Queen Camilla will reportedly break tradition at her coronation this spring by involving her grandchildren in the service.
According to Roya Nikkhah, the royal correspondent for The Sunday Times, Queen Camilla’s five teenage grandchildren could carry their grandmother’s canopy during the moment of anointing to signify their close bond to their grandmother and step-grandfather.
Queen Camilla has two grandchildren through son Tom Parker Bowles, Lola and Freddie; and three grandchildren through daughter Laura Lopes, Eliza, and twins Louis and Gus.
The children have all been largely kept out of the public eye as per the wishes of their parents, however, Eliza was a bridesmaid at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011.
Roya Nikkhah reports that the “decision to include the five teenagers sends a strong message that she and Charles are a couple who reflect the realities of modern life.”
A royal source added, “It sends a nice signal and is quite a bold move. It is another example of the King and Queen Consort being unafraid to shake things up a bit to reflect the realities of modern life, of which a blended family is a central element.”
In coronation services of the past, duchesses have carried the canopy during the moment of anointing, which is considered the most sacred part of the ceremony, and is shielded from public view. In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II insisted that this part of the service not be televised.
Roya Nikkhah also revealed that plans are allegedly being drawn up to involve Prince George, the eldest son and heir of Prince William, in the service as well.
King Charles and Queen Camilla “are eager for George, as a future king, to feature, and William and Kate are also keen, provided a role can be found that does not subject him to overwhelming scrutiny,” she reports. Nikkhah said that Their Majesties plan to reach out to William and Catherine soon to discuss options.
In previous coronations, the heir to the throne has attended the service but not played a role. In 1953, Prince Charles was four years old and sat with his grandmother, The Queen Mother, and aunt Princess Margaret. In 1937, then-Princess Elizabeth sat with her grandmother, Queen Mary, and later wrote a report of the service to present to her parents.
Details have been trickling out about the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, with musical elements recently confirmed. Further information will continue to be released in the months leading up to the 6 May service.
