King Charles III’s pomp-filled coronation on May 6 will feature many ancient traditions in a ceremony harking back to the 10th century
Interest in the British royal family has increased over the years, fuelled by television, press and mass media coverage of events such as the Queen’s coronation and subsequent royal weddings. The upcoming coronation of King Charles III is no different.
The pomp-filled coronation on May 6 will feature many ancient traditions in a ceremony harking back to the 10th century. But while custom and ritual will remain key, the new king has made no secret of his wish to modernise.
Between a new guest list, recycled crown, gender equality and vegan oil: this is what we know about Charles’ plans for a 21st century coronation, and how it compares to the last one, of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953.
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Smaller guest list
Around 2,000 people will be present in Westminster Abbey, compared with more than 8,000 in 1953 who had to squeeze onto specially built platforms.
The reduction echoes Charles’ longstanding aim of “streamlining” the monarchy itself, reducing it to around seven key working members.
The length of the ceremony will also be slashed from nearly three hours to just over one hour.