Last week marked 100 days until the King’s Coronation in London this May. Details were released by Buckingham Palace of how the weekend will flow on this historic occasion.
I thought it might be helpful to share a little guide and I will update it as we get closer to May. It helps you plan your weekend, hopefully you will be in London for the procession. Then join a street party and do a little research into the BIG ‘Royal Help Out’.
What we know so far :
Saturday 6 May : Coronation Day in London
The Coronation of His Majesty The King and The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on the morning of 6 May 2023. Their Majesties will arrive from Buckingham Palace in a procession, known to the ‘The King’s Procession’, and they will travel in the Diamond Jubilee coach to Westminster Abbey.
It will apparently be a scaled down version of the Her late Majesty’s Coronation in 1953, with a shorter ceremony; 90 minutes as opposed to 3 hours. I was hoping for the whole thing. I love the idea of watching this historical moment – as it’s my birthday I’m hoping for my own Royal wave!
The King and Queen Consort will travel from Westminster Abbey in the impressive Gold State Coach, back to Buckingham Palace. The route is still to be disclosed. The coach was last seen at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pageant.
Now is a great opportunity ahead of The Coronation to see the carriages in the Royal Mews as it is open for the summer.
The coach was commissioned in 1760 for King George III and it is not known as a comfortable ride!
The King’s Coronation service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and televised for the second time in history.
King Charles will be wearing the St Edward’s Crown for the Coronation. It was originally made for Charles II in 1661 and was worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at her Coronation. It is only ever worn once, at the point of Coronation. Once the Coronation is over, King Charles will return to the Palace wearing the Imperial State Crown.
The crowns were removed from The Tower of London in December to be re-sized in time for the ceremony, and held at a secret location. However, if you visit Westminster Abbey and go up to the Diamond Jubilee Galleries you can see replica’s there.
Sunday 7 May : Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle
A celebration of music and dance on the lawns of Windsor Castle with a host of stars including an appearance by the new Coronation Choir.
Members of the public will be allowed to apply for two tickets by ballot. Details still to be released about when the ballot will open and who will be taking part.
Monday 8 May : King’s Coronation | The Big Help Out
Help out in your local community. An initiative to bring communities together helping out those in need. This link to The Big Help Out takes you to the many charities involved.
I will continue to update The King’s Coronation in London blog post leading up to the Coronation weekend with links and timings when Buckingham Palace release details.
Read the latest Little London Whispers Super Seven for a curated look
at what’s on in London each month.