Features

The history of the Stone of Scone and its role in the Coronation of King Charles III

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4th May 2023
The Stone of Scone is one of the most famous symbols of Coronations in the United Kingdom and it has a long and controversial history. It is a block of red sandstone that has been associated with the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland, and later England and the United Kingdom, for hundreds of years. Also known as the Stone of Destiny, the 336-pound Stone was taken from Scone Abbey in…
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The Coronation robes - the Supertunica

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4th May 2023
King Charles III’s coronation will be a blend of modern and traditional. The Supertunica he will wear is firmly in the “traditional” column. In fact, it dates back to medieval coronations and is one of the items mentioned in the ‘Liber Regalis,’ which is…
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To crown a king - George VI's Coronation

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4th May 2023
It’s been nearly 90 years since the United Kingdom crowned its last King, King George VI. And the outfit worn by George on 12 May 1937 might give us an idea of how King Charles III may dress when he is crowned on 6 May, and how he could follow tradition. As he walked…
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The long serving heir whose Coronation was delayed by a last minute hitch

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4th May 2023
King Charles III has often been compared to his great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII. Both ascended the throne after their mother’s enjoyed record-breaking reigns, and at the time of each king’s ascension, they both held the record for longest-serving Prince of Wales. Edward’s coronation in 1902 was not without some difficulties, though.  Although his mother’s coronation in…
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The Crown Jewels and the State Trumpets

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4th May 2023
The Jewel House at the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, part of which includes a total of sixteen silver trumpets, dating back to 1780, also known as the state trumpets. However, only one of the trumpets is on display for visitors to see. Seven of these…
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Where to go to see the Coronation on the big screen

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3rd May 2023
Giant screens have been put up around the UK to show the Coronation. Up to 100,000 people are expected to see the ceremony on these screens. In London, there are three giant viewing areas at Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James’ Park while over fifty other areas throughout the country will also have screens. If you’re heading out to one, especially in the capital, you’re advised to…
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A conquering king who killed a cousin to claim a crown

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2nd May 2023
The reign of King Henry IV began with usurpation and heralded a period of power struggles that would end in the War of the Roses. As he rode to his Coronation, in 1399, his predecessor languished in jail and would die in mysterious circumstances within months. Henry IV’s coronation was a show of power, designed to establish his authority at a time of turbulence and to demonstrate that he was a…
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