Inés Fernández-Pontes |
London (EFE)
Next Saturday, May 6, the coronation of whoever was heir to the Crown since 1952 will paralyze the British capital with a series of events intended to celebrate the official beginning of his reign, although he is already king since the death of his mother. , Elizabeth II, on September 8.
The coronation formalizes Charles’ position as head of state and head of the Anglican Church, and continues a long tradition of crowning monarchs at Westminster Abbey, since since the coronation in 1066 of England’s first Norman king, William the Conqueror, 39 British kings and queens have been anointed in that temple.
Half a century after the last ceremony of this type, the United Kingdom will experience a new episode in history, which will consist of the following main moments:
procession and ceremony
Following the tradition, Carlos and Camila -who will become queen that day and will stop being queen consort- will carry out the so-called King’s Procession, from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
There the religious coronation ceremony will begin at 11:00 local time (10:00 GMT), officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of the Anglican Church, where the crown, scepter and orb will be delivered to the King.
For the first time in history, the archbishop will urge all Britons to swear allegiance out loud to the monarch and his heirs, a call that has caused controversy.
Once the liturgy is complete, the King and Queen will return to Buckingham in the Coronation Procession in a golden coach, the same one used by Elizabeth II on the 60th anniversary of her reign.
Military greeting
Already in the palace, Carlos and Camila will receive the Royal Greeting by the members of the Armed Forces: the deployment by land, sea and air, will bring together more than 6,000 soldiers who will participate in the parade and pronounce three “vivas” to the king and the queen.
In the biggest military ceremonial display in 70 years, more than 60 aircraft are expected to fly over the iconic Mall promenade, and UK-deployed Navy ships will fire 21 gun salutes in honor of the sovereign.
Buckingham’s balcony
After the military deployment, the kings, together with members of the Royal Family, will greet the thousands of people gathered outside the palace from the balcony, ending the events of that day.
Among the thousands of guests who will attend the Coronation, the attendance of the Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia is confirmed, as well as that of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and that of the US President’s wife, Jill Biden.
However, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, undoubtedly the most notorious absence, will not appear on Buckingham’s balcony, who will stay in California with her children.
Her husband, Enrique, will be present, and the media will closely follow his interactions with his older brother and heir to the throne, Guillermo.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to central London to watch a ceremony that will be shown on giant screens across the country.
The concert and the great lunch
The following day, May 7th, the Coronation Concert will be held at Windsor Castle, featuring a large orchestra accompanied by a selection of an eclectic group of musical stars: from Andrea Bocelli to Katy Perry, including Lionel Richie, Take That and classical pianist Lang Lang.
Iconic locations across the UK will also be illuminated with projections and drone displays.
Continuing with the festivities, that same day the so-called Big Lunch will take place, in which neighbors and communities are encouraged to share food and fun in their neighborhoods.
To culminate the celebrations, on Monday, May 8, declared a holiday, citizens will be encouraged to participate in “La Gran Ayuda”, an initiative to collaborate in volunteer work in their areas of residence.