King Charles III Coronation: Great Britain’s royal family begins a new chapter on Saturday with the coronation of King Charles III – a pageant that echoes medieval times but features modern flourishes. The pomp, pageantry and symbolism dates back more than 1,000 years, but this monarch’s coronation will mark new twists and turns in the tradition since the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, 70 years ago.
Charles automatically ascended to the throne when Elizabeth died on 8 September, and two days later he was officially proclaimed King of Britain, in an ascension ceremony televised for the first time.
Charles said he was “deeply aware of this great heritage and of the duties and onerous responsibilities of sovereignty that have now devolved upon me.” There is no legal requirement for a coronation, and other European monarchies have abolished the ceremonies.
Plans for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey call for a more toned-down affair than the previous one, even though royals from other countries, heads of state and most of Charles’s family will be there, and will be dressed as the king. Elizabeth has a plan.
What is a fortune stone?
The Stone of Destiny – a 275-pound (125-kg) piece of sandstone linked to both Scottish and English monarchs – a symbol of Scottish nationalism confiscated by an English king in the 13th century and not returned until 1996 , it had to be moved to Westminster Abbey amid secrecy and tight security.
The stone has been flown from Edinburgh to London to take its traditional place under the coronation chair.
Will the Stone of Destiny be used at the coronation of King Charles III?
The weight of the coveted stone is approximately 125 kg. It is 25 years later that the Stone of Destiny was moved from Scotland to London as it would be used at the coronation ceremony of King Charles, placed under the coronation chair.
The very fragile looking stone was toppled after it was stolen from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day in 1950 and subsequently repaired.
,with inputs from AP,
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