LIFE

8 things families need to know about the coronation

First published on Monday 17 April 2023

Are you excited about the King's coronation and want to know how you can get involved? Here are 8 things families need to know about the coronation, including dates, facts about the ceremony and how families can celebrate.

King Charles' coronation is a huge event of great historical importance, and we get to be part of it!

There's plenty going on, and lots of different ways for families to get involved in the royal celebrations – from watching the coronation and the concert live on TV for free, even if you don't have a TV licence, to attending street parties and finding out more about volunteering opportunities.

Keep reading to find out more about the coronation ceremony and who will be attending, what 'The Coronation Big Lunch' is and other ways you can enjoy the celebrations with your family ...

1. When is King Charles' coronation?

It's normal for there to be a long gap of several months between a monarch's ascension and their coronation. When Elizabeth became Queen, it took more than a year before the coronation took place!

The Royal website explains that this is because a coronation usually follows a period of mourning, and then there is a huge amount of preparation needed to organise the ceremony.

A date has now been set for the new King's coronation. The ceremony itself will take place on the 6th of May, with more celebrations to follow, including a BBC concert on the Sunday.

2. Where will the coronation take place?

According to tradition, King Charles will be crowned at Westminster Abbey in London. This is where all the monarchs before him for almost a millennia have been crowned.

The coronation service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury – a role he has held since 1066.

3. Who will attend the coronation?

It isn't known how many invites Buckingham Palace sent out, and many attendees won’t be confirmed until the actual day of the event, but the venue can seat up to 2,200 guests.

The couple will be joined by hundreds of guests at Westminster Abbey, including senior members of the royal family, politicians and celebrities.

As heir to the throne, William and his wife Kate will likely be very close to the King and Queen Consort throughout the day. They are expected to follow behind the monarch and his wife in the royal procession with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

An invitation has been extended by King Charles to Harry and his wife Meghan, but it's unclear whether the pair will accept it. If they do, they may not be included in the formal procession since the pair stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

4. Watch the King's coronation on TV for free!

The BBC is offering local communities a one-off TV license dispensation between the 6th and 7th of May, to mark the occasion – so you can watch the King's coronation even if you don't have a TV licence!

An exact time hasn't yet been given, but it has been announced that the coronation will take place on the morning of Saturday 6 May. So tune in on your television along with millions of people around the world to witness the historic ceremony.

5. Will the coronation be available at big screen sites across the UK?

Yes! Over one million pounds has been invested into the creation of over 30 public big screen sites across the UK.

This means that large crowds can gather in celebration of the coronation at sites in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, Bristol, Brighton, Belfast, Cardiff, Plymouth and plenty more –the official locations are yet to be confirmed.

6. What to expect from the Coronation Concert

The main event of the coronation weekend for families to enjoy and celebrate is the huge concert, taking place at Windsor Castle and broadcast around the world by the BBC on Sunday 7th of May.

You can watch or listen to the concert live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

The palace has promised to 'bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion'.

The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

7. What is the 'Coronation Big Lunch'?

The Coronation Big Lunch is overseen and organised by the Big Lunch team at the Eden Project and made possible by The National Lottery.

Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of the Big Lunch since 2013. It is intended to help boost community spirit, reduce loneliness and support charities and good causes.

Neighbours and communities across the UK are invited to take part in the coronation celebrations on Sunday 7th May 2023 by sharing food, fun and friendship – from a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party.

So look out for events happening in your local community to mark this historic occasion and get involved with your family!

8. What is 'The Big Help Out'?

The Big Help Out is a formal part of the Coronation celebrations and highlights the positive impact volunteering has on communicates across the nation. It'll be held on Monday 8th May 2023.

It is organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the UK.

It will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas, and is in tribute to His Majesty The King's public service.

Visit the website and download the app to find out how you can get involved to help out!

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