Last year provided royal followers the opportunity to celebrate (the Platinum Jubilee!), but also saw by the end of the year a period of deep mourning after the Queen’s death at age 96 on September 8. It’s a new year now, and plans to celebrate again are being rolled out for 2023: King Charles’ full coronation plans were released over the weekend—including not just the ceremony, but a star-studded concert and other events to look forward to.
Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the three-day celebration—scheduled from May 6 to May 8—will include a concert at Windsor Castle that will be broadcast live on BBC (reminiscent of the Platinum Party at the Palace for the Jubilee last summer, though that was held, as the name suggests, at Buckingham Palace), as well as numerous “ceremonial, celebratory, and community events,” the Palace said.
“Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort hope the Coronation Weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families, and communities across the United Kingdom, and the Realms and the Commonwealth,” the Palace continued. “Their Majesties are looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023.”
SATURDAY, MAY 6
The weekend kicks off with the Coronation service itself on Saturday, May 6 at Westminster Abbey, where the King and Queen Consort will be crowned side-by-side by in a religious ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The celebration “will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.” Unlike his mother’s before him—which was three hours long and hosted 8,000 guests—Charles’ will only be one hour and have about 2,000 in attendance, according to People. The King’s coronation will also be “more religiously and culturally diverse” and will do away with some extravagances.
“The King has stripped back a lot of the Coronation in recognition that the world ha changed in the past 70 years,” an insider said.
Following the service, the royal family will take part in a procession to Buckingham Palace, where they will appear on the balcony for the occasion.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
After the success of the Platinum Jubilee concert last June, it seems the royal family intends to recreate the magic with The Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7 on Windsor Castle’s East Lawn. The lineup for the show will be filled with “global music icons and contemporary stars,” supported by a world-class orchestra and dancers. In attendance will be volunteers from some of Charles and Camilla’s charity affiliations, and free pairs of tickets will also be made available to the public via national ballot.
Also on Sunday will be The Coronation Big Lunch, taking a page again from the Jubilee. This “nationwide act of celebration and friendship” will encourage citizens to get out into their respective communities: “From a cup of tea with a neighbor to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighborhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better,” Buckingham Palace said in its statement.
MONDAY, MAY 8
To wrap up the weekend—and to honor Charles’ many years of public service—The Big Help Out nationwide initiative “will highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation.” Organized by the Together Coalition, the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, and faith groups across the U.K., the Big Help Out will encourage communities to come together and take part in volunteerism.
According to Tatler, at 73 years old, Charles was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, and, upon his Coronation, will be the oldest monarch to ever be crowned. For comparison’s sake, his mother was crowned at just 26 years old in 1953.
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest In Barrier Repair14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter SeasonIt's time to add some hydration to your routine.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
King Charles "Never" Declared He Wanted a Slimmed-Down Monarchy, Per Royal Biographer"There was no specific plan," author Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire.'
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Meghan Markle’s Dad Said He’s “Incredibly Grateful” to King Charles for Walking Meghan Down the Aisle at Her Wedding"I wish her no ill-will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together."
-
This Unexpected Royal is Being Called "a Reincarnation" of Queen ElizabethHer legacy lives on.
-
Queen Elizabeth Found the Presence of Her "True Favorite" Royal Family Member Incredibly "Soothing""The Queen found her very down to earth, because she refused to have expensive security...and she loved her lack of airs and graces."
-
This Historic 2025 Royal Family Photo Op "Might Feel a Bit Like Overkill," Per Royal AuthorRobert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that "people have an appetite to see the family, but it's a limited appetite."
-
How King Charles and Queen Camilla Cut Costs After Queen Elizabeth Spent More Than $1 Million on Her Royal Tour of AustraliaCharles and Camilla appear to be on a budget.
