The coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla as queen on 6 May is the centrepiece of a weekend of events to mark the occasion. Image: AFP/ Jordan Pettitt.
Royal coronation: What will happen at the King’s coronation
The royal coronation at Westminster Abbey is fast approaching, but what will happen during Charles’ crowning ceremony?
The coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla as queen on 6 May is the centrepiece of a weekend of events to mark the occasion. Image: AFP/ Jordan Pettitt.
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will officially be crowned at Westminster Abbey in less than two weeks. Here’s a look at what will happen during the King’s crowning.
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WHAT HAPPENS AT KING CHARLES’ ROYAL CORONATION
An iconic event like a royal coronation needs an impressive guest list. Especially as it will take place in Westminster Abbey, continuing 900 years of coronation history.
King Charles’ guest list includes senior members of Government and the Church of England, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and other prominent members of the Commonwealth, The Sun reports.
The service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will reportedly start the proceedings by reading the King the coronation oath.
According to the publication, King Charles will be asked to govern the UK and other nations of the Commonwealth and do so with law and justice.
During the proceedings, King Charles will be seated in the coronation Chair, holding the sovereign’s scepter and rod.
He will then be anointed, blessed, and consecrated by the Archbishop before the sacred St Edward crown will be placed on his head, the Royal Family’s website reports.
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will then proceed back to Buckingham Palace in the royal procession along with other royal family members.
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FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GOLD STATE COACH
On Saturday, 6 May, all eyes will be on King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla as they are officially crowned at the royal coronation. After the service, the couple will take part in a royal procession in the Gold State Coach.
Preparations for the royal coronation are in full swing, and that includes the Gold State Coach.
Here are six interesting facts about the historic and iconic carriage.
1. PART OF EVERY CORONATION SINCE 1821
Since it was built in 1762, the Gold State Coach has played a part at all royal coronations, jubilees, and other special events, the Royal Collection Trust reports. Designed by William Chambers and made by the coachmaker Samuel Butler, the 260-year-old carriage has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821.
2. IT’S NOT MADE FROM SOLID GOLD
According to The Royal Collection, the coach is made of giltwood, a thin layer of gold leaf over wood. The interior is lined and upholstered with velvet and satin. It also features magnificently painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses. On the roof, the carriage features three gilded cherubs, which reportedly represent England, Scotland, and Ireland.
3. IT ONLY GOES SLOW
The coach is seven meters long, 3.6 meters tall, and weighs four tonnes. Eight horses are reportedly needed to draw the coach. It is only drawn at a walking pace due to its age and weight.
4. QUEEN VICTORIA WASN’T A FAN
George III, George IV, and William IV all used the Gold State Coach at State Openings of Parliament, but Queen Victoria didn’t like it very much. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the coach wasn’t used after Prince Albert’s death in 1861.
5. THE THIRD OLDEST SURVIVING COACH IN THE UK
The oldest coach in the UK is the Speaker of the House of Common’s Coach, dating back to 1698. The second oldest coach is the Lord Mayor of London’s Coach, which was built in 1758.
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