Coronation of King Charles III of the UK and 16 Interesting Facts about Coronations

The eyes of the world turned to King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation. It was a momentous occasion, steeped in centuries of tradition and pageantry, that captivated audiences across the globe. For those who relish the rare and extraordinary events that unfold only a handful of times in a generation, this was a spectacle to savour.

The grand ceremony, which took place at Westminster Abbey, was the culmination of a lifetime of preparation and anticipation. As the newly crowned sovereign and his consort processed through the historic streets of London, throngs of loyal subjects cheered and waved the Union Jack, eager to bear witness to this historic transition of power.

Whether one was fortunate enough to secure a coveted ticket to the event or observed the proceedings from the comfort of their own home, the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was a truly remarkable experience. It was a testament to the enduring significance of the British monarchy and a reminder of the world’s enduring fascination with such rare and special occasions.

When is the Coronation, and What Does it Entail?

The coronation ceremony of the monarchs of England, Scotland, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom dates back more than 1,000 years. The coronation of the United Kingdom’s monarch is a solemn ritual in which they are invested with regalia and crowned in Westminster Abbey. This event is largely symbolic and does not mark the beginning of the monarch’s reign. The reign, both de jure and de facto, begins immediately upon the death of the previous monarch, ensuring the legal continuity of the monarchy.

Now, let’s delve into the historic ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla!

The Coronation: Date, Venue and Much More!

The coronation usually takes place several months after the death of the previous monarch. This delay allows time for mourning and ensures the event can be celebrated joyfully. It also provides sufficient time for the planners and organisers to make the detailed arrangements required for such a significant occasion.

King Charles III, the fortieth monarch of the United Kingdom, ascended the throne on 8 September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch. The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place from 6 May 2023 to 8 May 2023.

Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953, more than a year after she became queen on 6 February 1952.

The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, the venue for every ceremony since 1066. Before the Abbey was established as the traditional site, the ceremony was held in various locations, including Bath, Oxford, and Canterbury. Due to the scale and importance of the event, temporary furnishings and indoor and outdoor extensions were added to Westminster Abbey, including an annexe and additional seating, to accommodate the large number of guests.

Guests are invited to attend most parts of the ceremony, except when the monarch is anointed with chrism oil, which is done in private. This sacred moment allows the monarch to reflect on the responsibilities and duties they are undertaking and is treated with the utmost reverence. The oil used to anoint King Charles III was made in Jerusalem using olive oils from the Mount of Olives.

The ceremony Oath, in which the monarch swears to govern the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms according to their respective laws and customs, along with the Accession Declaration Oath, are the only parts of the ceremony required by law. The wording of these oaths has evolved over time to reflect changes in the UK and the wider Commonwealth.

The coronation ceremonies also featured 12 new musical commissions, including a Coronation Anthem. The Official Royal Harpist contributed to the Coronation Orchestra, adding to the event’s musical grandeur.

Finally, it’s important to acknowledge the organiser behind this grand event: The Earl Marshal. This role has been held by the Duke of Norfolk since 1386. The 18th Duke of Norfolk was responsible for organising the coronation of King Charles III, as well as the official funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Let’s delve deeper into some key facts about this defining day in UK history. Without further ado, let’s get started!

More Interesting Facts About Coronation

• Only three monarchs have not had a coronation in the past 950 years since the first recorded crowning.
  • The first monarch who didn’t have a coronation was Edward V. He and his brother were imprisoned in the Tower of London and were supposedly murdered by their uncle, Richard III before the ceremony could take place.
  • The second monarch who wasn’t crowned was Lady Jane Grey, the legitimate heir to the throne after her cousin Edward VI. Lady Jane Grey went to the Tower of London in preparation for her ceremony, but she was imprisoned by Edward’s elder sister, Mary. Lady Jane Grey ruled for only nine days before she was executed for high treason six months later.
  • The final monarch without a formal coronation ceremony was Edward VIII. Although he was officially crowned King, his reign ended abruptly due to his abdication following a scandalous love affair with Wallis Simpson. His brother, George VI, ascended the throne in his place and was crowned on the same date originally planned for Edward’s coronation.
• The first king to be crowned at Westminster Abbey was William the Conqueror in 1066.
• Queen Elizabeth was the last queen consort to be crowned until the coronation of King Charles III, making the crowning of Queen Camilla the first time a queen consort has been crowned since 1937.
• During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, an additional coronation annexe was added to the Abbey, featuring representations of the animals from her heraldry. Unique stands were also constructed inside the Abbey to accommodate her 8,000 guests.
• Mary, Queen of Scots, became the youngest monarch when she ascended the throne at just six days old in 1542.
• The “coronation spoon,” or anointing spoon, is a gilded silver spoon used to hold a secret mixture of oils for the anointing of the monarch. It has been part of every coronation since 1349.
• The modern form of the coronation ceremony was established during the crowning of King Edward VII in 1902. The ceremony included a state procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, the Recognition, the Coronation Oath, the anointing, the Homage, and a return procession to Buckingham Palace.
• Before the Tower of London became known as a prison, it played a role in ceremonies. The monarch would stay at the Tower for two nights before processing through London to Westminster for the ceremony. The last monarch to do this was Charles II in 1661.
• One of the most intriguing coronation artefacts is the Stone of Scone, a symbol of the Scottish monarchy, which was taken from Scotland by King Edward I in 1296. In 1950, it was stolen by a group of Scottish students and was recovered three months later. The stone was returned to Scotland in 1996 but is brought to Westminster Abbey for each coronation.
• Not all coronations have gone smoothly; some have been particularly problematic. Queen Victoria’s coronation, often referred to as “the last of the botched coronations,” was marked by a series of unfortunate events. These included:
  • The coronation ring was too small, causing the archbishop to painfully force it onto her finger.
  • An elderly peer, Lord Rolle, fell down the stairs.
  • A bishop mistakenly announced the end of the ceremony at the wrong moment.

• The Gold State Coach, an enclosed, eight-horse-drawn carriage, has been used for significant royal events, including coronations, since the time of George IV. However, its use has been less frequent since World War II.
• St Edward’s Chair was made for Edward I in 1300 and has been used in every ceremony since. It is kept at Westminster Abbey.
• St Edward’s Crown, steeped in history and tradition, was made in 1661. Weighing nearly 2.2kg and made of solid gold, it has been used at every coronation since Charles II and was used again for the coronation of King Charles III.
• The Sovereign’s Orb, created in 1661, has been used at every ceremony since. It is adorned with pearls, precious stones, and a large amethyst beneath the cross.
• The Sovereign’s Ring, originally made in 1831 for William IV, features a cross on a single blue sapphire background and is often referred to as “The Wedding Ring of England.”
• Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was the first to be televised, with approximately 27 million people watching in the UK. Although it was the first to be televised, it was not the first to be photographed—George V’s coronation was captured in photographs in the early 20th century.

That’s All

The coronation traditions of the United Kingdom are steeped in centuries of history, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the nation. This article has explored the fascinating customs that define the UK’s coronation ceremonies, offering a comprehensive look at an event that resonates not only within the country but across the world. As we conclude this journey through history, we hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the significance and enduring legacy of this grand tradition.