King Charles's Coronation Plans Revealed
Buckingham Palace Announces Big Weekend of Celebrations For King Charles III's Coronation
The three days will include pageantry, musical performances, street parties, drone displays, illuminations and an appearance by the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
By Victoria Murphy Published: Jan 21, 2023
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There has been much speculation that King Charles's Coronation would be a slimmed down affair with less pomp and pageantry. However, today Buckingham Palace has announced that the moment will be celebrated in style—with a full weekend of events planned "for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion."
"Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce further details on the ceremonial, celebratory and community events that will take place over the Coronation Weekend between Saturday 6th and Monday 8th May 2023," the Palace said in a statement today. Similar in format to Queen Elizabeth's Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee weekends, the three days will include pageantry, musical performances, street parties, drone displays, illuminations and, of course, an appearance by the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
"Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort hope the Coronation Weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth," the Palace said today. "Their Majesties are looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023."
The Coronation itself on May 6 will be the first event, with the King and Queen Consort processing to Westminster Abbey before the "solemn religious service." Following the crowning there will be a second procession alongside members of the royal family and a family appearance on the balcony. Buckingham Palace has not yet outlined which royals will appear with the King on the balcony, however at the Queen's Coronation in 1953 the then aged 27-year-old Queen appeared alongside multiple members of her family as well as the six maids of honor who flanked her during the service.
On May 7, a special concert will take place at Windsor Castle. The Palace said this "will see a world-class orchestra play interpretations of musical favourites fronted by some of the world's biggest entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance." It will also include an appearance by the Coronation Choir, which will be created from the nation's community choirs, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs. As with the jubilee weekends, tickets will be available via a public ballot and the concert will be broadcast by the BBC. "The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, 'Lighting up the Nation', will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations." The Palace said. On the same day, people will be encouraged to join their friends and neighbors and take part in the Coronation Big Lunch.
On Monday May 8, the Palace has announced something called The Big Help Out, which it says will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. "The aim of The Big Help Out is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend," said the Palace.
Victoria Murphy
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She was the Daily Mirror's Royal Correspondent and is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America.
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