Advertisement

The coronation of King Charles III. What to know

A man walks by a portrait of King Charles III in London.
A man walks by a portrait of King Charles III in London. The king’s coronation will take place Saturday at Westminster Abbey.
(Andreea Alexandru / Associated Press)
Share

King Charles III is to be crowned Saturday in London. His will be the 39th coronation at Westminster Abbey and the first in 70 years, since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned at age 25.

Charles, 74, became king the moment Queen Elizabeth died, but now it’s time for the formalities and pomp — and for the five-pound St. Edward’s Crown to be placed on his head. His wife, Camilla, will also be crowned.

The pageantry comes against a backdrop of rising inflation, political polarization and disillusionment over Britain’s exit from the European Union. It also comes as support for the monarchy is dwindling.

Along with people straining to catch a glimpse of the Gold State Coach carrying Charles and Camilla from the abbey to Buckingham Palace, there will be those looking for signs of royal family dysfunction — including the rift involving Prince Harry, who lives in California with his wife, Meghan, and their two children.

Here’s what to know for the coronation and how to watch:

Advertisement