Plans for King Charles coronation have been years in the making – under the codename Operation Golden Orb.
Following the Queen’s death on September 8 2022, Charles instantly succeeded to the throne, however the new monarch will formally be crowned king at the coronation, which will be a state occasion funded by the British government.
The coronation plans have been underway for years.
(Image: Getty)The coronation will take place on Saturday May 6 2023 – which will be eight months on from his automatic appointment as King on September 8 2022.
This is the first time a coronation ceremony will take place on a weekend since 1902 when Edward VII was crowned King and it is reported to be shorter, more inclusive, and less expensive than previous coronations.
For the past 900 years, the coronation has been held in Westminster Abbey. However, unlike royal weddings, the coronation is funded by the British government who also chooses the guest list.
In keeping with royal tradition, the religious Anglican service will full of pomp and pageantry, but is expected to be more inclusive of different faiths than past coronations.
When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in February 1952, she waited 16 months before being coronated in June 1953.
One key preparation for the coronation has already taken place – the Stone of Destiny has been transported from Edinburgh Castle to London for the eventual coronation.
The Stone of Density, also known as the Stone of Scone and often referred to in England as The Coronation Stone, is a block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of monarchs.
At the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury will place the iconic St Edward’s crown on Charles’ head.
The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey and see Camilla crowned as Queen Consort by Charles’ side.
(Image: Getty)The solid gold crown is adorned with 444 coloured gemstones, including sapphires, rubies and garnets. It is filled with a purple velvet centre and trimmed with fur.
The British Prime Minister at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Liz Truss, urged the British people, the Commonwealth and all MPs to support Charles as he takes the country forward to a “new era of hope and progress, our new Carolean age”.
While King Charles III is now head of state, that state remains a constitutional monarchy, meaning the power to make and pass legislation stays with the government.
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