The Coronation

Coronation image courtesy of www.royal.uk

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On Saturday, the 6th of May 2023, the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort; will take place at Westminster Abbey.

Of course, there will be much pageantry and celebration around the event – but it will also be tinged with sadness because, of course, we have arrived at this point from the death of the beloved Queen.

The Coronation, at its heart, is a religious ceremony; that has largely remained unchanged in the last 900 years. The service is to be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Ceremony

The Sovereign will take a Coronation Oath during the ceremony, the wording has varied in the past, and we may well; see changes this time. However, maintaining the Church of England and exercising justice and mercy are likely themes.

After the oath, the Sovereign is anointed, blessed and consecrated by The Archbishop. Charles will receive the orb; sceptres and the St Edward’s Crown will be placed on his head.

The Chrism oil used for the anointing has been consecrated in Jerusalem. The oil was created from olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives. The olives are pressed and then perfumed with essential oils like sesame rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom.

The Queen Consort will wear the Queen Mary Crown, which has already been removed, from the Tower of London in preparation. It is usual for such an event; for a new crown, to be commissioned. However, with a nod to austerity – this existing crown will undertake some minor changes to reflect the Consort’s individual style. The alterations will also pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II; by setting in Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which were part of her personal jewellery collection.

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/

During the Coronation twelve newly commissioned pieces of music; will be performed, showcasing talent from the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom.

Six pieces are orchestral, five are choral, and one is an organ commission. British composers have written the pieces, and their previous work has included classical, sacred, film, television and musical theatre work.

After the service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace; for The Coronation Procession. They will be joined by other members of the Royal Family, and the day will conclude with the traditional balcony appearance.

https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace

Coronation Concert

Sunday 6th of May will bring a Coronation Concert staged at Windsor Castle, broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios. Thousands of tickets were made available via a public ballot.

The stars of the concert; have not been announced at this time of writing, but an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir is scheduled. They are a diverse group created from community choirs and amateur singers across the UK.

Part of the Coronation Concert is something called: Lighting up the Nation. It is hoped the country will join together; to celebrate at iconic locations across the UK, using all manner of things to light the skies, from projectors, illuminations, drone displays and lasers. I suspect a firework or two will also be set off by the general public if nobody else!

Big Lunch

Many people will have applied to have street parties, and organisers will have set up events; so that everyone can join in; the Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday. Hopefully, neighbours, friends, family, colleagues and communities will join together; to celebrate.

The Big Lunch

The Big Help Out

The celebrations are rounded out on Monday 8th of May (a Bank Holiday) to encourage people; to take up volunteering. The hope is that a lasting legacy of the Coronation will be long-term support for charities and communities in need.

https://thebighelpout.org.uk/