On the 6th of May, an important event will take place in London, England. The Coronation Procession, which marks the beginning of a new reign, will be a grand display of British history and tradition.
In this article, we will take a closer look at this momentous occasion, from the King’s Procession to the final Royal Salute.
The King’s Procession
The day will begin with the King’s Procession, which will depart from Buckingham Palace and travel to Westminster Abbey.
Their Majesties will travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, a majestic carriage created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in 2012. The coach’s gilded crown was carved from oak taken from HMS Victory, while its interior features samples of woods, metals, and other materials from buildings and places with specific connections to Britain and its history.
The procession will be accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, and it will pass through Admiralty Arch and down Whitehall, along Parliament Street, and around the east and south sides of Parliament Square to arrive at the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey. The Coronation Service will begin at 11 o’clock.
The Coronation Procession
After the Coronation Service, the Coronation Procession will take place, which will be much larger in scale than the King’s Procession.
This time, the procession will take the same route in reverse, from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The procession will include Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, alongside The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen.
Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach, which was commissioned in 1760 and first used by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762. The coach has been used at every Coronation since that of William IV in 1831.
The coach will be drawn by eight Windsor Greys and will travel at a walking pace due to its weight of four tonnes.
The Final Royal Salute
Upon returning to Buckingham Palace, Their Majesties will receive a Royal Salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces who have been on parade that day.
The Royal Salute will be followed by three cheers from the assembled service personnel, as a tribute from the Armed Forces on parade to The King and The Queen Consort on the day of Their Majesties’ Coronation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Coronation Procession is an event steeped in tradition and history, one that marks the beginning of a new reign. The grandeur of the procession, with its majestic coaches and military escorts, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.
As the world watches, we can appreciate the beauty of this unique event and the rich history of the country it represents.
Images: Buckingham Palace