It is a chair with understated elegance and steeped in history.
The Coronation Chair, also known as King Edward’s Chair or Saint Edward’s Chair, was commissioned by King Edward I in 1296. Originally, it was meant to hold the Stone of Scone, taken from Scotland by King Edward I. In fact, when kings were crowned, they would sit directly on the Stone of Scone. In later years, a piece of wood…
The ceremonial Sword of Offering will be carried into the Coronation by a female officer for the first time ever.
Petty Officer Amy Taylor will bear the jewelled sword into Westminster Abbey in The King and Queen’s Procession which will form part of the opening…
For centuries, the King’s Champion challenged anyone who dared to question the right of a newly crowned monarch to rule. But while he no longer takes to horseback to issue a defiant cry to those who would deny the Sovereign’s status, he still plays an important…
The robe worn by monarchs at the most sacred part of the Coronation ceremony
27th April 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…
It’s one of the oldest and storied item in the Crown Jewels, the Sovereign’s Orb.
Created in 1661 by Sir Robert Vyner for Charles II’s coronation, the orb is a hollow gold sphere with a cross on top. It symbolizes the monarch’s Christian sovereignty and their…
Why one part of Westminster Abbey was specially designed for coronations
26th April 2023
For those who have toured London’s Westminster Abbey, you might notice a particularly spacious area. Or maybe you’ve seen it during other royal events at The Abbey on TV such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, or the funeral of Her Late Majesty…
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 into Westminster Abbey, King George VI wore the Robe of State, also known as the Parliament Robe. The long mantle is worn…
It was a wedding that changed the course of royal history. When Albert, Duke of York married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on April 26th 1923 at Westminster Abbey, a partnership that would prove vital to the very survival of the British Monarchy was cemented. The couple, and…
The duke who made sure part of the Crown Jewels were removed from coronations
24th April 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…
The modern brides of the House of Kent have all made history with their royal marriages in one way or another and the gowns they wore on their big day are certainly memorable. Two took centre stage in some of the most ancient churches in England while another was worn at a very modern marriage hundreds of miles from home. They share an air of romance while having striking features all of their…
