Skip to main contentSkip to footer
King Charles© Getty

How King Charles is practising for his coronation at Buckingham Palace

The King's coronation takes place on 6 May at Westminster Abbey

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
April 11, 2023
Share this:

The countdown is on for the King's coronation on 6 May, with more foreign royals confirming their attendance at Westminster Abbey for the ceremony this week.

It comes after Buckingham Palace shared the full rundown of the ceremonial regalia that will be used during the coronation service, including the two crowns Charles will wear – the Imperial State Crown and St Edward's Crown.

The Imperial State Crown weighs more than 1kg (2.3lbs) and is adorned with 2,901 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond, while St Edward's Crown is even heavier at 2.23kg (4.9lbs).

The Queen once remarked on how heavy the Imperial State Crown is© Getty
The Queen once remarked on how heavy the Imperial State Crown is

Speaking on the latest episode of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, Majesty Magazine's Editor Joe Little believes that Charles has been practising wearing the jewels, just like his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Find out more and listen to the full episode below…

LISTEN: How King Charles is practising for his coronation

Thousands of spectators are set to line the streets to view the pomp and ceremony next month, with Charles's coronation procession stretching to just 1.3 miles – around a quarter of the length of the late Queen's five-mile celebratory journey.

A newly crowned Charles and Queen Consort will make their way back from Westminster Abbey via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace. Here's how you can catch a glimpse…

WATCH: King’s coronation route is far shorter than his mother’s in 1953

It will be the reverse of their route to the Abbey but much shorter than Elizabeth II’s five-mile return expedition around central London which saw the 27-year-old monarch waving to crowds along Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Charles and Camilla will make their way to the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which includes air conditioning and shock absorbers, but their journey back to the palace will be a little less comfortable.

The couple will travel back in the Gold State Coach, famously criticised by many monarchs for being uncomfortable, including Elizabeth II.

Make sure you never miss a royal story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty

See more