LONDON: The coronation weekend for King Charles-III will feature a nationwide “big lunch”, star-studded concert and volunteering initiative as well as royal processions and the traditional ceremony, Buckingham Palace announced late Saturday.
The three days of celebratory, ceremonial and community events in May will be a chance for people to come together in the celebration of the historic event, the palace said in an update on the event.
The landmark long weekend looms as the monarchy still struggling with the fallout from the publication of Prince Harry’s scorching tell-all memoir “Spare” earlier this month in which he made a series of incendiary claims against the Royal family.
It is still unclear whether US-based Harry, Charles’ younger son and his American wife Meghan will attend the coronation. A recent Sunday Times report claimed a reconciliation could still take place. Charles (74) immediately became king after Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 96 on 8 September in 2022, ending her record-breaking 70 years reign after a year of declining health.
King Charles III also head of Commonwealth countries
King Charles also took over as head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
The coronation traditionally takes place few months after a new sovereign ascendeds to the throne, following a period of royal and national mourning as well as intense preparation.
The country’s first coronation since 1953 is set to be watched worldwide that will feature various global dignitaries, The coronation will begin with King Charles’ formal crowning at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6 (Saturday), in a tradition dating back more than 900 years.
Buckingham Palace previously said the service would be conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and will reflect the monarchy’s historic traditions alongside its modern role. Charles’ wife, Queen Consort Camilla (75) will also be crowned. — AFP/APP
