The coronation of a British monarch is a significant event in tradition and pageantry. The ceremony typically takes place at Westminster Abbey in London and involves a variety of rituals and symbols, including the anointing of the monarch with holy oil and the presentation of various regalia such as the Crown, Sceptre, and orb. The coronation will be attended by various dignitaries, politicians, and members of the royal family, as well as representatives from other countries.
The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the other commonwealth realms is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6th May 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London. Charles accepted the throne on 8th September 2022, upon the death of his mother Elizabeth II.
The king is said to be crowned with celebrations taking place across a weekend like no other to mark the new reign.
The historic ceremony will be followed by a coronation concert at Windsor Castle with performances from "global music icons" and "contemporary stars" and also a big lunch the day after the ceremony, hosted by the Prime Minister. There will be an additional bank holiday which will fall on Monday, May 8, following the coronation ceremony on Saturday.
Prince Harry's Attendance at The Coronation
The Duke of Sussex will be present at the King's coronation but his wife the Duchess of Sussex will not be attending Buckingham Palace said. Prince Harry and Meghan have been contacted more than a month ago about attending the coronation prompting speculations. There had been speculations about whether the couple would travel to the coronation but it has now emerged that Prince Harry will attend alone.
Since his bombshell memoir Spare was published, it will be the first time he has been with the royal family. Prince Harry's book revealed the depth of his disagreements with the other members of the Royal family and he has since spoken of feeling "different" from the rest of his family.
Meghan's decision to reject the invitation will be seen as part of the continuing unresolved family tensions. Although Buckingham Palace didn't give reasons for the Duchess of Sussex to be absent, the date is also the 4th birthday of Prince Harry and Meghan's son, Prince Archie, who will remain in the US with his mother.
The couple stated along the same lines as the palace: "The Duke of Sussex will attend the coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet".
Buckingham Palace and the couple's spokeswoman did not give any comments on the decision, but there were strongly divided opinions on social media with supporters applauding Meghan for standing up for herself while opponents criticized her for "snubbing" and royal in-laws.