Carlos III: the keys to the coronation ceremony, the guests and the differences with the rise of Elizabeth II

The British royal family begins a new chapter on Saturday with the coronation of the King Charles III. The pomp, pageantry and symbolism have more than a thousand years of history, although the coronation of this king will include new touches to tradition and changes from the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, 70 years ago.

The plans of the ceremony in the westminster abbey They point to a more discreet act than the previous one, although members of royalty from other countries, heads of state and most of the family of Carlosand the monarch wants to wear the same clothes that Isabel put on.

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Here are some keys to the coronation.

The official photo of King Carlos III and Queen Camila distributed by Buckingham Palace on April 4, 2023. (EFE).

WHY A CORONATION IF CARLOS IS ALREADY KING?

Carlos ascended to the throne automatically on Isabel’s death on September 8, and was officially proclaimed British monarch two days later, in a ceremony that was televised for the first time.

Carlos He said he was “deeply aware of this great heritage and the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty that are now vested in me.”

Coronation is not a legal requirement, and other European monarchies have done away with such ceremonies.

But the act, filled with religious symbolism and iconic artifacts, is a more formal confirmation of his role as head of state and the Anglican Church, and was meant to show that the monarch’s authority derives from God.

During the ceremony led by the spiritual leader of the Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles will be anointed with oil, receive the traditional symbols of the monarch – including the orb and scepter – and will wear the crown of Saint Edward for the first time. Carlos’s wife, Camilla, will be crowned queen consort.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II smiles at the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 5, 2022. (Photo by Frank Augstein/AFP) (FRANK AUGSTEIN/)

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS CORONATION?

The ceremony dates back to the medieval era, and much of it remains unchanged.

The ritual is held in the westminster abbey since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.

The coronation of Isabel II in June 1953 it was the first to be televised live. Tens of thousands of people watched it on Britain and later aired to a global audience. In the age of streaming and social media, people will be able to follow the event live from virtually anywhere on the planet and share their thoughts with a crown emoji created for the occasion.

Carlos has said that he plans to reduce the volume of the institution. The day is expected to reflect that purpose with a shorter ceremony than her mother’s, which lasted three hours, and 2,000 attendees, a quarter of those who gathered for Elizabeth’s coronation.

In a nod to the evolving religious landscape in United KingdomBuddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders will participate. That reflects Carlos’ promise to be “the defender of the faiths” instead of the “defender of the faith”.

The procession after the ceremony will also be shorter than the 5-mile (8-kilometer) route followed by Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, in 1953. Carlos and Camila plan to make the 2-kilometer (1.3-mile) drive back to Buckingham Palace, and will change the vehicle that will take them to the church – a 260-year-old carriage used in every coronation since William IV’s. in 1831- for the comfort of a more modern carriage on the return journey.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain wave during their visit to Almonte, southern Spain. REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo (Marcelo del Pozo/)

WHO IS INVITED?

Some 100 heads of state are expected to attend, along with monarchs from Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and his wife, Kiko, to the King Felipe VI of Spain and his wife, the queen Letizia.

The United States will maintain its custom that no president attends a British coronationalthough the first lady will attend, Jill Biden.

It is planned that WilliamPrince of Wales and heir to the throne, kneel before his father and swear allegiance in what is known as the Royal Blood Tribute.

His younger brother, the prince harry, the Duke of Sussex who has stepped down from his royal duties, attend the ceremony. Previously controversial autobiography, “Spare,” which became a bestseller this year, made unflattering claims about the royal family.

Until three weeks ago it was in doubt if Harry and his wife, Meghanwould attend the event after making accusations of racism and media manipulation against the royal family.

Although Harry will attend, the Duchess will remain at the couple’s home in Southern California with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022. ( Matt Dunham/AP)

The coronation comes just days before the first of Harry’s lawsuits against British tabloids goes to trial. The case could reveal more family secrets.

During a hearing in a similar case last week, Harry indicated in court documents that Buckingham Palace, with the queen’s approval, had an agreement with Rupert Murdoch’s English newspapers to settle the wiretapping allegations without a lawsuit. . Enrique said palace staff instructed her to drop the lawsuit against him because his father wanted to curry favor with the press.

The family drama did not end there. Charles’s brother, Prince Andrew, was also not expected to play any role in the ceremony. Andrés resigned from his official duties and was stripped of his military titles and patronages following revelations about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andres settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was forced to have sex with him when she was a teenager.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CORONATION?

Opinion polls show that support for the monarchy has weakened in recent years and this is an opportunity to Carlos to seek and show the sympathy of the public.

Crowds are expected to gather in the streets to cheer the new king and that many people wait outside Buckingham Palace for him to appear on the balcony after the procession.

Although criticism of the crown has been relatively mild in recent years out of respect for the queen and his decades of service to the country, there is likely to be a much more open debate going forward about whether Britain it still needs this antiquated institution or whether it should become a republic with an elected head of state.

A red London bus passes under the Union Flags in Regent Street in central London on April 30, 2023 ahead of the coronation ceremony for Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the Kingdom. United. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP). (JUSTIN TALLIS/)

The leader of the anti-monarchist group República said they planned to place more than 1,000 protesters dressed in yellow who will shout “He is not my king” as the royal procession passes.

However, for the vast majority it will be an opportunity to celebrate their British identity or express their support for an institution that fascinates many people around the world.

The streets will be adorned with British flags, the spectators will wear red, white and blue and military planes will fly over the city leaving trails in the national colors. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony is also a reminder of the era when Britain was the most powerful country in the world.

WHO PAYS FOR THE CELEBRATION?

The public covers the costs of the coronation. There is still no official estimate on how much the amount could be. Some reports estimate that it could exceed 100 million pounds sterling (125 million dollars).

The event comes amid a painful cost-of-living crisis in the country that has caused many to struggle to heat their homes this winter and put food on the table.

But many people will be able to benefit from the festivities.

The authorities expect that there will be a peak of tourismand coronation commemorative events and products abound that could trigger additional sales tax revenue.

Fans who want to remember the historical landmark will be able to find everything from fine china to commemorative coins or even cardboard masks of Carlos and Camilla. Coronation beers, cookies and chocolates are likely to be quickly forgotten.

Source: Elcomercio