Preparations for the coronation of Charles III. and Camillas in May are in full swing. Traditionally, each monarch receives his own throne. Although the monarch wanted to keep an eye on the costs of the coronation, the royal seating seems to be on budget.
London – Buckingham Palace has big plans: The coronation King Charles III (74) is intended to “reflect the current role of the monarch and look to the future”, but at the same time “be rooted in long-standing traditions”. The ceremony should therefore be less pompous than the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II (96, † 2022) in 1953, as the country is currently being hit by the cost of living crisis. But what are immutable points in the coronation with a sense of proportion? Two brand new thrones appear to be in the budget.
“There is always a new throne for a new monarch”
Despite the ceremony’s archaic nature, King Charles has already promised to modernize some parts of the coronation, which is due to take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6 this year. How dailymail however, based on statements from the palace, tradition dictates that each monarch should have his own throne for the ceremony. “There is always a new throne for a new monarch and this will be no exception,” the palace said. King consort Camilla (75) will also have her own unique throne.
Especially Charles III. should be happy about this tradition, since during the coronation and anointing part of the ceremony, which is considered the most sacred part of the coronation, he sits on the historic coronation chair, which certainly lacks ergonomic seating. Commissioned by King Edward I (68, † 1307) in 1296, Charles is the 27th monarch to take the honorable throne. It is believed to be the oldest piece of furniture in the UK still in use for its original purpose.
Celebrations for the coronation of Charles III.
While the Queen’s coronation ceremony lasted three hours, King Charles’ ceremony lasted 90 minutes. The guest list should be smaller.
Buckingham Palace has announced an extensive program of “ceremonial, solemn and community” events to take place over the one-day extended weekend in early May.
Two major processions, a church service, Volunteer Day, street festivals and a concert and light show are currently scheduled for the weekend. The concert will not only feature “icons of world music” but also the “Coronation Choir”, an ensemble made up of a variety of community choirs from across the UK: Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and sign language choirs for the deaf join together to form a full choir.
The purveyor to the royal throne in Queen Elizabeth’s time has ceased operations
Since the London company White Allom and Company, which made the throne for Queen Elizabeth, no longer exists, good advice is now expensive. Who should build the throne? It is thought that a team of specialized craftsmen trained by Charles’ Prince’s Foundation could be commissioned to make the throne for King Charles, like the one Mirror reported. During the enthronement, Charles’ new throne will stand on a raised dais, while Camilla will be crowned on a lower level next to it.
A few details about the royal seating are already known. The monarch’s new throne is to wear the Tudor crown, while the late Queen’s throne is said to wear the St Edward’s crown. King Charles has opted for modern dress, rejecting the traditional uniform of silk stockings and breeches, calling it “too outdated”. Experts believe Charles will wear military attire instead. He will reportedly don his Admiral of the Fleet (five-star naval officer rank and the highest rank in the Royal Navy) uniform. Sources used: dailymail.co.uk, mirror.co.uk
