Buckingham Palace has confirmed Prince Harry will attend King Charles III’s coronation on May 6.
It was also revealed that his wife, Meghan Markle, will remain in California with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The statement from Buckingham Palace, via the Daily Telegraph, Buckingham Palace read: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”
The news comes less than a month before King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6, 2023. Our new monarch has already given his first address to the nation, held his first Privy Council and slowly begun to settle into his new role as sovereign, head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Buckingham Palace also previously confirmed that Camilla, Queen Consort, will be crowned alongside her husband, King Charles III.
Another rewear for the Princess of Wales.
With so many changes set to happen during Charles' coronation, you will probably be wondering what else there may be to expect from the highly anticipated royal ceremony. If you want more information (including whether we'll get a bank holiday), read our ultimate guide to King Charles III’s Coronation below.
When will King Charles III’s Coronation take place?
King Charles III's Coronation Day will officially be held on May 6, 2023. Wondering why there has been such a wait? Well, history tells us that there is usually a period of time when the country remains in mourning after a monarch passes. Queen Elizabeth II herself waited almost 16 months after ascending to the throne to be officially coronated, so that is why there's a bit of a wait for Charles' coronation.
Will Queen Consort Camilla be crowned alongside King Charles III?
Yes, she will! Following Queen Elizabeth II’s declaration earlier this year that it was her “sincere wish” that the former Duchess of Cornwall take the title of Queen Consort when Charles becomes sovereign, we will see Camilla crowned alongside Charles at the Coronation. A statement from Buckingham Palace shared via People, confirmed: “The ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside the queen consort. The Coronation will reflect the monarch's role today and look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”
Will there be a bank holiday for King Charles III’s Coronation?
King Charles III’s Coronation day will be held on a Saturday, and the following Monday (8th May), will be made a bank holiday.
Where will the Coronation be held?
King Charles III's Coronation will take place at London's Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations have taken place for the past 900 years.
What can we expect from King Charles III’s Coronation?
It’s natural to turn to images and footage of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 crowning to imagine what lies in store for King Charles III. However, many sources believe that plans have been drawn up by the government under the codename Operation Golden Orb and will reflect the new monarch's vision for “a smaller, more modern monarchy.” According to The Telegraph, sources have revealed that the ceremony is expected to be shorter than the Queen’s three-hour Coronation, and Charles is keen for the event to be of “good value” and less expensive than the former, with more representation across faiths and communities to reflect our nation’s ethnic diversity.
There will be many of the same events that took place at the Queen’s Coronation too. We’ll see King Charles III take the Coronation oath, be anointed with consecrated oil, receive the orb and sceptres, and the Archbishop of Canterbury will place the incredible St Edward’s Crown on his head.
It’s also expected that we’ll see King Charles III appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside Queen Consort Camilla and the new Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
Who will be the guests at King Charles III’s Coronation?
While more than 8,000 guests attended Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, King Charles III’s event is expected to be much smaller (something he’s made quite clear), with around 2,000 expected dignitaries present. We’re likely to see members of the royal family alongside representatives from the government, church and the Commonwealth.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”
