The coronation ceremony of King Charles III has placed the British royal family squarely in the global spotlight. While the Windsors are anticipated to reveal a few surprises closer to the event, official details about the Westminster Abbey ceremony have been emerging in recent weeks.
Media reports have indicated that Prince Guillermo, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will play leading roles in the coronation. More than 2,000 guests are expected to attend the historic service, which will be broadcast to audiences in numerous countries and will feature prominent figures from the royal world as well as representatives from other royal families. Notable absences have been noted, including Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry.
The ceremony is set to crown the queen consort Camilla alongside the king. There is speculation it will differ in some respects from past coronations, with Buckingham Palace signaling that the rite will acknowledge the spirit of the times while maintaining the long-standing ceremonial framework and central elements that have characterized royal coronations for generations. The event will reflect the monarchy’s current role and its outlook for the future.
The Union Jack is already fluttering over London, underscoring a mood of national pride as the city prepares for the historic occasion.
The coronation itself will unfold at Westminster Abbey, featuring the monarch’s ceremonial procession and royal salutations from Buckingham Palace. A concert is planned and the Great Coronation Dinner will be hosted at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7. The following day, Monday, May 8, will be devoted to voluntary programs and community engagement across the country.
A concert with great artists
In line with the royal proclamation, thousands of attendees will be selected to win free access to the coronation concert at Windsor Castle through a nationwide BBC voting process. The event promises a lineup of renowned performers and international stars, delivering a celebratory rhythm to accompany the coronation mood.
The musical show will feature a mix of global names and British icons. Reports indicate performances by Katy Perry and collaborations by Take That members Mark Owen, Gary Barlow, and Howard Donald will take place in the program.
The Coronation Concert is poised to spotlight major artists at Windsor Castle, with additional appearances by Andrea Bocelli and Sir Bryn Terfel. Oscar and Golden Globe winners are also tipped to attend, alongside other well-known London performers. Names like Freya Riding and a classical composer such as Alexis French are expected to contribute to a diverse musical program.
Whispers about potential attendees include Sir Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, and a Wind Beneath My Wings performer. Some artists reportedly invited have chosen not to attend for varied personal reasons, including Ed Sheeran, Adele, Harry Styles, Elton John, Robbie Williams, and members of the Spice Girls.
Vegetarian meals at the coronation menu
The so-called Great Coronation Dinner, also serving as The Coronation Big Lunch, aims to bring the nation together to share food and joy with neighbors and communities nationwide.
Weeks earlier, Charles and Camilla announced a signature recipe chosen for the occasion. The dish centers on spinach, broad beans, and tarragon quiche. This marks a shift from the traditional Elizabethan era chicken dish, reflecting a contemporary, plant-forward approach while incorporating milk, cream, eggs, and cheddar cheese to enrich the flavor profile.
Introducing… The Coronation Person! In a New Year celebration preview, the royal couple shared this recipe as part of a broader community outreach initiative. The post noted that The Coronation Big Lunch takes place across the country, with accompanying visuals from the royal kitchen.
Royal aides explained that the dish is designed to accommodate diverse tastes and dietary preferences, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold, paired with a green salad and newly boiled potatoes. The message conveyed emphasized accessibility and shared festive spirit for the entire nation.
A well-known crown
For the first time in history, there will be a monarch who carries a crown with a long lineage rather than a newly minted symbol. The queen consort Camilla will wear a piece originally crafted during the reign of Queen Mary of Teck in 1911. That piece, associated with Mary, is now part of a permanent exhibit at the Tower of London, illustrating the enduring continuity of royal regalia.
Buckingham Palace stated that this is a personal choice of the King, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the royal household while preserving cherished traditions.