The Coronation of King Charles III

A date for the history books, May 6th 2023 marked the crowning of Britain’s 62nd monarch with the coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort. Racking up over 1,200 years between them, the royal family know a thing or two about home-grown traditions and spectacular events. In May, London, Windsor, and beyond came together to celebrate the start of a new era.

Coronation venues to visit

An upwards shot of Westminster Abbey and neighbouring historic buildings

Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

The Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III, and Camilla, the Queen Consort, took place at Westminster Abbey, with the service 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

The Mall to Buckingham Palace saw 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

There were musical sounds and spectacular performances at the special Coronation Concert live from Windsor Castle.

The coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort

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

Get the lowdown on the celebrations that took place across London and Windsor 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 was the coronation date?

The Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort took place on Saturday 6 May, 2023. A live Coronation Concert followed on Sunday 7 May at Windsor Castle, alongside celebrations across the country.
Where did the coronation take place?

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

Featuring a guest list like no other, there were 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 did King Charles III wear?

Out of the vaults of the Tower of London, St Edward’s Crown was presented to King Charles III when he was officially declared as King. This was 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 wore 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 was Britain’s oldest monarch in history to be crowned onto the throne, as on the day of his coronation he was 73 years old.

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.

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528. King William III created a baroque classical wing of the palace overlooking gardens in the late 17th century. Building facade and gardens laid out in formal style.

Scotland’s Majestic Malts

During May

To mark the coronation of King Charles III, The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is set to pop open the bottles of some of its most noble ambers. Throughout May, sip on Scotland’s royal heritage with an exclusive version of their Gold Tour. From King George IV’s beloved Scotch whisky Glenlivet, to the country’s first malt to be granted a Royal Warrant in 1833, Royal Brackla, raise a glass to the new king and dive into Scotland’s popular tipple.

Visit The Royal Mews

From 2 March

Get behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace as The Royal Mews opens it’s doors. Travel arrangements for the Royal Family are looked after by The Royal Mews and now’s your chance to see this aspect of Royal life up-close. Book a guided tour, dress up as a footman, snap a photo in the replica of The Semi State Landau carriage (popular with Queen Victoria), and see the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach that was used for Elizabeth II’s Coronation and also the Platinum Jubilee.

Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, with visitors

Coronation Exhibition at Castle Howard

From 1 April

Experience regal elegance at Castle Howard’s Long Gallery with an exclusive exhibition to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. On display, spot luxurious robes worn from previous coronations and exact replicas of the sparkling Crown Jewels.