He's waited quite a long time, but King Charles' big moment in the spotlight is finally almost here. On Saturday, May 6, the 74-year-old monarch will be coronated in London during a centuries-old ceremony filled with all the pomp and pageantry we've come to expect from the British royals.
He's got some seriously big shoes to fill after Queen Elizabeth's celebrated reign, but if Charles has inherited even a fraction of his late mother's mettle and charisma, we know he'll be up to the task. We're excited to see him make his own mark on history.
As royal fans prepare for the momentous proceedings — including planning festive outfits and whipping up special snacks and meals for the occasion — we've put together a little guide on what to expect from the coronation weekend. From who did — or didn't — make the guest list to what Charles will wear, here are all of the details. God save the king!
More from CafeMom: 15 of Newly Named King Charles' Most Controversial Moments
The Location
London's historic Westminster Abbey has been home to royal coronations (39 so far) for nearly 1,000 years, ever since William the Conqueror was crowned there in 1066. Charles' ceremony — set to begin at 11 a.m. BST — will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. It will be televised and broadcast around the world.
The focal point of the setup inside the church will be the 700-year-old coronation chair, where Charles will sit when the crown is placed on his head, just as his forebears — including Henry VIII and Queen Victoria — did for their coronations. The medieval chair, which has suffered from wear and tear over the years, received a makeover ahead of Charles' ceremony, with conservationists painstakingly reapplying gilding that's flaked off.
The Guests
Charles' coronation will be limited to around 2,000 guests to accommodate health and safety restrictions, in contrast to the 8,200 guests who squeezed into Westminster Abbey for his mother's coronation in 1953, according to Town & Country. The list includes most of Charles and Camilla's family members (with the notable exception of daughter-in-law Meghan Markle and grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, who will stay home in California). Many foreign royals are expected to attend from countries such as Spain, Denmark, Japan, and Sweden.
A group of UK leaders (including the British prime minister), MPs, and peers also have been invited, as well as foreign heads of state, religious representatives, and members of the British nobility. Rounding out the guest list are a few select celebrities (confirmed so far are Stella McCartney and Rowan Atkinson) and members of the public.
Notable snubs include Sarah Ferguson (Charles decided against inviting her, despite her still sharing a home with Prince Andrew) and Lady Pamela Hicks, one of Queen Elizabeth's two surviving bridesmaids.
The Family's Roles
Charles' immediate family members will participate in his coronation ceremony. According to The Times, oldest son Prince William will kneel and pledge allegiance to Charles, along with touching the St Edward's Crown and kissing his father's right cheek. Kate Middleton will be among the working royals taking part in the carriage procession and balcony appearance alongside William. Their three children will also join the procession. The latest reports indicate that Prince Harry will not have an official role in the events.
In a break from tradition, Camilla's five grandchildren will together hold the canopy over her as she is anointed with holy oil — it's a role typically performed by duchesses.
Prince George's Historic First
Kate and William's 9-year-old son, George — who is second in line to the throne — will have a special role in his grandfather's coronation: page of honor. It marks the first time in modern royal history that a future monarch is officially involved in such a service. "Bringing George in also sends all the right symbolism for the future and gives him something he will always remember," royal author Hugo Vickers told The Times.
More from CafeMom: Prince William & Kate's Kids Have the Best Reaction To Seeing Their Engagement Photo
Charles' Coronation Outfit
Charles has reportedly been advised to break from tradition and wear a more modern outfit for his coronation. That could mean swapping the old-fashioned silk stockings and breeches worn by his male predecessors for a military uniform. He will, however, don a series of sacred coronation robes during the service. The order and importance of the robes are detailed in the Liber Regalis, or Royal Book, a 14th-century manuscript that serves as the official guide for coronation ceremonies, according to Westminster Abbey.
And now for the good stuff: Charles will also wear two different crowns: the St. Edward's Crown, used at the actual moment of crowning; and the Imperial State Crown, made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI. He will also be presented with several pieces of priceless jewelry, all part of the Crown Jewels.
The Procession
Charles and wife Camilla will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, first used in 2014, before returning to the palace in the Gold State Coach used in every coronation since the 1830s. According to the BBC, the 1.3-mile journey will take them down the Mall, through Admiralty Arch to Trafalgar Square, along Whitehall and to Parliament Square before arriving at Westminster Abbey. If it's a hot day, they'll stay cool and comfortable, as the Diamond Jubilee carriage has air conditioning and an up-to-date suspension.
The Ceremony
Like previous coronations, Charles' ceremony will blend ancient traditions and more modern adaptations. It will feature several parts, beginning with the Recognition, when the British people are asked if they recognize and accept their new monarch. Then Charles will place his hand on the Coronation Bible and give the oath, promising to "rule according to the law and with mercy."
The Anointing & Crowning
The holiest part of the ceremony will be when Charles is anointed with the chrism oil — in fact, the moment is so sacred that the king has requested that this portion of the coronation not be televised. And then follows the investiture, when Charles will be presented with a series of special clothes and objects symbolizing various powers and responsibilities. And finally, he will have his crown placed on his head.
More from CafeMom: The Most Exquisite Royal Tiaras & Their Fascinating History
Camilla's Coronation
Charles isn't the only one being coronated on May 6. After his big moment, his wife of 18 years, Camilla, will be crowned in a similar but simpler ceremony with the Queen Mary's Crown, which has been reset with diamonds from Queen Elizabeth's personal jewelry collection, according to Time. At that point, her title will change from queen consort to queen.
The Music
Music is traditionally a key element of a coronation ceremony, and in honor of Charles, 12 new pieces of music have been commissioned. According to BBC Music Magazine, these include a new coronation anthem by Broadway legend Andrew Lloyd Webber and a coronation march by Scottish composer Patrick Doyle. In a touching tribute to the king's late father, Prince Philip, Greek Orthodox music by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble also will be featured.
The Balcony Appearance
After making the 1.3-mile coach journey back to Buckingham Palace following the coronation, Charles and Camilla will stand on the balcony to wave to spectators. In the past, balcony appearances have featured a large group of royal family members, but Charles has long been an advocate of a slimmed-down monarchy. It is understood that only a small number of working royals will join him, most notably Kate and William and their children.
Coronation Big Lunch
On the day after the coronation, May 7, communities across the UK have been encouraged to host coronation lunches and street parties with their neighbors for what's being called the "Big Lunch" initiative. Charles and Camilla have personally chosen a French-inspired quiche as the dish to mark their coronation.
For anyone celebrating at home who wants to join in, the palace has shared the recipe for the quiche, which features spinach, broad beans, cheddar cheese, and tarragon.
More from CafeMom: The Royal Family's Favorite Foods Revealed
Commemorative Souvenirs
Coronations don't come around that often — it's been 70 years since Queen Elizabeth celebrated hers in 1953 — so it's no surprise that royal fans love to collect souvenirs commemorating the event. Of course, there will be a lot of unofficial merch for sale, but the official items created in honor of Charles' coronation include English bone chinaware, tea towels, tote bags, and even socks.
Coronation Concert
After the serious business of the coronation service on Saturday, the celebrating will really get underway on Sunday evening when the coronation concert takes place on the grounds of Windsor Castle. A number of top-billed talents are set to perform, including Andrea Bocelli, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Take That. During the concert, major UK landmarks will be illuminated with projections, lasers, and drone displays to celebrate King Charles.
The Big Help Out
The royal family is all about philanthropy, so it's no surprise that Charles' coronation weekend will include a day of service called the "Big Help Out." On Monday, May 8 — which is a one-off public holiday for all Brits — people are encouraged to go out and volunteer and support local charitable causes in tribute to their newly coronated king.
