Buckingham Palace has unveiled details of King Charles III’s coronation weekend, due to take place in the spring.
Released on the evening of January 21, the announcement from Royal Communications offers “further details on the ceremonial, celebratory and community events that will take place over the Coronation Weekend” from May 6 to May 8, 2023.
The statement continues: “The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, 2023. The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As previously announced, the Service will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”
Taking place on Saturday morning, the coronation will reportedly be a “solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry.” The Palace explains: “Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession.’ After the Service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession.’ Their Majesties will be joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family. At Buckingham Palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.”
Following the coronation day itself, the festivities will continue on through the bank holiday weekend. The announcement explains: “there will be further opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion. On Sunday, 7 May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle.” Featuring “global music icons and contemporary stars,” it will see “a world-class orchestra play interpretations of musical favourites fronted by some of the world’s biggest entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance.”
In honor of the occasion, a Coronation Choir has also been created: a “diverse group… from the nation’s keenest community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and deaf signing choirs.” The Palace adds that a documentary will be made about the choir, telling “the stories of the people representing the many faces and voices of the country.” The Coronation Choir will make an exclusive appearance joined by a “Virtual Choir, made up of singers from across the Commonwealth, for a special performance on the night.”
