The reign of King Charles III is now well underway, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II late this summer.
The Carolean era started on September 8, the day Her Majesty died, and The King was officially proclaimed by the Privy Council and Accession Council just days later on September 10.
Talk has already turned to King Charles III’s coronation, which reports suggest is planned as a ‘slimmed down’ version of the occasion, with 6,000 fewer guests than at The Queen’s in 1953 – though we are expected to see His Majesty arrive in style in the Gold State Coach.
Many will now be wondering when the coronation will take place, and if it will be a bank holiday in the UK.
Here’s all you need to know.
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6 2023.
Buckingham Palace announced the news on October 11, and confirmed that it will take place at Westminster Abbey, be held by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and that Camilla will also be crowned.
The Palace also addressed the much-discussed topic of a ‘slimmed down’ coronation, adding in its statement: ‘The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.’
Previously, royal biographer Hugo Vickers predicted the date could be June 2, 2023.
That would have been serendipitous, as The Queen’s coronation took place exactly 70 years earlier on June 2, 1953.
Her Majesty’s coronation took place more than a year after the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952.
Although it looked like the country wouldn’t get a bank holiday, it was revealed early hours Sunday (November 6) that the government will indeed give the country a day off.
Downing Street confirmed the UK-wide holiday will fall on Monday, May 8 after the coronation at Westminster Abbey two days before.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom next year.’
‘I look forward to seeing people come together to celebrate and pay tribute to King Charles III by taking part in local and national events across the country in his honour.’
Britons previously got a bank holiday to coincide with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, held on Monday, September 19.
Some details of The King’s coronation have been planned for quite some time.
Under the code name ‘Operation Golden Orb’, a source told the Daily Mail in February 2022 that it had been planned to the smallest detail.
The source said: ‘The Golden Orb committee used to meet twice a year, but now they’re meeting much more frequently, sometimes once a month.
‘Compared to the last coronation, there will be a lot less fuss. Last time, special green chairs were commissioned and guests were able to have them delivered to their homes afterwards. You won’t see that sort of thing this time.’
The King is also said to want a ‘less expensive’ coronation, amid the cost of living crisis facing the nation.
The official website for the Royal Family also explains more about the traditions of a coronation.
It explains: ‘The coronation of the new Sovereign follows some months after his or her accession, following a period of mourning and as a result of the enormous amount of preparation required to organise the ceremony.
‘Present are representatives of the Houses of Parliament, Church and State. Prime ministers and leading citizens from the Commonwealth and representatives of other countries also attend.’
During the ceremony, the Sovereign takes the coronation oath, and wears the St Edward’s Crown.
For King Charles’ ceremony, Camilla will also be crowned as The Queen Consort.
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