The British know how to put on a show for its monarchy’s milestones, and the coronation of King Charles III is a once-in-a-generation chance to be personally steeped in pageantry, traditions dating back a millennium and quintessentially English experiences you may never see again.
Coronation events will take place over a special holiday weekend beginning Saturday, May 6, as two grand processions take place and then the coronation itself. The coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey, where all of Britain’s monarchs have been vested with their powers since AD 1066. The coronation happens during a one-of-a-kind religious ceremony that has remained largely unchanged for more than 1,000 years and is conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The King and Queen will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as “The King’s Procession.” Millions of people are expected to line the procession route.
During the ceremony that will be televised into the streets and around the world, the monarch will take the coronation oath, before he is anointed, blessed and consecrated by the archbishop. He will then receive the Monarch’s symbolic orb and sceptres before the archbishop places St Edward’s Crown on the King’s head. Representatives of the British Houses of Parliament, Church and the State, as well as prime ministers and leading citizens from the Commonwealth as well as global royalty are expected to be present.
After the Service, the King and Queen will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession.’
On the return journey, they are joined by other members of the Royal Family, so the crowds lining the streets will get to see their favorite royals in their ceremonial finest recreate history in antique, horse-drawn coaches. The King’s coach will likely be the renowned Gold State Coach used at every coronation since the 1700s.
As has become customary for milestone events for the monarchy, once back at Buckingham Palace, the King and The Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.
Sunday’s Coronation Concert, “Lighting Up the Nation,” Community-wide “Big Lunch” will feature an all-star concert at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the family home of the British Royal Family for almost 1,000 years. The Coronation Concert will feature global superstars and a special Coronation Choir and will be staged and broadcast live by the BBC.
There will also be a televised “lighting up the nation” moment during the concert. Landmarks across the UK will be lit up with projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations, and street parties will be held in communities large and small around the country.
The Coronation Big Lunch, where neighbors are invited to share food and fun together, will also take place across the country on the Sunday.
The “Big Help Out” on Monday, May 8 is a specially designated “Bank Holiday” with community events to create lasting shared memories of the historic occasion. On this day, communities are organizing volunteer projects for people to join to commemorate the historic coronation event.
Magic Carpet Travels is located at 1359 S. Main Road, Vineland, NJ 08360. Contact at [email protected] or 856-507-9110.
