King Charles’ Toned-Down Coronation Will Still ‘Knock Your Socks Off,’ According to Report
It’s no secret that King Charles III‘s upcoming coronation is being held at a difficult time for many people across the U.K. and the Commonwealth. Some have discussed a “budget coronation” so not to appear too flashy given the cost of living crisis in Britain and beyond.
The Palace has stated that the king’s coronation will be a bit different from the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s. However, even a toned-down affair is still one that is expected to “knock your socks off.”
The tradition King Charles is forgoing
King Charles’ coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023.
The ceremony will follow a traditional format with a few tweaks to modernize things. One change is that the monarch will not wear silk stockings and breeches. Charles will instead wear his military uniform following the advice of his aides that the standard attire previously worn is outdated.
“They think having a 74-year-old king arriving in stockings and breeches in 2023 looks too dated. They are probably right,” a source told The Sun. “Though some of the more long-winded elements of the coronation will be moved aside or modernized, the king was happy to wear the breeches and stockings. But in discussion with senior aides they are saying he should not wear them, so [he] will arrive in a military uniform instead.”
The coronation will reportedly ‘knock your socks off’
There will be fewer attendees at Charles’ coronation than his mother’s in 1953. Around 8,000 people attended the queen’s, but just about 2,000 will attend the king’s.
Despite being a scaled-down coronation compared to the last one, it is still a historical event and royal affair that, as the Daily Mail put it, “will knock your socks off.”
The publication noted that King Charles III will wear St. Edward’s Crown, which was first worn in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II. It is made of solid gold and features more than 400 gemstones including six sapphires, and 12 rubies. The crown weighs nearly five pounds.
“The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry. The coronation is a solemn religious service, together with an occasion for celebration and pageantry,” a statement from Buckingham Palace said.
Will Prince Harry and Meghan be there?
As for whether King Charles’ youngest son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will attend the coronation all depends on who you talk to.
Some royal watchers have opined that the Sussexes certainly will so they can share some of the global spotlight, while others believe the couple won’t because it would make them look hypocritical given all their allegations that the family mistreated them.
When asked directly during an interview with ITV if he would attend Prince Harry replied: “There’s a lot that can happen between now and then. The door is always open. The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed and I really hope that they are willing to sit down and talk about it.”
