Saturday 6 May 2023, kicks off King Charles III’s 6-part coronation proceedings. The three-day event at Westminster Abbey will include the procession, the ceremony, a concert, nationwide lunches, as well as the crowning of Queen Camilla.
Here is what we know so far.
The 6 phases of the coronation
- The recognition,
- the oath,
- the anointing,
- the investiture (including the crowning),
- the enthronement,
- the homage.
In a nutshell, the King will take an oath to uphold the law and the Church of England. He will be anointed with holy oil, and receive the Royal Orb and sceptre.
He will then be crowned with the St. Edward’s crown, made of solid gold.
Image credit: royal.uk
Will Camilla be crowned?
At Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, she announced that Camilla would be known as Queen Consort once Charles takes the throne.
She said:
“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when the time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
According to common law, the precedent is that wives of kings become known as queen consorts, meanwhile, the husbands of queens become prince consorts.
As it turns out, the “Consort” in Camilla’s official title will be dropped as indicated by the King’s coronation invites.
Image credit: The Royal Family (Instagram)
The Imperial State Crown
Over the past couple of years, much has been said about the crown’s jewels and how they have been obtained under British rule.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth, the conversation seemed to have been reignited, and now the same goes for this very moment when we are on the brink of the crowning of the King.
King Charles will wear the Imperial State Crown towards the end of the coronation when he appears at the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Image credit: royal.uk
This particular crown contains one of the most controversial jewels – the Cullinan II diamond. This diamond is also known as the Second Star of Africa, which was gifted to Edward VII by the defunct government of Transvaal, which is South Africa today.
The second most controversial jewel is the Koh-i-Noor, contained in the Queen Mother’s coronation crown. This crown, however, will not make an appearance at the King’s coronation.
Princess Anne – King Charles’ official bodyguard
The Daily Mirror reported that the King’s sister, Princess Anne will be his official bodyguard when the Royals return to Buckingham Palace at the coronation procession.
👑 Coronation Exclusive:
Princess Anne is handed a starring role in the #coronation in honour of her years of loyalty to the King.
The Princess Royal will be Charles’s “official bodyguard” during the procession back to Buckingham Palace. Full story 👇 https://t.co/M44Sd7EOwF— Russell Myers (@rjmyers) April 26, 2023
This is an honour awarded to Princess Anne for her loyalty to King Charles.
This position is given to someone highly trusted as it ensures the safety of the monarch. Princess Anne will travel behind her brother on horseback and the procession will include 6000 military personnel.
Will Harry and Meghan be at the Coronation?
According to sources, Harry will be in attendance, while Meghan opted to be home, attending to her motherly duties instead.
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Some behind-the-scenes images of actors Ed McVey, playing teenage Prince William, and Meg Bellamy, playing the young Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
An image was released by the media company of the pair outside a coffee shop frequented by the couple, recreating a dating scene of the now royals.
Image credit: Netflix
Where can I watch the King’s Coronation in South Africa?
In Durban, you can watch the King’s coronation at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo on Saturday, 6 May at 9am.
In Cape Town, you can watch the King’s Coronation at a lavish High Tea at Benguela Cove on Saturday, 6 May.
You can also watch the King’s coronation live-streamed on Sky News YouTube channel.
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Featured image: Getty Images
