BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 fast facts about King Charles’ coronation

Whether or not you’re a royalist, you probably have some opinions on the upcoming King Charles III coronation taking place in London tomorrow (Saturday).

If there’s one thing the British royal family knows how to do well, it’s put on a show, and the coronation is already shaping up to be the event of the year.

Here are some fun facts to get you excited.

1. Westminster Abbey

The venue of almost all major royal events, King Charles III will officially be coronated at Westminster Abbey. Every coronation has been held at this venue for almost a thousand years, starting in 1066 with Charles the 40th crowned here.

2. Operation Golden Orb

This coronation has been a long time coming, and nobody knows that better than Charles! His mother was queen for 70 years, making her the longest-reigning British monarch in history. Following her death last year, Charles was finally able to ascend the throne, and Operation Golden Orb – the secret code name for his coronation – could play out.

3. All ceremonial

The coronation is completely ceremonial as Charles, the heir to the throne, became king immediately upon the queen’s passing. The Accession Council meets within days of this event at St James’ Palace to legally confirm his status, but there is no time when there isn’t a monarch on the throne.

4. The king’s crown

The actual crown that King Charles III will be wearing is St Edward’s crown which is made of solid gold and consists of 244 precious stones. The crown was removed from the Tower of London – where it is usually on display for visitors – so it could be resized to fit the new king. Queen Consort Camilla will wear Queen Mary’s crown on the day.

5. More jewels

In addition to his eye-catching crown, Charles will be invested with the regalia of the sovereign’s golden orb and jewel-encrusted sceptres. These crown jewels are held in trust by the king and queen for the nation at the Tower of London, and then handed down to the next monarch upon their accession.

6. Anointing oils

Both Charles and Camilla will be anointed at the coronation with a mixture of oils that has been used for centuries. The oil is consecrated in Jerusalem and produced from olives grown in the groves on the Mount of Olives at the Monastery of the Ascension and the Monastery of Mary Magdalene. This is actually the burial place of Charles’ grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece.

7. Quick quiche

The king and queen announced that the official coronation dish will be a coronation quiche. This is not to be confused with coronation chicken, a well-known filling for sandwiches, that was invented for foreign guests attending the Queen’s ceremony. If you’re looking to make tomorrow an authentically royal affair, check out the coronation quiche recipe here: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/coronation-quiche

Sources:
https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/top-10-facts/top-10-facts-about-the-kings-coronation/
https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/essential-oils-and-a-secret-code-name-things-you-didn-t-know-about-the-coronation-1.6327751