BY Shea Warburton
For the first time in history, foreign royal families will be attending the coronation of King Charles III. For centuries, it has been said that no other crowned royals should be present at a British coronation since the ceremony is supposed to serve as an intimate exchange with the Monarchy and the British public.
The King has broken multiple traditions for his Coronation, for instance by travelling in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, previously used for royal weddings and jubilees. Tradition has also been broken by hosting the Coronation on a weekend. But one major tradition broken is the attendance of foreign royalty.
Other broken traditions include their attire. In previous services, The Monarch would wear silk stockings and breaches but King Charles III has opted to wear his military uniform. Camilla, Queen Consort, will also be crowned on Coronation day. Traditionally a new crown would be manufactured (a purple diamond crown) but in an effort to be conscious of the cost of living, the royals have decided to recycle a crown made for Queen Mary, chosen as both share an interest in jewellery.
Crown Prince Albert II and Crown Princess Charlene of Monaco were the first royals to confirm their attendance, along with the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI, and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia have confirmed they will be attending, and Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko from Japan also are set to be there on the day.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark recently underwent extensive back surgery and unfortunately will not be attending. Denmark will be represented by her son – Crown Prince Frederik – with his wife, Crown Princess Mary.
The most recent royals to confirm their attendance are King Abdullah II of Jordan and his wife Queen Rania.
Meghan Markle has been a very controversial topic in the media, due to the decisions she and Prince Harry made about leaving the royal family. She will not be attending her father-in-law’s coronation, as it is her son’s fourth birthday. Despite this, Prince Harry will still be attending the coronation, along with his brother, Prince William of Wales.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was televised for the first time in history but that was, however, in black and white. So, you could say the Coronation of King Charles III is the first colourised Coronation we will see on our screens, in some ways another tradition broken.
Like the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s Coronation will be broadcast live on BBC TV and radio. Unlike the Queen’s, however, it will then be available to stream on iPlayer.
