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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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 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 basically a Coronation guide book that dates back to 1382 when Richard II reigned. The ‘Liber Regalis’ says the Supertunica…
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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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The links to Queen Elizabeth II in a special item for the Coronation

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3rd May 2023
King Charles III has chosen to emphasise his role as servant of the people in one of the most important symbols of his Coronation. The Anointing Screen which will be held around His Majesty at the moment holy oil is placed on his head, chest and hand features his cypher at the base of a tree covered in symbols of the Commonwealth. It has been designed to focus on his service to the family of…
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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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