Everything To Know About King Charles' Upcoming Coronation

In September last year, millions around the world were devastated to learn about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Following her loss, her eldest son - Charles - ascended to the throne and became the UK's first king in over 70 years. However, while the man might now be in power, that doesn't mean he's finished all the formalities of becoming king.

Something that Charles has yet to do is have his coronation, an event that is scheduled for the spring. It will be an opportunity for the UK and other parts of the world to officially celebrate the crowning of a new monarch. If you're interested in the festivities yourself, here is everything to know about King Charles' upcoming coronation.

When is King Charles III's coronation set to take place?

Royal supporters still have a few months to wait before King Charles III's coronation takes place. The event is set for Saturday May 6, 2023, which is actually earlier than some had anticipated. His mother's coronation was held in June back in 1953, and there was an assumption that Charles would honor her memory by having his in the same month. Nevertheless, the crowning of the King will take place in Westminster Abbey and be presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The latter has apparently been a tradition for nearly 1,000 years, so it's no surprise to see a continuation of it at Charles' coronation.

Will Harry and Meghan be at the King's coronation?

As this is a huge occasion in the monarchy, it's perhaps no surprise that many royals will be on the guest list for Charles' coronation. That reportedly includes the King's siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The only people within this group that there's still some uncertainty over are Harry and Meghan. Following the release of the former's memoir, tensions are reportedly more strained than ever. Harry himself has also expressed uncertainty about their attendance and has said the ball is in his family's court. Some within the palace reportedly believe that the couple will be invited but that they'll find an excuse not to come. If they are absent, it will cast doubt on their potential to build bridges anytime soon.

What will King Charles III and Camilla be crowned with at the coronation?

When May 6 arrives, it won't just be Charles getting crowned. His wife, Camilla, will also be crowned queen consort on the big day, with the Queen having given permission for this before her passing. It's currently uncertain what she will be crowned with, though, as nothing has been confirmed on this front. There's speculation she may wear the crown that the Queen Mother wore for her husband's coronation. However, it does contain the controversial Koh-i-Nûr diamond, which could cause some commotion. Meanwhile, King Charles will wear the famous St. Edward Crown that usually lives at the Tower of London. It's apparently been undergoing work since December to make it ready for the special occasion.

Will anything be happening other than the coronation?

While the coronation itself will be the main event, there will be more happening around this day in May than just the King and Queen being crowned. The day after, there's set to be a concert at Windsor Castle where "global music icons and contemporary stars" will come together. That same day, parts of the UK will reportedly be illuminated with various projections, drone displays, and lasers to celebrate the occasion. Furthermore, UK citizens will be encouraged to take part in the Coronation Big Lunch with their neighbors to foster community spirit on the special day. This will harken back to the many street parties that took place in the 1950s for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

How will King Charles III's coronation differ from Queen Elizabeth II's?

We know that the Royal Family can put together some showstopping events. However, when it comes to King Charles III's coronation, it seems that things will be more toned down than usual. Apparently, this is to avoid bad press, with the fear that spending too much on a lavish ceremony will spark a backlash. While the coronation will still maintain "the long-held traditions of the past," certain elements will be different from when his mother was crowned. For instance, it will be much shorter, with estimates saying it will be roughly one hour compared to the three that Queen Elizabeth II's allegedly was. Moreover, the guest list will be far slimmer, reduced to 2,000 people from the 8,000 plus who attended in the 1950s.

Regardless of the changes and the potential family drama, fans of the Royal Family will undoubtedly enjoy the King's coronation once it comes along. After the devastation of losing Queen Elizabeth II last year, it will be nice to have something to celebrate again.