King Charles is to be officially crowned, along with the Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey in early May- which means only one thing.
London is going to be the place to be!
If you’re planning a trip to ‘The Big Smoke’ then why not coincide your trip with one of the biggest events in the city since the Olympics.
The Government has announced that an extra bank holiday will be added over the weekend, and the city will be in a state of pure celebration.
Make the most of the Coronation celebrations, and the long weekend, by booking a room in one of the best 5 star hotels in London; The Montcalm at Brewery City.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the upcoming coronation, so that when you’re in London you can be a part of the celebrations.
What is a Coronation?
A coronation is quite literally a crowning. It’s the act of placing the crown on a monarch’s head as they swear an oath to rule with justice and mercy.
The ceremony has remained the same for over 1,000 years in the UK, and is a ceremony full of history and pageantry.
When and Where Will the Coronation Happen?
The Coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday the 6th of May.
Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, after the successful Norman invasion of Great Britain, our royals have been Crowned in Westminster Abbey.
The beautiful gothic structure is the perfect place for lavish Royal celebrations, and is one of the preeminent examples of beautiful medieval architecture.
Will it be Televised?
The Coronation has not been traditionally televised- and that is in part due to the fact that television was a very new thing when Queen Elizabeth was Crowned.
The late Queen did in fact request that the ceremony be televised, but the holy water anointing was, and still is kept private.
King Charles’ coronation will be televised by the BBC, but it is not yet clear whether the whole ceremony will be shown.
Several thousand tickets will be given to the public free of charge via public ballot, and you can be sure that the streets will be lined with people trying to get as close to the Abbey as possible.
What will Happen During the Ceremony?
The King and Queen will be crowned in front of a full congregation, normally run by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The service has been planned to represent different faiths, and the King’s rule will reflect the diversity of modern Britain, and respect all faiths that now exist in the country.
Greek Orthodox music will be played at the behest of the King, to honour his late father the Duke of Edinburgh, to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.
There will also be music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra as well as other performers.
The King will then be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown, given the Sovereign’s Scepter and Orb and officially crowned as the King of the United Kingdom.
The Royal Garb
The King will wear St. Edward’s Crown as we already know; it is encrusted with 400 rubies, gems, garnets and sapphires.
King Charles is expected to arrive at the Abbey in his military uniform, which would then be his attire for the rest of the ceremony, although the parliamentary robe will be added for the procession through the church.
Will Camilla be Queen?
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall will officially become Queen alongside her husband, and she will leave the title of ‘Queen Consort’ behind.
The Coronation Concert
After the Coronation ceremony two things will happen.
First, the newly crowned King and Queen will head to Buckingham Palace where Prince William will officially be named as the Prince of Wales in a smaller ceremony.
Some members of the immediate Royal Family will be in attendance, although it is thought that there will be less of a focus on the extended members of the family during the new King’s reign.
The second thing that will happen is the city-wide party.
There are several events happening all around the city, including many parties and events in pubs, restaurants and bars across the city.
There is also a massive musical celebration happening at Windsor Castle featuring famous artists and performers in a glorious celebration of British spirit. The acts are yet to be confirmed and the tickets are free- although they are in very high demand!
The Coronation Bank Holiday
Perhaps the most important part about the coronation, aside from the party, is the fact the UK Government has announced a long weekend and the city is preparing for a huge celebration.
It’s the perfect recipe for a humongous celebration, and a downright good time!
The Coronation Procession
The King’s Procession is a route through the city that will allow for people to see the King as he travels to Westminster Abbey.
The route will be posted closer to the time, and it is expected that millions will line the streets as the procession passes through the city.
A Great Day for Great Britain
The last Coronation we witnessed as a nation was the late Queen Elizabeth’s in 1953- so it’s been a minute.
Despite declining popularity in the UK the Royal family are still a big part of the culture and history of Britain, and seeing a new reign beginning is a sign of the future, and a symbol of hope for many.
Hopefully the new King can add his support to some of the issues that face us as a country, and increase the amount of time that the Royal Family dedicates to important causes.
One thing is for sure though, the celebrations across London will be long lasting and all encompassing. Wherever you are in the city, there will be a place to celebrate.
If you fancy an amazing meal after a long day then check out the Chiswell Street Dining Rooms; the food and atmosphere is incredible and it is less than a minute’s walk from your amazing hotel, The Montcalm at Brewery City.
