King Charles and Camilla’s Coronation: A Historic Event Like No Other

On May 6th, 2023, history will be made as King Charles and Camilla's coronation takes place at Westminster Abbey.

This ancient ceremony has been a part of British history for centuries, and this time it promises to be an event like no other.

The ceremony will be shorter than previous coronations as King Charles intends to slim down the hours-long event.

One tradition that might be cut out is the homage paying section, in which royal dukes kneel before the sovereign.

Unfortunately, Prince Edward might miss out on this traditional role as it's likely to be scrapped.

The UK's Express reported, however, that one lucky royal who will perform this role is the King's eldest son William, Prince of Wales.

The procession route will pass through Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament before arriving at Westminster Abbey for the service at 11 am.

King Charles and Camilla will travel in style in the horse-drawn gilded Black Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was built for Queen Elizabeth II's 60th anniversary.

This elegant carriage boasts heat, air conditioning, power windows, and a suspension system that provides a comfier ride than the one used during Queen Elizabeth's coronation.

One of the highlights of the coronation will be the crowning of King Charles with the St Edward's Crown, which is the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels, viewed by millions of people every year at the Tower of London.

The iconic crown weighs 4.9 pounds, 2.2 kilograms, and has a solid gold frame set in rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, topazes, and tourmalines.

It has a purple velvet cap and ermine band and was worn by Elizabeth II during her coronation.

At the end of the ceremony, King Charles will switch to the lighter Imperial State Crown for the procession back to the palace.

Unlike the 5-mile, 8km route Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip took around London in 1953, King Charles and Camilla will return the way they came, but in the 260-year-old gold state coach used in every coronation since William IV's in 1831.

The gold state coach, which weighs 8,800 pounds, 4,000 kilograms, is known for its notoriously rough ride.

Queen Elizabeth II described it as horrible, while Queen Victoria complained of its distressing oscillation.

But this should not be a concern for King Charles and Camilla, as they will have a smoother ride than previous monarchs due to its recent restoration and the fact that it will move at walking pace.

Much of the priceless coronation regalia used for centuries will be part of the coronation, including five symbolic swords, two scepters, the Sovereign's Ring of Sapphire, and a Ruby Cross set in diamonds.

Camilla will wear Queen Mary's crown and will hold a scepter.

So what about Prince Edward?

Unfortunately, it seems that he will not have a role in the coronation.

But fear not, for there will still be plenty of royal family members in attendance to make up for it.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent will also not perform homage.

Despite these changes, the coronation promises to be a grand affair, steeped in tradition and pageantry.