Before the coronation of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla, tens of thousands of royal fans flock to central London. They’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they travel in an ornate carriage from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the morning. Hundreds have already spent the night along The Mall to get good seats. Some die-hards have been camping there for days. Many wore hats, glasses, wigs or clothes in the colors of the British flag.
Charles has been king since his mother’s death on September 8, 2022. The coronation merely symbolizes his assumption of office. It is the first coronation of a British monarch in 70 and the first of a king in 86 years.
Guests from more than 200 countries
During the procession, which is scheduled to start at 11:20 a.m. (CEST) at Buckingham Palace, the royal couple will be driven in the modern “Diamond Jubilee State Coach”. She is scheduled to arrive at the church at 11:53 a.m. (CEST), where Charles and Camilla will then be crowned. More than 2300 guests will follow the service in the church, plus millions on the screens. Representatives from 203 countries are expected, including around 100 heads of state. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will represent Germany.
The famous church, which hosted the state funeral for Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II in September, opens its doors hours before the ceremony begins. There the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, later received 74-year-old Charles and 75-year-old Camilla.
Representatives of other religions involved in coronation
The spiritual leader of the Anglican Church praised the forthcoming coronation as a symbol of modern Britain. It serves as a “powerful reflection and celebration of who we are today, in all our wonderful diversity,” Welby said in a statement. For the first time, representatives of other religions will also play an important role at the coronation. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the ceremony was not just a spectacle but a “proud expression” of British history and “a moment of exceptional national pride”.
The service follows centuries-old traditions. The highlights are the anointing of the king with holy oil, which is the only moment not captured by cameras because of its sacred significance, and soon afterwards the coronation itself. The archbishop places the heavy, golden Edwardian crown on the monarch’s head. The clergyman and heir to the throne, Prince William Charles, then swear allegiance. However, the fact that the Church of England also encouraged the population to make a loud oath of allegiance was met with ridicule. After Charles, Camilla is also crowned in a shorter ceremony.
Cheering in front of the balcony
The couple then return to Buckingham Palace in another, the Golden State Coach, with great pomp and escorted by thousands of military personnel. There the two show themselves together with the closest family from the balcony to the people. Charles’ younger son Prince Harry and his brother Prince Andrew, who are attending the coronation, will not be there. They gave up their royal duties years ago. Harry also wants to quickly return to his son Prince Archie in the United States, who celebrates his fourth birthday on Saturday.
It was still unclear whether a planned overflight of British Air Force aerobatic pilots would take place. Bad weather may prevent the maneuver.
Kosten from the critical moment
There are a few changes for Charles since the coronation of his mother Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago. In 1953, for example, there were a good 8,000 guests, significantly more people. The procession route from the church back to Buckingham Palace was also much longer at that time. Charles wants to slim down the monarchy.
However, there is criticism that the cost of around 250 million pounds (286 million euros) from the state treasury for security and ceremony is far too high given the rising prices for energy and food. Also, according to polls, a majority of people in the UK are not interested in the coronation. A small group of anti-monarchist demonstrators also gathered among those waiting in central London this morning. Some carried a large banner that read “Abolish the monarchy.”
Charles and Camilla did not spend the night before the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The couple had dinner at Clarence House, the official residence of the British heir to the throne, according to the palace on Saturday night. Camilla and Charles wanted to return to their London City Palace in the morning.
Government page for the coronation
