Fans of pomp and pageantry will want to draw a ring around May 6, the newly announced date for the coronation of King Charles III.
The day will be marked with traditional processions, a concert at Windsor Castle, street parties, light shows and community volunteering, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Charles, 74, automatically became king on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September.
The grand coronation ceremony, with Queen Consort Camilla by his side, will be the royal family’s major set piece event for 2023.
“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, the Realms and the Commonwealth,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Saturday.
Charles is also king and head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The formal ceremony, to take place at Westminster Abbey, will follow the traditional pageantry used for anointing monarchs over the past 1000 years.
Will Harry be invited?
Following processions there and back, the King and queen consort will then appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace accompanied by members of the royal family.
The palace did not say which members would join the King, stoking speculation about whether Prince Harry will be invited and, if he is, whether he will attend.
Publishing details of the coronation, Buckingham Palace said Britons, who have already been given an extra bank holiday on May 8 to mark the occasion, will be able to watch the ceremonies and a special concert, plus see iconic buildings lit up with projections, lasers and drone displays.
Windsor Castle will host a coronation concert on Sunday May 7, which will be feature an orchestra playing musical favourites with some of the world’s biggest entertainers and a special coronation choir, before buildings across the nation are lit up, Buckingham Palace said.
There will be a public ballot for tickets to allow several thousand members of the public to attend.
Street parties will be held on Sunday, with communities and neighbours encouraged to come together to share food.
On Monday May 8, people will be encouraged to volunteer with charities, faith and community groups to pay tribute to the King’s public service and try to create a legacy of voluntary work.
“Their Majesties are looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023,” Buckingham Palace said.
-AAP
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