Everything We Know About King Charles III’s Coronation So Far

Technically, Prince Charles became King Charles III the very moment his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on September 8, 2022. That change in leadership, known as the accession, happens automatically—though a ceremony is held after the fact.

But in terms of length, scope, extravagance, and basically everything else, the accession ceremony has nothing on the coronation, which marks a monarch’s formal investiture as sovereign. The celebration of King Charles III’s coronation will take place over three days this May—here’s everything we know about it so far.

The coronation itself comes first, scheduled for the morning of Saturday, May 6. King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, will lead what’s known as “The King’s Procession” from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. There, the Archbishop of Canterbury will preside over a religious service during which King Charles III is expected to recite the coronation oath, be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown, and hold the Coronation Regalia (a bejeweled scepter, orb, and spoon). Camilla will also be formally crowned Queen Consort during the proceedings. Afterwards, the pair will lead royal family members and other key figures back to Buckingham in the so-called “Coronation Procession” and wave to the masses below from the palace balcony.

For Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, extra stands were erected inside the abbey so more than 8000 people could attend. Unless King Charles III does the same (which isn’t likely), we’re looking at a guest list closer to 2000. But the ceremony will almost definitely be televised—following Elizabeth’s history-making precedent.

Back in October, the Daily Mail claimed that Charles’s coronation ceremony is expected to last a bit longer than an hour; his mother’s went on for about three. This means certain traditions will probably end up on the chopping block, including, perhaps, bestowing Charles with gold ingots. The dress code could be less formal, too; reports suggest that Charles may forgo the traditional silk stockings and breeches in favor of his military uniform.

Since the 14th century, the Court of Claims has convened before each coronation to determine who gets to perform honorary duties during the ceremony—such as carrying the Coronation Regalia and various other objects. This time, the Cabinet Office has established a special Coronation Claims Office to take its place.

According to a press release, officials “will consult with ecclesiastical experts from Lambeth Palace and ceremonial experts from the Royal Household” to decide which duties to keep and which people will perform them. In order to be considered for a role, you have to submit a claim with evidence that it “has been performed at previous coronations.” You also have to “show your connection to those who have previously performed the role.”

The anti-monarchist group Republic is planning a peaceful protest of the coronation on May 6. It will take place in Parliament Square, right near Westminster Abbey. “The coronation is a celebration of hereditary power and privilege, it has no place in a modern society,” Republic CEO Graham Smith told Reuters. “At a cost of tens of millions of pounds, this pointless piece of theatre is a slap in the face for millions of people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”

Day two of coronation weekend—Sunday—will feature a huge concert at Windsor Castle. Though the line-up of “global music icons and contemporary stars” hasn’t yet been announced, the palace has promised a performance by a coronation choir comprising diverse singers from “refugee choirs, National Health Service choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.” There will be a lights show with drones and lasers, too. In addition to broadcasting the entire event, the BBC and BBC Studios will give away several thousand tickets (though the details of that process remain unclear).

Every year since 2009, education and social charity The Eden Project hosts what it calls The Big Lunch. Basically, on one Sunday in June, everyone convenes in their local community spaces to have lunch together. The organization celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with a special Big Jubilee Lunch, and it’s planning a similar series for the Coronation. If you’re interested in hosting a Coronation Big Lunch in your own community—no matter where you live—you can learn how to get started here. 

Monday, May 8, is confirmed as a bank holiday. Anybody who doesn’t have to work that day is encouraged to spend the time volunteering in their communities. The multi-organization campaign, dubbed The Big Help Out, is a nod to King Charles III’s commitment to public service.