Only a few months after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the ceremonial enthronement of her successor will take place. On 6 May 2023, the time has come. And the coronation of King Charles III is coming up. Those who want to go to London for the coronation can feel a bit aristocratic themselves with this royal programme:
The Coronation of King Charles
Following the old tradition, the anointing, consecration and blessing is done by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Westminster Abbey has been designated as the place of coronation since 1066. However, Charles has been referred to as “King” since his proclamation in September last year. His first office was to prepare the funeral service for the late Queen. In its modernised version, the ceremony is to last only 60 minutes instead of three hours. King Charles and Camilla will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on the morning of the ceremony. The “Diamond Jubilee” state carriage will serve as the vehicle.
The return journey is in the 260-year-old golden state carriage. Why are we telling you this? Because the route will be along The Mall. And there is the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of the royal couple. Only invited guests are allowed to attend the coronation itself. Around 2,000 in number are said to have been invited. After the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, the “working royals” will then show themselves on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. This means that although Harry will be present, he will probably not be waving from the balcony next to William, Kate and Co.
Sightseeing in the Footsteps of the Coronation
You can easily explore the most important sights of London on foot during a not too long walk. For example, you can start at Buckingham Palace, walk along The Mall and then walk through St. James Park down towards the Thames to Westminster Abbey. From there it’s only a short walk to Big Ben.
On your way, admire the iconic red letterboxes and the uniforms of the bobbies. Because they will soon be changing. They still bear the emblem E II R for “Elizabeth II, Regina”. But soon there will not only be banknotes with the likeness of King Charles. The emblems on police uniforms and government offices will also change. They read C III R, for “Charles III, Rex”.
After the coronation of King Charles, Westminster Abbey offers a special experience for the first time. Guests will be allowed to enter the area of the church where the monarch sits during the coronation. The special tour is called “Church and Crown”. There are very few tickets left. Anyone who gets hold of one should wear clean socks. To protect the mosaic floor (which dates back to the 13th century), you are only allowed to take part without shoes.
Living like a Royal
If you want to feel a little aristocratic yourself for King Charles’ coronation, there are a number of luxury hotels in London to choose from. We can heartily recommend several hotels. For example, the modern and beautiful Café Royal on Regent Street. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace. Even closer is the elegant, first-class Corinthia London.
The Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square has also come up with numerous special features around the coronation of King Charles III. How about the “Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea”, for example? In addition to delicate finger sandwiches, there are also sweet delicacies on the menu inspired by the crown jewels. Among them is a dessert called “The Crown”. It looks like the St. Edward’s crown that is used at the coronation.
The hotel’s bar, Mei Ume, pays tribute to the festive event with a new cocktail. It’s called “The King’s Ritual Martini”. And in the spa, you can treat yourself to a “royal treatment” before retiring to your stylish suite. The “Live Like a Royal” package offers 2 nights in one of the hotel’s residences until the end of the summer. You can also enjoy breakfast in the Rotunda Bar, the Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea and the “Rose Crown Treatment” in the spa.
Drinking like a Brit
Of course, festive occasions have to be celebrated properly. And where better to do that than in a country where pub culture is held in such high regard? Exactly! We would recommend that you stop by Rosewood London for a cocktail, among other things. That’s where you’ll find the Gin Bar. And it’s home to the largest collection of gins in London. You can taste more than 500 different gins here.
And although it’s touristy, we advise you to also stop by on Carnaby Street. The (vegan!) Club Mexicana serves excellent Micheladas. At “Be at One” you can enjoy your cocktails in pretty surroundings. One thing you should not forget: Most bars and pubs have an early closing time. Last call is often at 10.45pm.
