King Charles III’s coronation (the day when he becomes king… officially) is slated for Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. So far, much of the coronation plans have been kept under wraps, but this isn’t doing anything to stop the buzz surrounding the big day.
Based on what we know so far, it seems like it’s going to be a lot more modest than Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 70 years ago. It’s also supposedly going to be a little more progressive, with more religions represented. Although the royal family could always do more in terms of inclusion, I guess this is a good step forward?
The Basics
The coronation will take place in five parts: the recognition, where the King will be presented to the audience during the singing of “God Save the King.” Then, the King will take the oath, which will be followed by the anointing, where he sits in the Coronation Chair while a concoction of holy oils is rubbed all over his body (gross). During the investiture, the King will be presented with the Royal Orb, Sceptre, the Sovereign’s Sceptre, and St Edward’s Crown, which was also worn by his mother during her coronation. Finally, during the enthronement and homage, the King will move to the throne and will officially become the new sovereign.
So, what about King Charles’s big day is hitting the headlines right now?
1. Coronation Embled Revealed
The emblem, released just days ago was designed by Sir Jony Ive, a former Apple designer. It features a rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock, symbols of the UK which all create the shape of St Edward’s Crown. Sir Jony states that “the design was inspired by King Charles’s love of the planet.” It’s traditional and simple, yet sleek and full of meaning. I approve of this one.
2. Coronation concert
On May 7th (the day after the coronation), the coronation concert is set to take place with performers yet to be announced. But a ballot was set up a few days ago to give out 10,000 free tickets to the concert! It opened at 7:00 am GMT on February 10th and will be open until February 28th for anyone in the UK. The remaining tickets will go to charities around the UK that support their local and wider Commonwealth communities.
So to any readers from the UK, sign up here for your chance to win: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coronation-concert.
3. The Prince Harry and Meghan question
Now, for the guests of honor that everyone has been waiting for: Prince Harry and Meghan. Will they be at the coronation, following their well-documented alienation from the royal family?
Reportedly, King Charles wants his son to be a part of his big day. A source claims that “it is such a momentous occasion for Charles, and he would want his son to be at the coronation to witness it. He would like to have Harry back in the family.” The source adds that if the King doesn’t fix his relationship with Harry, his reputation of being a distant father would continue into his reign, which is definitely not something he would want for his “fresh start.”
4. Something about Tom Cruise?
Sources also report that Tom Cruise will be on the guest list and that he’s super excited about it. Apparently, he’s putting Mission Impossible 7 on hold to attend the coronation. Tom, ever the royalist, who’s friends with Prince William and Kate reportedly told his bosses to shut down the film set just so he could attend.
So, with less than 100 days to the coronation, there’s plenty of information we have left to find out. Headlines will change and rumours will swirl, but one thing is for sure. King Charles’s coronation will have millions captivated on May 6th as a new era of the monarchy begins.
References:
BBC. (2023, January 25). King Charles: His coronation – what we know so far. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63543019
Coughlan, S. (2023, January 11). King Charles coronation logo created by iPhone designer. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64599029
Gretener, J. (2023, February 9). Free tickets to King Charles III’s coronation concert will be distributed by ballot. CTV. https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/free-tickets-to-king-charles-iii-s-coronation-concert-will-be-distributed-by-ballot-1.6267638
IANS. (2023, February 8). Tom Cruise shocks people on Mission Impossible 7 sets by putting the production on hold for King Charles’s coronation ceremony. Koimoi. https://www.koimoi.com/hollywood-news/tom-cruise-shocks-people-on-mission-impossible-7-sets-by-putting-the-production-on-hold-for-king-charles-coronation-ceremony/
Perry, S., & Hill, E. (2023, February 9). King Charles wants Prince Harry ‘back in the family’ and ‘at the coronation’ says source. People. https://people.com/royals/king-charles-wants-prince-harry-back-family-coronation-source/
Photos:
Buckingham Palace. (2023). [King Charles Coronation Emblem] [Photograph]. https://news.sky.com/story/king-charless-coronation-emblem-made-by-iphone-designer-sir-jony-ive-revealed-12807756
Getty Images. (2022). [Imperial State Crown] [Photograph]. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-63847338
Hussein, S. (2019). [King Charles and Prince Harry] [Photograph]. Wireimage. https://www.insider.com/prince-harry-memoir-surprising-details-about-king-charles-2023-1
Topical Press Agency/Getty Images. (1953). [Queen Elizabeth Coronation] [Photograph]. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/01/queen-elizabeth-coronation-documentary
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