Fun Coronation Day Facts for Kids

We thought we would share some awesome fun Facts about Coronation Day that you might not know about and help with the question many children have.

Prince Charles Philip Arthur George was born at Buckingham Palace on 14th November 1948 at 9.14pm, weighing 7lbs 6oz. He became heir apparent in 1952 at the age of three and went on to become the longest serving Prince of Wales.

King Charles III succeeded to the Throne on 8th September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest-reigning British monarch, a reign of 70 years and 214 days.

Coronation Day is going to be held on Saturday 6th May 2023, during which he will be crowned King. King Charles III will be crowned in Westminster Abbey, with his wife The Queen Consort being crowned beside him.

What Is a Coronation?

From the second the previous monarch dies or abdicates (stands down) a new king or queen becomes the monarch and this is called ascension. The planning for his or her coronation will also begin pretty much immediately.

A coronation is a full of pageantry and celebration where a king or queen is officially given the crown of the country. The ceremony also has a solemn religious side, similar to a marriage ceremony, but its between the monarch and their country.

Where Does the Coronation Take Place?

The Coronation of King Charles III will be taking place in Westminster Abbey in London. His Majesty will be the fortieth Sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey.

Every Coronation since 1066 has been held at Westminster Abbey, in fact it was designed to be not only a wonderful monastery and place of worship, but also a place for the coronation and burial of monarchs.

Before the Abbey was built, Coronations were carried out wherever was convenient and have taken place in Bath, Oxford and Canterbury.

Who Leads the Coronation?

Since the Coronations have been held in Westminster Abbey, the ceremony has nearly always been done by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the leader of the Church of England, and this post is currently held by a man who is called Justin Welby.

What Happens at the Coronation?

What happens during a coronation service for the British monarch has been kept the same for around 1000 years, so we have a far idea of what is going to happen at King Charles III coronation.

The night before the coronation the Regalia is brought from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey, where it is kept overnight in the Jerusalem Chamber, guarded by Yeoman Warders.

The morning of the coronation the clergy of Westminster Abbey takes the Regalia into the church, placing most of it on the High Altar, apart from the Imperial State Crown, that’s taken to the altar in St Edward’s Chapel.

At the start you will see King Charles III make his way from the west end of the Abbey through the nave and choir to the Theatre. The Archbishop of Canterbury presents him to everyone and he takes an oath.

Next King Charles III will take off the Sovereign’s crimson robe and sit in the Coronation Chair, where four knights of the garter conceal him from view by holding up a canopy, as the archbishop anoints the Sovereign with holy oil on the hands, the breast and the head. This is done by using a coronation spoon, which has been used at every coronation since 1349 to anoint the monarch with a secret mixture of oils.

After the anointing, King Charles III will return to the Coronation Chair where he is given the with the Regalia, such as the orb and sceptres. Then the St Edward’s Crown will be placed on his head and Trumpet fanfares will be heard. These are known as the Crown Jewels.

The Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London and made up of the orb, sceptres and the crown itself. They are on public display, so families can visit after the coronation and see them up close.

The newly crowned King Charles III will leave the Coronation Chair and moves to the Throne where he will be visible to all and at that moment takes possession of the kingdom. You will hear singing which will see King Charles III wife, Camilla crowned as Queen Consort.

One of the last parts of the service will see King Charles III receive Holy Communion, Gloria in Excelsis is sung and the archbishop gives the Blessing. He will then go into the St Edward’s Chapel behind the Altar and put on a robe of purple velvet and exchanges St Edward’s Crown for the lighter Imperial State Crown. Finally, carrying the Sceptre and the Orb King Charles III will move from the Abbey to the Annexe at the west end.

Another thing to keep an eye out for is the Gold State Coach, it was made for coronations and weights a hefty 4 tonnes. It is pulled by eight horses and many royals who have travelled in it have apparently said it’s not very comfortable to travel in.

Fun Coronation Day Facts for Kids

• The coronation service was created for the coronation of King Edgar in 973.
• Queen Victoria’s Coronation lasted five hours long and Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation lasted three hours, which had more than 8000 guests.
• The youngest ever monarch was Mary, Queen of Scots, who became Queen in 1542 when she was just six days old.
• King Charles III will be crowned in St Edward’s Chair, which was made in 1300 for Edward I and used at every Coronation since then. It is permanently kept in Westminster Abbey.
• The Coronation Oath and the Accession Declaration Oath are the only aspects of the ceremony that are required by law.
• The St. Edward’s Crown that will be placed on King Charles III head was made in 1661. It’s heavy as it’s made of solid gold and weighs 4lbs 12 oz  / about 2.2kg.
• During the coronation the Queen Consort will wear Queen Mary’s Crown. This will be the first time a Consort’s crown has been re-used since the 18th century, so will be a one to keep an eye out for as it will feature diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewellery collection.
• Coronation chicken was invented for the banquet of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
• In 2023, Anglican churches will mark the coronation by ringing a special peal of bells in an event called ‘Ring for the King – Ringing for the King’s Coronation’.
• Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t the only one to occupy the Coronation Chair on 2nd June 1953. On the morning of her Coronation, a black cat called Matins was found sleeping on the chair in Westminster Abbey, wonder if anything like this might happen again this time.

Fun Facts about His Majesty the King

• Although King Charles was born in November his official birthday will now be 2nd Saturday of June every year and will be celebrated with Trooping the Colours.
• The King has three siblings. Two sons with Diana, Princes of Wales. They are Prince William and Harry. Prince William is next in line to the throne and is now the Prince of Wales in his place of his dad. He also has two stepchildren, five grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.
• King Charles III was the first heir to the throne to earn a university degree. He studied archaeology and anthropology in his first year at the University of Cambridge, switching to history for the remainder of his degree. His Majesty also spent a term in 1969 at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth learning Welsh, and still speaks it today.
• King Charles III was known as the Prince of Wales. Whilst the Prince of Wales, His Majesty became President or Patron of over 800 charities and initiatives in total and was the longest serving Prince of Wales.
• His Majesty started a charity The Prince’s Trust with his Navy severance pay of just over £7000 in 1976. This charity has now supported over one million young people.
• The King has had a frog named after him, called Hyloscirtus Princecherlesi or Prince Charles Magnificent Tree Frog.
• He is also an author witing, The Old Man of Lochnagar, which is based on stories he told his younger brothers when they were growing up. The King has also written books on the natural world and the environment including ‘Harmony’; and ‘Climate Change, a Ladybird Expert Book’.
• King Charles III become King on 8^th September 2022 at age of 72 years, 298 days, making him the oldest “new” King (monarch) in history.
• In his spare time King Charles III enjoys to paint, especially using watercolours. He loves polo and his favourite food is Italian.

If your planning to hold street party or fun family get together for Coronation day, why not check our ideas for red, white and blue Coronation Party Food.