Sue & Dave feel it would be irresponsible not to make reference to the biggest single event to take place in their lifetimes. We wanted to draw your attention to the event (The Coronation of King Charles III) planned to take place on a special day in May 2023. The UK excels with pomp ceremony, history, tradition and royal state occasions.
The Coronation Event
On Saturday 6th May, the Coronation of King Charles III will take place at the Abbey Church of Westminster. This event is taking place as a result of the death of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on 8th September 2022. Elizabeth’s reign was the longest of a reigning monarch in UK history; her own Coronation ceremony was on 2nd June 1953.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many citizens in the UK, including Sue & Dave, who have only ever lived in the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Coronation Ceremony
The coronation ceremony itself is both the symbolic religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned and the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head. It formalises the monarch’s role as the head of the Church of England and marks the transfer of their title and powers. Charles III actually acceded to the throne on the death of his mother, therefore a ceremony isn’t strictly necessary. History and tradition deem otherwise.
Members of the Royal family, together with both UK and foreign dignitaries are invited to the Coronation ceremony. It is considered a great honour to be invited. Approximately 850 community representatives will also be invited to attend the event, in recognition of their contributions to a wide variety of charities.
The ceremony involves a number of different stages. Firstly, there will be a Royal procession from Buckingham Palace to Abbey Church, Westminster. There follows a Church service, comprising several key elements, including swearing the oath, the Archbishop of Canterbury anointing the new King and the investiture of Charles, representing religious and moral authority. At the same time as King Charles being pronounced King, his wife, Camilla, will be crowned Queen, rather than Queen Consort as she is referred to currently.
Interestingly, the King has personally chosen the music for the ceremony, which features 12 newly-commissioned pieces, including an anthem from Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Part of the service will be sung in Welsh, and soloists will include the world-famous Welsh opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel.
Other Coronation celebrations
A special coronation concert on Sunday (7th May) evening, will also be broadcast live.
A number of BBC programmes will feature special episodes, including Countryfile, Songs of Praise, Bargain Hunt, The One Show, EastEnders, Antiques Roadshow and Coronation Kitchen.
The whole of the UK is planning to celebrate this event, with street parties and opportunities to volunteer to work on projects in their local community, as part of the Big Help Out initiative.
Whatever you choose to do to commemorate, Sue & Dave hope you enjoy your part. You will be able to answer your own question in time to come, “Where were you when King Charles III’s coronation took place in 2023?”
