The royal affair does not end with the Coronation Service which is followed by The Coronation Concert, The Big Lunch, and The Big Help.
The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place today, Saturday on May 6, 2023 at Westminster Abbey to be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The arrival at Westminster Abbey began at 10:20 A.M. with “The King’s Procession” from Buckingham Palace. Drawn by six Windsor Grey horses, Their Majesties travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach with the Household Cavalry that provided the Sovereign’s Escort. The King’s Procession travelled along The Mall through Admiralty Arch, passing to the south of the King Charles Island statue in Trafalgar Square before turning into Whitehall and continued down Whitehall and along the east and south sides of Parliament Square, arriving at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation service here began at 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.
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After the Coronation Service, Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla shall return to Buckingham Palace for the “Coronation Procession” known as the longer ceremonial procession where they will be joined by other members of the Royal Family. Drawn by 8 Windsor Grey horses, Their Majesties travelled for approximately half an hour in the Gold State Coach.
According to the official website this is where the much-anticipated appearance at the Buckingham Palace balcony will take place thereby concluding the events of the ceremonial coronation. As per the website, the service as well as the processions will be broadcast on national television, radio and online, and shown on large screens at screening sites in London and around the country.
The festivities don’t end with the coronation of Their Majesties on May 6th. Tomorrow, May 7, 2023, the Coronation Concert shall be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios. It is reported that several thousand pairs of tickets were made available through a public ballot.
In addition to the Coronation Concert is the Coronation Big Lunch happening on May 7, 2023 as well, where neighbors and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share not just food but also fun. Those interested in organizing their Big Lunch are invited to visit the website, which says, “The Big Lunch bring neighbors and communities together to share friendship, food, and fun.” It adds, “This year you can be part of history and join millions across the UK, and further afield, with a Coronation Big Lunch on 6-8 May, or join the fun in June and plan your Big Lunch as part of the Month of Community.”
Following the Coronation Concert and The Coronation Big Lunch is The Big Help, taking place on Monday, May 8, 2023. As per The Big Help’s website, “To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities.” The website elaborates, “Starting Monday 8th May there will be opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter what you are good at, there’ll be something to suit helping hands of all shapes and sizes! From checking in on someone who’d like a bit of company or volunteering for a charity the more of us who join in, the bigger help we will be.”
Here are King Charles III and the members of the Royal Family as they welcomed Heads of State and other esteemed guests who arrived at the Buckingham Palace before the Coronation.
Banner photo and article photos via Instagram @theroyalfamily.
