The King’s Coronation Weekend
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse in Whitby, we are getting into the regal mood as HRH King Charles III is crowned on Saturday 6th May 2023.
Watch out for bunting, flags and all things red, white and blue!
If you haven’t booked your long weekend with us yet, don’t hesitate!
What Is The Coronation?
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022, her eldest son Charles ascended to the throne.
While he’s been carrying out official duties since then, the Coronation is his official crowning ceremony.
The Coronation, the first to take place in just under seven decades, is a symbolic and religious ceremony.
This ceremony also formalises the monarch’s role as head of the Church of England.
When Was The Last Coronation Held?
On 2nd June 1953, the young Princess Elizabeth became Queen.
The three-hour traditional ceremony was watched by millions around the world.
Around 8,000 guests attended her coronation in Westminster Abbey, founded in 960AD.
The Abbey is a coronation church, starting in 1066 and is the final resting place for 17 monarchs.
The Abbey is also the location for 16 royal weddings.
Will There Be A Queen?
King Charles will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. Charles and Camilla married in 2005.
Is There A Code Name For This Event?
From what we know, the code name is Operation Golden Orb.
King Charles’ codename is Unicorn.
Who Is Invited?
As it is a State occasion, Central Government is in charge of the guest list.
Key attendees will include the Prime Minister, Heads of State and members of Royal Families from around the world.
What About the Bank Holiday?
This year, May is festooned with Bank Holiday weekends!
The Bank Holiday for the Coronation weekend takes place on Monday 8th May 2023.
Of course, like many others, we’ll be working but we’ll also ensure we’re in the coronation mood.
There are lots of events taking place to celebrate, including street parties, the Coronation Big Lunch on 7 th May, the Big Help Out on 8 th May, and more.
Pubs can also stay open until 1am.
Where Can I buy Bunting?
Plenty of local shops are stocking the Coronation Souvenirs.
Best to buy early and beat the crowds.
Is There A New Cypher?
Charles III revealed his cypher last year and this will eventually appear on letter boxes and other items as time goes on.
New coins are also in circulation.
Bank notes are expected to be in circulation in the near future.
Is There A Coronation Logo?
A new coronation logo has also been revealed, which will be used by coronation events.
The new logo includes a rose, a thistle, a daffodil, and a shamrock, emblems representing the nations across the United Kingdom.
What About The Music?
It is understood the King has chosen music for the ceremony and it will also feature 12 newly commissioned pieces.
There will be sections sung in Welsh, and there will be Greek Orthodox music, in recognition of the King’s late father, Prince Philip, who was born in Greece.
There will be lots of bell ringing, and we’re sure St Mary’s here in Whitby will be included.
How Old Is The Coronation Ceremony?
The history of our country goes back millennia, and the coronation ceremony for our monarchs has remained very much the same for over 1,000 years.
It is thought our ceremony is the only one of its kind that exists in Europe.
This year’s ceremony will be shorter than that of Queen Elizabeth II.
It will be much more inclusive, reflecting the texture and diversity of our ‘community of communities’.
There will be a King’s Procession in London on the day itself.
What are the Stages of the Service?
Fans of ‘The Crown’ drama series on TV can’t fail to be moved by the ancient ceremony that Queen Elizabeth II underwent, overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Key elements of the service include:
The Recognition: when the Sovereign is presented along with 700-year-old Coronation Chair.
The Oath: when the Sovereign swears to uphold the law and the Church of England.
The Anointing: when his ceremonial robe is removed, and Charles will sit in the ancient chair.
A gold cloth will conceal the actual anointing, which takes place on the King’s hands, chest and head.
The anointing oil is a holy one including jasmine, cinnamon and rose, made to a secret recipe.
The Investiture: when the Sovereign is presented with the Royal Orb (moral authority); the Sceptre (power); the Sovereign’s Sceptre (justice and mercy); and finally, St Edward’s Crown is placed on the King’s head.
Enthronement and Homage: King Charles III will leave the chair and move to the throne.
The King will also wear the Imperial State Crown.
Camilla, the Queen Consort, will wear Queen Mary’s Crown.
Where Can I Watch The Coronation?
You will be able to watch it at home, and nearer the time, other public showings will be announced.
Guests can also watch it in their own rooms here at the Riviera if they want to!
Other Fascinating Facts …
King Charles is the oldest monarch to be crowned in British History.
He is 73 years of age.
Other royal families expected to attend include those of Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Monaco.
As the Prince of Wales, Charles founded nearly 20 charities.
Also, the next two monarchs in the line of accession are males: new Prince of Wales, Prince William and his eldest son Prince George.
King Charles was aged just three years of age when his mother became Queen.
Charles has kept his name, despite the two previous King Charles experiencing troubled reigns.
The gap between the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation in May was to allow a respectful mourning period.
Only two kings since 1066 were not crowned: Edward V who reigned for just two months before disappearing, and Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936.
This year, Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, will pay homage to his father the King.
Also Interestingly, only female consorts are crowned at coronations, not male consorts. Think of Queen Victoria, and of course our late Queen.
Does Whitby Have Royal Connections?
We’ve looked into this here at the Riviera, and we wrote a blog last September celebrating our town’s royal connections.
What About The Riviera?
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse, we are so lucky to be located in Whitby.
We are very much looking forward to greeting all our guests for the Coronation Weekend and at other times, of course.
And if you’ve not booked your room with us yet, then don’t hesitate … book here!
