As King Charles’ coronation approaches, anticipation and excitement are growing across the kingdom. From grand processions to ornate ceremonies, here are ten sights you can expect to see at this historic event:
- The coronation procession: King Charles will make his way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a grand procession, accompanied by an escort of soldiers, musicians, and dignitaries.
- The Royal Regalia: The crown jewels will be on display, including the crown, scepter, and orb. These symbols of the monarchy represent the king’s power and authority.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury: The highest-ranking bishop in the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury will preside over the coronation ceremony and anoint the new king.
- The anointing: During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury will anoint the king with holy oil on his head, hands, and chest, symbolizing the king’s consecration.
- The oath: King Charles will take an oath to uphold the laws and constitution of the kingdom, pledging to serve his people with honor and integrity.
- The crowning: The climax of the ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury will place the crown on the king’s head, marking the official beginning of his reign.
- The national anthem: The singing of “God Save the King” will mark the conclusion of the ceremony, with thousands of voices raised in unison to honor the new monarch.
- The balcony appearance: Following the coronation, the king will appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds and acknowledge their support.
- The royal banquet: A sumptuous feast will be held in honor of the new king, featuring the finest foods and wines from across the kingdom.
- The fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky over London, celebrating the new king’s ascension to the throne.
And now, for the two sights you won’t see:
- The Queen: Despite being a major figure in the royal family, Queen Elizabeth II will not be present at the coronation. Instead, she will watch the ceremony on television from a private location.
- The Tower of London: In a departure from tradition, the new king will not spend the night before his coronation in the Tower of London. Instead, he will stay in a more modern residence, reflecting the changing times.