Celebrating the Kings Coronation
Coronation Furniture - Everything you need to celebrate in style
Since 1066, Westminster Abbey has been Britain’s coronation church. The first documented coronation was that of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day in 1066. Since this time there have been 39 coronations at the Abbey with King Charles III becoming the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned. Interestingly, few individuals may know the word ‘coronation’ comes from the Latin word ‘corona’, meaning ‘crown’!
Celebrations will take place over the extended weekend beginning on Saturday 6th May through to Monday 8th. We launched our very own Coronation category a few weeks ago in order to quickly facilitate those planning and holding patriotic events. Whether you’re braving the great outdoors with a British festival, holding a ball, royal banquet or a traditional ‘knees up’, we have everything you’d need to serve food and seat guests.
The Coronation - Everything we know so far
Time and Place:
The Coronation service will begin at 11am on Saturday 6th May at Westminster Abbey.
Guests:
Whilst 8,000 guests from 129 nations travelled to England for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s coronation has been limited to 2,000 guests for health and safety restrictions. The slimmed down guests list means only senior cabinet ministers, Privy councilors and a selection of opposition leaders are likely to be in attendance.
Viewing:
Back in 1953 it is estimated that 27 million people watched the ceremony on their black and white televisions, with 11 million tuning in on the radio. In our rapidly evolving digital world however, the King’s coronation will be viewed across the globe on mobile phones, computers and other hand held devices with an audience of millions more.
Anointing:
From our research we understand the anointing will not be shown on television and is set to be hidden from the public, just as it was for the late Queen’s coronation back in 1953.
Chrism Oil:
Whilst the full recipe of the consecrated oil is a secret we do know that is was made sacred over a month ago in Jerusalem. It was created using olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives, at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene and the Monastery of the Ascension. The oil has been perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom, with the olives being pressed outside Bethlehem.
Music:
In tribute to his late Father, the Duke of Edinburgh, the King has asked for Greek Orthodox music to be played during the service.
The Ceremony:
Throughout the ceremony, the monarch is encircled by a retinue of officials, dignitaries, and representatives from different regions of the UK and the Commonwealth. Among them are the Archbishop of Canterbury, who of course officiates the ceremony, and the Prime Minister, who congratulates the new monarch on behalf of the nation.
The coronation incorporates many symbolic actions and gestures, such as the presentation of the sceptre and orb, signifying the monarch's temporal and spiritual power.
The Procession:
Following the coronation ceremony, there will be a parade known as The Coronation Procession but it has been revealed the procession is only a fraction of the length in comparison to Queen Elizabeth’s. A mere 1.3 miles compared to 5 miles in 1953! The day’s ceremonial events will conclude with the King, Queens Consort and other members of the Royal family standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
A Moment in Time
The crowning of King Charles III is an extraordinary occasion that brings together numerous traditions and elements, requiring substantial planning and preparation. It is a time for celebration and reflection, for grandeur and solemnity, and for the restoration of the bonds between the monarch and their people. The coronation itself is steeped in tradition and history. Whatever your beliefs or views, the coronation is a momentous event that will be remembered for generations to come.
Unusual facts about the Royal Family
When you’re gathering with friends, family or neighbours over the Coronation weekend, remember these unusual facts if you’re looking for a conversation starter:
1. No passport needed. The King Charles III doesn’t need a passport in order to travel.
2. They can’t play Monopoly. In 2008, the Duke of York revealed that the traditional Christmas game gets a bit too vicious.
3. The Queen invented a breed of dog. As many people know the Queen loved Corgis but when one of hers mated with a Dachshund she created a new mixed-breed Dorgi species of dog.
Whatever your plans for the up and coming Coronation, the team at Furniture Hire UK hope you enjoy every single second of the historic occasion and hope we can assist to make it perfect in every way.
