The Coronation promises to be a royal highlight of the year and with more details being shared of the celebratory weekend that will follow the crowning of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, expectation is mounting.
Royal Central will keep you up to date with the latest news on this historic event as well as giving you plenty of royal features to enjoy in the run up. And we’ll also be sharing tips for travel, celebrations and souvenirs. As we all start to look forward to this spectacular royal celebration, here’s a few books that might whet your Coronation appetite.
The focal point of the whole weekend is, of course, the Coronation itself. We know that St. Edward’s Crown is already being altered for King Charles III. And while we all wait for a glimpse of the glitter, you can always content yourself with a sparkling stroll through a book all about the gems that will star in the show. The Crown Jewels: the Official Illustrated History by Anna Keay offers an insight into the history of the jewels that have told the royal story for centuries.
King Charles III, like every other monarch since William the Conqueror, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey and there’s plenty on offer if you want to read about this ancient church. The Abbey’s history and its links with royalty are discussed in Westminster Abbey – A Church in History, edited by David Cannadine. The Abbey itself has a range of books in its online shop including a study of an often overlooked part of the ceremony. The Coronation Chair by James Wilkinson tells the story of this veritable seat of history.
James Wilkinson is also the author of Westminster Abbey’s book on that rather special moment in 1953. The Queen’s Coronation includes a range of photos of the day, seventy years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
The religious significance of the Coronation is examined by Catherine Pepinster in Defenders of the Faith: The British Monarch, Religions and the Next Coronation while the pageantry of the event is the subject of Music and Ceremonial at British Coronations: from James I to Elizabeth II by Matthias Range.
The weather will be good by May so if you’re planning a street party for the Coronation then the Big Lunch has a free resource pack ready to go. Find it here. There are plenty of party planning books on sale too, including The Great British Street Party Cookbook by Imagine That and Nancy Lambert.
It’s been noted by several commentators that the Coronation weekend has similarities with the special celebrations for the recent Jubilees. If you want to find out more about how royal celebrations became such stand out moments, then there’s A History of British Royal Jubilees by June Woolerton (otherwise known as Lydia Starbuck, our Associate Editor!).
And Royal Central will have plenty to enjoy about the Coronation with a special e-book all about the celebrations later in the year. We hope you will join us on this special royal journey.
