Right, so let’s get down to the specifics. What happens during the coronation service? The spot where King Charles will be crowned inside Westminster Abbey Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Coronations have stayed largely the same for more than 1,000 years and organizers are leaning on that structure, so there’s quite a lot to get through. This time, the Anglican service will be two hours with “representation from other faiths to reflect the diversity of modern Britain,” according to Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, whose family has been responsible for orchestrating state occasions since 1482. Back then, the ceremony – which was the first live royal event to be televised – ran for more than three hours.

Alternatively, join us here on CNN.com for live coverage throughout the day.Ĭharles’ coronation will be shorter than his mother’s seven decades ago. ET) on May 6, with CNN’s special TV coverage of the King’s coronation from 10 a.m. The ceremony itself is set to begin at 11 a.m. If you’ve been checking your mailbox and an invitation has yet to drop in, not to worry. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment begins coronation rehearsals at Buckingham Palace and The Mall. It’s a symbolic coming together of the monarchy, church and state for a religious ritual during which the monarch makes vows to both God and country.īuckingham Palace has said it “will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.” But it’s so much more than literally placing the crown on the sovereign’s head. The word “coronation” is derived from the Latin word “corona” meaning a crown. It will be a fabulously over-the-top spectacle attended by dignitaries from around the world and watched by billions. This is a moment of public celebration of the new King. Eight months on, the coronation will feel very different. It was, as expected, a deeply somber period when the nation came together to bid farewell to its longest-reigning sovereign. Here’s CNN’s essential guide to the celebrations – we’ll keep updating it to ensure you stay in the know.Ĭharles’ accession took place when the Queen died. There’s a lot of speculation floating around, and some elements are still being fine-tuned, but if it’s official, we’ve got you covered. Thousands will gather at Westminster Abbey and the surrounding streets of central London to take in a glorious display of British pageantry. Heir to the throne for 70 years, Charles will be officially crowned in a magnificent and deeply religious ceremony on May 6. In the days that followed, he was formally proclaimed Britain’s new monarch and now, after months of painstaking preparation, his coronation is upon us.

With the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at her rural Balmoral home in September, Charles III instantly became King.

Bringing down the duke