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…
The history of the chairs to be used by King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Coronation
2nd May 2023
In another poignant nod to his mother and grandfather, The King has chosen to reuse the chairs made for each of them for their own Coronations when he is crowned at Westminster Abbey.
During the ceremony, on May 6th 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will sit on…
His reign would end with the toppling of the monarchy but as Charles I was crowned King of England in 1626, there was little indication that the ancient ceremony heralded a time of tumult that would lead to war and death. However, as the Archbishop of Canterbury lifted St.
With the Coronation only a few days away, the country is abuzz with speculation about what to expect from this historic event. The last Coronation took place seventy years ago, and much has changed since then. We have been given a tantalising glimpse into what the Procession will look like, what Their Majesties will be wearing, and what the actual Ceremony at Westminster Abbey will…
The coronation that created the glittering image of monarchy about to be unveiled in Westminster Abbey
1st May 2023
He was a hero king who had survived an epic game of thrones and his coronation was set to be a splendid celebration at the start of a new era of royal power. The crowning of Richard I involved pomp, pageantry and chivalric splendour but it also led to riots and the deaths of…
It has been described as the most important British dress design of the 20th century and the gown that Queen Elizabeth II wore at her Coronation, on June 2nd 1953, has its own place in history. The work of Sir Norman Hartnell, created in partnership by the Monarch, it has…
The idea of the Crown Jewels being stolen might seem like a movie.
Well, it’s not. They really were stolen thanks to one Irishman, Thomas Blood.
Born in County Meath in 1618, Blood came from a good family. His father was a prosperous blacksmith, and his grandfather was a Member of Parliament. That said, one might assume he might not get into trouble.
When the English Civil War…
Seventy years ago this spring, a young princess left her palace to marry a handsome heir to a throne. Their families had helped ensure the couple said ‘I do’ while royalty from around the continent gathered to see them exchange vows. It was a pattern followed by…
For the first time ever, female bishops will take part in a Coronation service.
Three of the UK’s highest ranking clerics will play integral parts in the ceremony on May 6th which will see King Charles III and Queen Camilla crowned.
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame…
The Crown Jewels will be going on tour after the Coronation – in a rather unusual form.
An immersive light and music show will project the famous gems on to the sides of landmarks around the UK.
The spectacle starts at the Tower of London this autumn and will make its way around the country after that. As well as projecting the Crown Jewels on to famous buildings, the show will cover…
