King Charles’ coronation date has sparked backlash from Harry and Meghan fans
The date is confirmed. King Charles III is officially set to be crowned on 6 May 2023, at a coronation ceremony taking place in Westminster Abbey. But royal fans have pointed out that the date clashes with another important event in the Royal Family’s calendar. Meanwhile, some members of the public have also expressed that they’re a bit miffed about a likely lack of extra bank holiday in honour of the occasion.
There are reports that the usual 1 May bank holiday could be postponed to coincide with the King’s Coronation, which would give Brits a three-day weekend (although this would not result in extra day off work, but rather a reshuffling of the holidays already in place in the UK). Former Cabinet minister David Jones told The Daily Mail: “To combine the two events would be welcomed by the entire nation. It would make a very special memory for all of us.” More on that as it develops…
Then there’s the actual date of the coronation itself: the 6 May, which is the birthday of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor (who is set to turn four next year, on the day his grandfather is crowned).
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The Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
The Ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort.— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 11, 2022
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Given that the date is Charles’s grandson’s special day, some royal fans are questioning - or even outright disagreeing with - the decision to clash the two events.
One user tweeted: “The coronation of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla will take place on May 6th 2023 - the birthday of Archie. Great move Your Majesty.”
Another person said: “Hmm, it is strange that the coronation is on Prince Archie's Birthday.”
Someone else questioned: “Is the King's coronation date the same as Archie's birthday deliberately?”
However, others were quick to point out that there's likely a very reasonable explanation for the date – and that it wouldn't have been solely down to King Charles to decided upon it.
“You do realize His Majesty probably didn’t personally pick the date? It’s a state affair, so Government is in charge of scheduling,” said one Twitter user.
It’s not yet confirmed whether Prince Harry and Meghan will attend the event or whether they would be willing to fly from their California home on their son’s birthday.
According to Forbes, The Archbishop of Canterbury and the senior bishop of the Church of England, have been tasked with holding the service at nearly every coronation since 1066, so it’s likely the date (6 May 20230) was chosen in consultation with the Government, the Church of England and the Royal Household.
“Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce that the coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023,” the Palace said.
“The coronation ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, London, and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside the Queen Consort.
“The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”
The coronation will see Charles crowned with the St Edward’s Crown and blessed during the historic ceremony. The monarch will be smeared with holy oil, and receive the orb, a coronation ring and sceptre.
Joining Charles is his wife of seventeen years and Queen Consort, Camilla, who will also be rubbed with holy oil and crowned.
Cosmopolitan UK have reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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