It is probably the most important social event of the year: on May 6, King Charles III. (74) officially crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Around 2,000 invited guests are expected. Several royals have now confirmed their participation: King Carl Gustaf (76) and his daughter, Crown Princess Victoria (45), come from Sweden. Crown Prince Frederik (54) and Crown Princess Mary (51) have confirmed from Denmark. Queen Margrethe (82), on the other hand, will be absent, she only underwent back surgery in February. Members of the royal family also travel from Japan: Crown Prince Fumihito (57) and Crown Princess Kiko (56).
According to Spanish media reports, King Felipe of Spain (55) and Queen Letizia (50) are also traveling to London for the coronation. Prince Albert of Monaco (65) had already publicly stated that he was very happy to take part in the ceremony: “I’m sure it will be an incredible and very moving ceremony,” the US magazine “People” quoted the prince as saying.
The fact that monarchs from abroad took part in the coronation ceremony came as a surprise to many. King Charles III breaks with an old tradition. For centuries it was customary for no other kings or queens to be present at the coronation of a British monarch. The reason: The holy ceremony should be an “intimate exchange between the monarch and his people in the presence of God”, as the “Daily Mail” explains, among other things.
In addition to the royals, top politicians are also expected, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (42) and his wife Akshata Murthy (42). First Lady Jill Biden (71) has also confirmed her attendance. Her husband, US President Joe Biden (80), is not coming because US Presidents traditionally do not attend royal coronation ceremonies. When Elizabeth II (1926-2022) was crowned in 1953, then US President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) sent a delegation to represent him.
Charles’ coronation is said to be considerably more modest than that of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953: more than 8,000 guests attended and the ceremony lasted around three hours. That of King Charles, on the other hand, should only last 60 minutes.
