King Charles III’s coronation took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. The king solemnly swore to be a faithful Protestant and serve the people. Discover the intriguing facts and trivia about King Charles III’s coronation: Did you know that the oil used to anoint King Charles III is called Chrism oil? It was created using olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge east of Jerusalem’s Old City, Israel.
1. A New Reign Begins: King Charles III’s Ascension
On September 8, 2022, King Charles III ascended to the throne following his mother’s, Queen Elizabeth II, death.
2. A Royal Coronation Set in History
King Charles III’s coronation was Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey. He was the 40th monarch to be crowned in this historic location.
3. United as King and Queen
King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, were crowned together as king and queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
4. Embracing Diversity: A Multicultural Ceremony
The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the coronation ceremony, which included representatives from various faiths, cultures, and communities across the United Kingdom.
5. A Shorter, Modern Coronation
The ceremony was more concise than Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation, lasting just over an hour.
6. Anointing with Holy Chrism Oil from Jerusalem
King Charles III was anointed with Chrism oil, made using olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
7. Royal Transport: From Modern to Traditional
Charles and Camilla traveled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a modernized carriage. After the ceremony, the royal family returned to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, a more traditional and “bumpy” carriage.
8. The Royal Family’s Balcony Appearance
The royal family made a grand appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the state procession.
9. Commemorative Stamps and Celebrations
The Royal Mail issued four stamps featuring portraits of Charles and Camilla to mark the coronation. A Coronation Big Lunch and a musical celebration at Windsor Castle allowed the public to join in the festivities.
10. Encouraging Community Service: The Big Help Out
The Big Help Out initiative, scheduled for May 8, promotes community service and volunteering in honor of the coronation.
11. Bonus Fun Fact: Harry’s Short UK Visit
Prince Harry flew in from California for the coronation and stayed 28 hours. He missed the balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace and raced to the airport in his Dior coronation suit and medals.
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After the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury invited everyone to swear “true allegiance” to the monarch, sparking debate and protests. Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a cinematic social media recap of the day’s events. After appearing on the balcony, the royal couple left Buckingham Palace for a rural retreat.
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Sources
King Charles III’s Coronation facts are cross-checked with the world’s leading news providers. Here are some of the articles we read in preparation for this post.
- AP News: At the coronation, King Charles carries on a medieval tradition
- AP News: King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey
- The New York Times: Charles Is Crowned King in Ancient Ceremony With Modern Twists
- The New York Times: At Charles’s Coronation, Everything Olde Was New Again
- Reuters: Inside Westminster Abbey during King Charles’s coronation
- Reuters: Anti-monarchists criticize heavy-handed arrests at King Charles’s coronation
- Reuters: What to expect from King Charles’s coronation on May 6
- BBC News: King Charles III: The coronation is a moment in history
- The Guardian: Royal Mail issues four stamps to mark King Charles III’s coronation
- The Guardian: King Charles’s used clothes: palace details vestments for the coronation