In 1066, William I (the Conqeuror) was the first English monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey. 957 years later, Charles III is the 40th monarch to hold their coronation in the iconic Central London church – and not much about the ceremony will have changed. From the days of the Norman Conquest to now, the way in which England and then Great Britain has chosen to celebrate its new monarchs has remained largely the same. The rites and rituals have long histories, many dating back long before 1066, and so do many of the objects and artefacts that play key symbolic roles in the ceremony. It’s not all just pomp and pageantry, as we’re about to reveal.
The Crowns
For the coronation of Charles III, St Edward’s Crown is being used. This is considered to be the official coronation crown and was the one used by Elizabeth II and George VI in the two previous coronations. Queen Consort Camilla will also be crowned during the ceremony using Queen Mary’s Crown, which has been used to crown queen consorts since it was made in 1911.
St Edward’s Crown was
