The coronation ceremony, which is deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, will take place on Saturday and will officially crown Charles as the king of the UK and 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Charles will finally be crowned on Saturday after more than 70 years of anticipation. People in the UK and around the world are preparing to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, citizens have been eagerly anticipating the coronation of their new king. People from various cities in the country have been camping outside Buckingham Palace since the start of the week in anticipation of the public celebrations.
According to Buckingham Palace, the upcoming ceremony will honour the monarch’s contemporary duties and aspirations while still embracing the timeless customs and grandeur of the event.
A Royal Tradition Continues: King Charles III’s Coronation
At 11 a.m. in London on May 6 (1000GMT), King Charles III’s coronation ceremony will take place at the historic Westminster Abbey. This location has been used for the coronation of British monarchs for more than nine centuries and will continue to be the site of this royal tradition.
The King’s Procession will mark the start of the celebration, as King Charles III and his wife Camilla travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the luxurious Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
Throughout the procession, music will fill the air, accompanying the royal couple on their journey to the abbey.
The coronation ceremony will be a gathering of distinguished individuals, including members of the royal family, heads of state, dignitaries, and members of the public who have received tickets to witness the procession.
Global Leaders Gather for Coronation
With over 2,000 guests expected to attend, the event will feature representatives from 203 countries and nearly 100 heads of state. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has confirmed his attendance from the US, but his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be present.
This will be Prince Harry’s first public appearance with the Royal Family since the publication of his controversial memoir, “Spare,” in January.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other ministers, as well as some members of the House of Lords, will also attend the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Additionally, former UK Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Tony Blair, and Scottish Prime Minister Hamza Yusuf, will be present.
Several notable political figures will also attend the ceremony, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Türkiye will be represented by Vice President Fuat Oktay.
The custom for US presidents to avoid such occasions means that President Joe Biden will not be present. The first lady, Jill Biden, will attend the event on behalf of the United States. The coronation will also be graced by the presence of foreign royals such as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Anti-Monarchist Protests Planned
The largest anti-monarchist group in the UK has revealed their plans to disrupt the upcoming coronation of King Charles by encouraging people to display yellow “Not My King” banners in protest at the event. Graham Smith, the leader of the political organization Republic, had earlier expressed his belief that the monarchy was facing significant challenges.
In an effort to voice their opposition to the new monarch, the group has been organizing a series of protests named “Not My King” in central London. These demonstrations are scheduled to be held at Trafalgar Square, a location less than 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) from where the coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey, and along the procession route leading to Buckingham Palace.
Smith pointed out that the support for the monarchy had dwindled, and there has been a surge in support among younger people for its abolition. He further explained that the royal family, which used to consist of many members, had been reduced to only four people, namely Charles, Camilla, Kate, and William.
