The final preparations for the coronation of King Charles III. (74) at London’s Westminster Abbey on May 6th. More than 2,200 people have been invited, including members of the royal family, representatives from over 200 countries and around 100 heads of state.
Duchess Meghan will be absent from the coronation, and Prince Harry’s wife will remain in California with the couple’s children, Archie and Lilibet. And US President Joe Biden is not traveling to London either. He sends First Lady Jill Biden. Many other prominent personalities are with her on site…
Almost the entire royal family will be in the cathedral – including Prince Harry, who emigrated to the United States. Even the youngest family members like Prince Louis are said to come to Westminster Abbey. Which might pose a challenge for Louis’ parents, Prince William and Princess Kate. The five-year-old is known for his bright personality. Prince George, his older brother, will play an official role as page of honor at his grandfather’s coronation. The nine-year-old is said to wear the king’s robe, among other things. Charles’ siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward are expected to be there with their entire families. Only Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson did not receive an invitation.
Camilla’s family is believed to be present at the coronation as well. Some of her grandchildren will appear in the spotlight for the first time. Three of the Queen’s grandsons, thirteen-year-old twins Gus and Louis Lopes and Freddy Parker Bowles, the same age, and their grandnephew Arthur Elliot, 10, are her page honours. Like Charles, Camilla has two children from a previous marriage: Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes from her relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles, who is also said to be invited to the coronation. In addition, Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot will support the Queen at the coronation ceremony, it is said.
Charles invited members of foreign royal families to the coronation – breaking with a centuries-old tradition. A coronation was previously considered a sacred ceremony between the monarch and the people in Great Britain. Now numerous crowned heads appear in London: King Carl Gustaf and his daughter, Crown Princess Victoria, come from Sweden. Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary have confirmed from Denmark. According to Spanish media reports, King Felipe of Spain and Queen Letizia are also traveling to the coronation. Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Charlène are expected, as well as Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife Queen Máxima and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko arrive from Japan.
In addition to First Lady Jill Biden, numerous representatives from international politics and many heads of state such as French President Emmanuel Macron will also be seen in the Abbey. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will take part in the service as a representative of the Federal Republic. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are also invited. The EU is said to be represented by Ursula von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola and Charles Michel. British politicians in attendance include Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Prime Ministers are also expected to be invited: Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major.
The invited celebrities from the entertainment industry include the moderators Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, singer Lionel Richie and the head of British “Vogue” Edward Enninful. There is also speculation about the participation of David and Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney or “Mr. Bean” Rowan Atkinson. There will be a bigger crowd of stars on Sunday, when the big coronation concert takes place in front of Windsor Castle on the day after the service.
