Great Britain is making its final preparations for a celebration that has taken years and years to happen: the coronation of King Charles III, this Saturday (6).
An ancient ritual, but designed to be broadcast on television, the coronation and the events surrounding it draw the world’s attention to a royal family that has become a global celebrity.
Charles became head of state of Great Britain immediately after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last year. Now comes the crucial test of the new king’s ability to sustain the stability and strength of the monarchy, a task his mother performed very successfully for over 70 years.
The British tourism industry is counting on a big party this weekend. Street parties and gala concerts are scheduled to take place over the next three days.
What you need to know about the coronation
When does the coronation take place?
The coronation begins at 11 a.m. (6 a.m. Eastern Time) on Saturday (6) at Westminster Abbey in London. The festivities will continue over the weekend and on Monday, which is a holiday in Great Britain.
How can I watch the service?
Several television channels in the U.S. will broadcast the ceremony live, which is expected to last two hours.
Will there be a procession?
This is a royal celebration – of course there will be a procession! In fact, there will be two through the streets of the British capital. One will take the king to be crowned and, after the service, there will be a larger parade back to Buckingham Palace, where the monarch and members of the royal family will make an appearance on the balcony and watch a flyover of 60 aircraft.
Will Camilla be crowned queen?
Yes. But unlike the three most recent queen consorts – Alexandra, who was the wife of Edward VII; George V’s wife, Mary; and Elizabeth, wife of George VI – Camilla did not have a crown specially made for her coronation. Instead, she chose to wear Queen Mary’s crown.
Will Prince Harry and Meghan be at the ceremony?
The Duke of Sussex has confirmed his attendance on his father’s big day. However, he will go alone. The Palace confirmed in April that his wife, Meghan, will stay in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It is understood that Meghan chose to forgo the celebrations as the day coincides with Archie’s 4th birthday.
And Prince Andrew?
As a member of the royal family, Prince Andrew is expected to attend his brother’s coronation. However, as he no longer works for the royal family, he will not have any formal role on the day.
Who else has been invited?
About 2,300 people have received invitations to the religious service at Westminster Abbey. Although the palace has not released a detailed guest list, the institution confirmed that the congregation will include members of the royal family, as well as international representatives from 203 countries, along with community volunteers and charity representatives.
The organizer of the coronation, Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, said: “For the first time, approximately 100 Heads of State from around the world will attend, along with representatives from the Realms and the Commonwealth and our government, the Lords and Commons, local heroes, and medalists of the British Empire and many other individuals who have contributed so much to Great Britain and the rest of the world today.”
The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, will lead the American delegation. Brazil will be represented by President Lula and First Lady Janja.
Source: The New York Times and CNN