‘The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in tradition’
On 6 May this year, the nation will join together in celebration of King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey – the biggest royal event of 2023.
Although this historic occasion will not be on the same scale as his mother the Queen’s magnificent ceremony in 1953, it will be a more modern affair that, according to Buckingham Palace, will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry”.
It will also, in line with His Majesty’s wishes, represent Britain’s diversity and different religious faiths through a pledge that will be added to his coronation oath as Defender of the Faith. And, in a bid to enable patriotic revellers to toast our new King, pubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales will be permitted to extend their licensing hours to 1am across the Bank Holiday weekend.
ROYAL APPOINTMENTS
William the Conqueror was crowned at Westminster in 1066 and there have been 38 further coronations there since. Steeped in more than 1,000 years of history, the abbey has played host to royal pageantry for centuries.
Founded by Benedictine monks in 960, with the existing building begun by Henry III in 1245, the abbey’s hallowed walls are the final resting place for some 30 monarchs, including Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Anne and Edward the Confessor, as well as statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors and musicians.
Among its treasures is the Coronation Chair, commissioned by Edward I and used at coronation ceremonies since 1308. Before his
