formal than just a regular family get together—this is a coronation after all.
Will Kate Middleton Wear A Tiara To The Coronation?
So, can we expect the Royal family to show up in garden frocks and sport jackets? On the contrary, the publication reports that the idea of a “low key” event means that some senior members of The Firm will forgo the royal tradition of wearing tiaras.
It’s speculated that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, will not be wearing a bejewelled tiara for the occasion. As for what she sports a top her signature brunette locks is still up for debate, however you can rest assured we’ll be breaking down the hidden signals in the royals’ coronation ensembles throughout the event.
Prince Louis May Be Absent From The Celebrations
While we’ve heard that Prince George will play a big part in the upcoming coronation festivities (likely as one of the King’s page boys), it’s possible that Prince Louis may not get a look in at all.
A palace insider told Page Six that Louis might not attend the coronation due to his behaviour at past events. We don’t need a PhD to read through the lines that this insider is likely referencing his behaviour at the Queen’s Platnium Jubilee in June 2022, where he was pictured making faces at his mother and climbing over her.
While many fans of the royal family commented at the time that it was normal behaviour for a young child, especially given Prince Louis is only four, his behaviour did draw some criticism about William and Kate’s parenting.
It is understood that the final decision on Prince Louis’ attendance will be made closer to the coronation, which is due to be held on May 6.
Where Can You Watch King Charles’ Coronation In Australia?
Charles coronation will be broadcast on television via the BBC, and it will likely be picked up by numerous outlets including the ABC, Channel Nine and Channel Seven.
Streaming service BritBox will also live-stream the King’s coronation direct from the UK, along with full replay and highlights so you can tune in on all the action.
You can stream the coronation on BritBox with a 7-day free trial by subscribing right here.
For more rolling coverage on the royals, follow the links below:
- A Brief History Of Queen Elizabeth II And Her 89 Year Long Royal Clan Of Corgis
- Will Duchess Camilla Be Queen Now That Charles Is King?
- Every Time The Royal Family Have Turned To Queen Elizabeth’s Vintage Wardrobe
- The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wore Mint Green For Special Occasions
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