There had been suggestions that the king was set to be crowned in a cut-price event in 2023 as part of plans for a slimmed-down monarchy with the country struggling economically.
King Charles III has rejected the idea of a cut-price coronation and wishes to use the event to showcase “UK plc”, The Telegraph reports.
There had been suggestions that the king was set to be crowned in a cut-price event in 2023 as part of plans for a slimmed-down monarchy with the country struggling economically.
According to the Mirror, the event will be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of “glorious” pomp and pageantry after Buckingham Palace and government aides took heed of the enormous international coverage generated in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
One of the “key learnings” from Operation London Bridge and Spring Tide – the period of mourning between the late Queen’s death and her funeral, along with the new monarch’s tour of the UK – was that it proved to be a great advertisement for Britain.
While it was always expected to be an event of great national significance, the global effect had not been fully considered. As such, organisers are determined to invest in the coronation, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6, recognising that the rewards will be unrivalled.
The coronation is expected to be shorter than the late Queen’s, with fewer attendees, better reflecting the modern monarchy.
Reports of a shorter, simpler service prompted fears of a “cut-price” ceremony that would send the wrong message to the world.
However, aides insisted that the only elements to be removed from the ceremony would be those now considered outdated and cumbersome.
Palace insiders and politicians are said to agree that any attempt to reduce the occasion would be a missed opportunity to showcase “UK plc” on the global stage.