THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL

by **Paul** Fri 05 May 2023, 9:09 am

The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know

Tomorrow is the big day. The coronation of Charles and Camilla will start at 11 AM local time (6 AM EST), and the 90-minute ceremony will be a spectacle of pomp and pageantry. And we’re here to answer all your questions. From what to expect to an explanation of all the coronation regalia, you’ll get a front row seat to history—from your couch.

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 61a05619-0284-40af-b202-b47dcd838536

Saturday, May 6

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 6a5644a6-bb0f-42a6-9939-5fab9b54f370

Depart Buckingham Palace: Charles and Camilla will begin the “King’s Procession,” traveling from the palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. The area around Buckingham, including The Mall, features red asphalt, which gives the impression of a red carpet.

Arrive at Westminster Abbey: Charles will be the 40th reigning British monarch crowned at the abbey. The building has been an integral part of royal life, hosting coronations, weddings, and funerals.

.

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know Crownc11

.

Discover interesting facts about Westminster Abbey

The Coronation of Charles III:
While all coronations have some unique elements, the general outline of the ceremony has been in place for more than a millennium. Here are the five basic components:
[/size]

The recognition: After entering the abbey, Charles will be presented to the congregation by Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury. The spectators will yell out, “God Save the King!”
The oath: Charles will swear to uphold the law and the Church of England. This is the only portion of the ceremony that is required by law.
The anointing: In the most sacred part of the service, Charles will be anointed king. He will sit on the Coronation Chair, which will be covered by a gold-cloth canopy. The archbishop of Canterbury will anoint Charles’s hands, breast, and head with holy oil.

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know B8586035-1f5d-46eb-b5e2-48b8dcc436e7

The investiture: Charles will be presented with various items that represent his responsibilities and duties. These include the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross (symbolizing temporal power), the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove (representing the monarch’s spiritual role), and the Sovereign’s Orb (a reminder that the sovereign’s power is derived from God). Then the archbishop will place St. Edward’s Crown on Charles’s head.
The enthronement and homage: At this point, Charles will rise from the Coronation Chair and take a seat on the nearby throne. Prince William is expected to kneel before him and pay homage.

What’s the oldest coronation object? Which is the most expensive?

Find out in our list of fascinating coronation objects

The Coronation of Camilla: She will be formally invested as queen consort in a much simpler ceremony. Camilla is expected to be anointed with holy oil and then crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown.

Music: Throughout the ceremony, music will play an important role. Charles has commissioned 12 new pieces, one of which is a coronation anthem composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Handel’s “Zadok the Priest,” which has been performed at every coronation since George II’s ceremony in 1727, will also be featured.

Guest list: Because this is a state event, the British government oversees the guest list. However, there will be much input from Buckingham Palace. In addition to members of the British royal family, the list will include other foreign royals, world leaders, and “everyday people.” Among the confirmed guests are British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden.

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 95b5bdcd-395e-4e92-99d7-4c0e9e7cccd4

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 95b5bdcd-395e-4e92-99d7-4c0e9e7cccd4

Depart Westminster Abbey: Charles and Camilla will ride in the Gold State Coach for the “Coronation Procession,” which will be much larger and longer than the “King’s Procession” by which they arrived. For Elizabeth II, some 16,000 people walked in the procession back to Buckingham Palace, and it took about two hours.

Discover why most monarchs dislike the Gold State Coach

Arrive at Buckingham Palace: The royal couple and other family members will stand on the palace’s balcony and wave to well-wishers.

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 8625444d-ee94-473b-9696-6eb7ce67781a

ON THIS DAY 5 5 2023 The Coronation: Everything You Need to Know 8625444d-ee94-473b-9696-6eb7ce67781a

Sunday, May 7

Coronation Concert: At Windsor Castle, a concert will feature a number of global musicians. It will also include “Lighting Up the Nation.” During this segment locations around the country will be illuminated.

Coronation Big Lunch: Described as a “nationwide act of celebration and friendship,” this event encourages people to join together to share food or a beverage. These can range from organized get-togethers, such as a street party, to more informal gatherings, including having tea with a neighbor.

Monday, May 8

The Big Help Out: On this bank holiday in Britain, people are asked to volunteer.

If you want to learn more . . . check out Britannica.com. During coronation weekend, we’ll be providing updates on our homepage.