The Coronation of King Charles III

A right royal celebration is on the horizon! A date for the history books, May 6th 2023 marks the crowning of Britain’s 62nd monarch with the coronation of King Charles III. Racking up over 1,200 years between them, the royal family know a thing or two about home-grown traditions and spectacular events. Watch on as London, Windsor, and beyond, celebrate the start of a new era.

Coronation venues to look out for

An upwards shot of Westminster Abbey and neighbouring historic buildings

Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

The Coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey, the service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Westminster Abbey has hosted every British Monarch’s coronation since 1066, with the first being William the Conqueror.

Aerial display flying over crowds above palace

Royal gathering at Buckingham Palace

Look down The Mall to Buckingham Palace for a chance to spot members of the Royal Family on the iconic balcony after the coronation ceremony. Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 saw RAF aircraft take to the skies over the palace for a royal fly past.

Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle

Get into the groove at a special Coronation Concert live from Windsor Castle.

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort

Arrival of Prince Charles and wife in a horse-drawn carriage

Get the lowdown on the celebrations across London and Windsor, and wave a flag for the coronation of Britain’s newest monarch.

What is a coronation?

A coronation is an ancient tradition that crowns a monarch. It is classed both as a symbolic and religious ceremony, that formalises the role of the monarch as the head of the Church of England. The coronation service takes place soon after a king or queen’s accession to the throne.
What is the coronation date?

King Charles III will be crowned on Saturday 6th May, 2023. A live Coronation Concert will take place on Sunday 7th May at Windsor Castle, alongside the Coronation Big Lunch street parties across the country. Monday 8th May marks a national holiday in Britain and will see The Big Help Out across the nations, encouraging people to get involved in local volunteering.
Where will the coronation be?

Westminster Abbey in London will set the scene for the coronation. King Charles will be the 40th monarch to be crowned in the abbey. Once the ceremony is complete, the King and Queen Consort will return to Buckingham Palace, where they will be joined by other members of the Royal Family on the palace’s balcony.
Who is invited to the coronation?

Featuring a guest list like no other, expect to see members of the Royal Family alongside the Prime Minister, members of the Houses of Parliament, heads of state and royals from across the world.
What crown will King Charles III wear?

Out of the vaults of the Tower of London, St Edward’s Crown will be presented to King Charles III when he is officially declared as King. This will be the one and only time Charles will wear this crown, which was made in 1661 for King Charles II and worn by the Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 for her coronation. During the service, King Charles will wear the Imperial State Crown, which was made for the coronation of his late grandfather, King George VI in 1937.
Fun coronation fact

King Charles III will be Britain’s oldest monarch in history to be crowned onto the throne, as on the day of his coronation he will be 73 years old.

Get the full low-down on the Coronation

Find out more about the coronation of King Charles III

Top coronation events

Crown to Couture

5 April – 29 October

A glitzy exhibition at London’s Kensington Palace, Crown to Couture pays homage to court dress and its influences on some of the most extravagant red carpet looks that we see today. Bursting with a collection of over 200 objects, there will be a chance to see Charles II’s Silver Tissue Gown, worn at his court. Watch as the palace’s state apartments are transformed into a catwalk, packed with dazzling looks.

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. Statue of Queen Victoria in white marble. She lived at the palace as a child.

Great Royal Afternoon Tea

Tuck into an indulgent afternoon tea at Cliveden House. Playing host to every British monarch since King George I, this country house has got serious royal credentials. Dip into decadent sandwiches and sip on golden teas as you look across the Parterre Gardens, part of the National Trust gardens which surround the house.

Royal Connections

4 March – 31 July

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire never shies away from big events, with annual flower shows, festivals, tours and concerts. And to celebrate the coronation, comes the Royal Connections exhibition. Explore a showcase of never-seen-before artefacts, photos, glistening jewels, robes and coronets.

An asian couple walking past marble busts in a corridor

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Visited by every reigning monarch since its restoration in 1663, London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane is recognised as one of the world’s most important theatres. Go behind the scenes on a dedicated tour led by actors who’ll reveal the secrets of scandal, murder and you may even meet the theatres resident poltergeist.

Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

Delve into the realms of haberdashery and stunning dresses at Hampton Court Palace. Boasting a collection of over 10,000 items from the 16th century to present day, you’ll be immersed in fashion, royal life and design. Look out for the Royal baby gown, worn by George IV, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales’ midnight blue dress, worn when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in Washington DC.