In 1937, the 11 year old Princess Elizabeth had watched her father*, King George VI, crowned in the elaborate ceremony. (Enjoy these photos by Henri-Cartier Bresson who photographed the crowds in the street.). 16 years later on 2 June 1953, her own official coronation was to take place. Over 8,000 guests from 129 nations attended Elizabeth’s coronation, by contrast about 2000 will attend Charles’s. Charles has invited representatives from his many charity affiliations and from across the voluntary sector as well as dignitaries and MPs.
Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey for 900 years, that’s since 1066. They follow essentially the same ritual, but also have their own unique « firsts ». The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was ground-breaking – the first ever to be televised. It was watched by 27 million people in the UK alone and millions more around the world.
Queen Elizabeth II wearing her Coronation robes and regalia. Wikimedia Commons
King Charles III has several firsts.
In 1953 Prince Charles was the first child (he was 3 years old)* to witness his mother’s coronation as Sovereign. At age 73 he is the oldest new monarch in British history. It follows that Prince George will be the first grandson to participate actively, as a page, in his grandfather’s coronation. Another first at the Coronation will be the Welsh language performance of Paul Mealor’s Coronation Kyrie. There will also be several new pieces of music composed for the occasion as is traditional.
Who organizes a coronation?
The incumbent Earl Marshal is responsible for organising the Coronation. Since 1386 the position has been undertaken by The Duke of Norfolk. The current Earl Marshal is Edward William Fitzalan Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, he became Earl Marshal in June 2002. “Eddie”, as he is known to his friends, is the father of five, previously reportedly ran a bottled gas company, a joinery business, and is said to be a keen racing driver and accomplished skier. The Duke was also responsible for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The office of royal marshal existed in much of Europe, involving managing horses and protecting the monarch. Nowadays, the Earl Marshal’s role has mainly to do with the organisation of major ceremonies such as coronations and state funerals. In the general order of precedence, the Earl Marshal is currently the highest hereditary position in the United Kingdom outside the Royal Family. The Earl Marshal is considered the eighth of the Great Officers of State. The Earl Marshal gets to wear a stupendous hat trimmed with feathers. But of course all hats are fabulous creations in the United Kingdom – that’s why we’ll watch the coronation isn’t it? To see the hats!
Elizabeth II & Philip after Coronation. Credit: Royal collection of the United Kingdom via Picryl.com Copyright: public domain.
Who crowns the new monarch?
The St. Edward’s Crown, made in 1661, will be placed on Charles’s head by the Archbishop of Canterbury at midday on May 6th. It will be the only time in his reign he will wear it. The crown weighs more than 2 kilograms, is made of solid gold and set with 444 precious stones. The Coronation is a solemn religious service, and is also an occasion for celebration and pageantry. Charles’s Coronation will include many of the ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as the oath, anointing, homage and enthronment. For the investiture Charles will be seated in the Coronation Chair, known as Edward’s Chair, dating from 1300. He will hold the sovereign’s sceptre and rod, to represent his control of the nation, and the sovereign’s orb, to represent the Christian world. There are also spurs, rings, bracelets and other regalia involved.
Following the King’s six-part ceremony, the Queen Consort will have a simpler ritual and will also be crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Camilla will wear a crown made for Queen Mary, who was also a Queen Consort. This crown dates from 1911 and will be Camilla’s “first” as this will be the first time a “recycled” crown will be used for a consort. It is being altered however, adding the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds to pay homage to Elizabeth II. She will also have a scepter, orb and ceremonial ring.
There will be Gun Salutes at the Tower of London, Horse Guards Parade and other locations across the country as well as garden and street parties all weekend. For coronation lunch it appears that Charles and Camilla will dine on a French-style quiche!
Read more here:
About Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation
About King Charles’s Coronation
About the coronation regalia
* There must be some nuance here that we don’t understand. It seems that both children attended the coronations of their parents. On the site https://www.royal.uk/ both facts are stated, so we are assuming they know what they are talking about.
