Most of the plans for the coronation have been kept a closely guarded secret, under the code name ‘Operation Golden Orb’. Read on to find out about the ones that have been made public…
CORONATION STREET
The coronation of King Charles III takes place on Saturday 7th, May at 11 am at Westminster Abbey. It will precede a weekend of events, including concerts, street parties, and a bank holiday. Most of the plans for the coronation have been kept a closely guarded secret, under the code name ‘Operation Golden Orb’. Read on to find out about the ones that have been made public…
The Coronation Choir will perform at a concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May. The BBC will be broadcasting the event live, with an additional screening in St James Park in London.
Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli & Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings & Alexis Ffrench and Bette Midler are confirmed as part of the concert.
Notably, several artists turned down the opportunity to be part of the running order, including Ed Sheeran, Adele, Harry Styles, Kylie Minogue, The Spice Girls, and Elton John. Each had their own reasons, ranging from clashing schedules with existing tours to ‘no comment’.
It is customary for the monarch to award honours to mark their coronation. Buckingham Palace has not yet released details of plans for an honours list to celebrate the King’s coronation.
The coronation is a state occasion, so the government pays. The ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II cost a total of £1.57m - the equivalent of £46m today. The King is said to be planning a coronation ceremony that will be less expensive than his mother’s because of the cost of living crisis.
The guests
About 2,000 guests are expected to attend the coronation. The guest list includes VIPs from around the globe, including kings, queens, princes and princesses, state heads and politicians, and celebs like David and Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Joanna Lumley, Rowan Atkinson, and Bear Grylls. The most surprising additions to the guest list are members of the public, including COVID heroes and key workers.
Megan Markle — the Duchess of Sussex — has chosen to remain at home with the kids while Harry attends, but we all know that already! One of the most surprising absentees will be Joe Biden — his wife will be attending in his place. Rumours abound regarding his decision to stay at home, from disappointment at sitting in the 12th row at the Queen’s funeral to speculation about his health.
Plans for the King’s anticipated coronation medal have not yet been announced, but given his desire for a scaled-down coronation, he may opt to give it to fewer people.
Gold ingots
The new monarch has traditionally been presented with gold ingots (gold bars) during the ceremony - however, it is one of the rituals likely to be axed by the King to make the ceremony reflect modern times and the economic climate.
Since 1902, the finale of the coronation day has been a balcony appearance from the new monarch and other members of the royal family. The King will appear on the balcony after he has been crowned. The Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are likely to join him.
What happens at a coronation?
The recognition: King Charles III will stand next to the Coronation Chair as the Archbishop of Canterbury presents him to the congregation, who shout, “God Save the King!”.
The oath: this is where Charles will swear to defend the law and the Church of England.
The anointing: the King removes his ceremonial robe while the Archbishop anoints him with holy oil.
The investiture: this is where the King is presented with two sceptres (The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove representing his spiritual role, and The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross representing his power and governance); and an orb that symbolises religious and moral authority. The coronation ring is placed on the King’s right hand.
The enthronement/crowning: the Archbishop places St Edwards’ Crown on the King’s head.
The homage: senior peers, the Archbishop, and royal blood princes kneel and pay homage and allegiance to the new monarch.
After the ceremony, the King’s Procession returns to Buckingham Palace, where the family will gather on the famous balcony.
