King Charles IIIState & Ceremonial

Coronation ceremony: The recognition

King Charles III has reportedly made several changes to his coronation service. While his mother’s 1953 coronation service was nearly four hours, The King’s will reportedly be closer to an hour. However, some elements are included in every coronation regardless. The recognition is one of those elements.  The King and Queen will enter Westminster Abbey in their Robes of State (their…
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State & Ceremonial

Another first for King Charles - an official Coronation emoji

The first Coronation of the 21st century will come equipped with a very modern accessory – its own emoji. With less than a month to go until King Charles III and Queen Camilla are crowned, a brand new social media symbol will appear on Twitter whenever some special hashtags are used. Five phrases will generate a version of St. Edward’s Crown, adding a whole new spin to an object that has…
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British RoyalsHistoryInterestsState & Ceremonial

What happened to the first St. Edward's Crown?

On 6 May at Westminster Abbey, King Charles III will be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown at the moment of coronation. The design dates back to the eleventh century, but the crown itself that will be used is much younger.  The original St. Edward’s Crown reportedly dates back to Edward the Confessor’s reign but can first be found in sources in the thirteenth century. He reigned from 1042…
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British RoyalsHistory

The Black Prince's Ruby

As the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla inches nearer, the historic gems that will be used in the ceremony are under the spotlight. Among those historic pieces is the Black Prince’s Ruby which sits in the Imperial State Crown. Located on the front of the crown, the ruby is an irregular and large cabochon red spinel weighing 170 carats or, 34 grams. Like the Monarch on…
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