Named 10 unusual facts about the coronation of Charles III: why they chose May 6

Appointed for Saturday for the convenience of the public

The coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. This will be the first coronation of a British monarch in the 21st century and the 40th to be held at this historic site since 1066. The ceremony will differ from previous coronations in its brevity, variety and modernity. Here are 10 unusual facts about the coronation of Charles III that you might not know.

* Charles came to the throne on September 8, 2022 after the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, who was the longest-lived and longest-reigning monarch in British history. He became the oldest new monarch – he will be 74 years old at the time of his coronation.

* The coronation of Charles III is held on Saturday for the first time since 1902, when Edward VII was crowned. This was done for the convenience of the public and guests, who will be able to enjoy weekends and festive events. The coronation date will also be the birthday of his grandson Archie, son of Prince Harry and Meghan. Archie will be celebrating his fourth birthday in the US, where he lives with his parents.

* Camilla, Queen Consort, will be crowned as part of the service in a shorter and simpler rite. She will not be wearing the same crown worn by Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, but a new crown made from gold and precious stones from Camilla’s personal collection.

* The coronation service will be accompanied by music chosen by Carl, with 12 new pieces, including one by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Greek Orthodox music in memory of his father, Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021.

* During the coronation of Charles III, the monarch will be anointed with the sacred coronation oil. One of the ingredients in this oil has historically been ambergris, a secretion from the intestines of the sperm whale, which was used to add fragrance. Another is the secretion of the gland of the civet, which has also been used in perfumery. The modern composition of the oil has not been disclosed, but it is assumed that it does not contain these animal components.

* In addition to the coronation ceremony, public ceremonies and celebrations are planned to mark the occasion in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the British Dependent Territories and Overseas Territories.

* The Duke of Norfolk, Edward Fitzalan-Howard, is responsible for arranging the coronation as hereditary Earl Marshal. It is the oldest ducal title in England and has been held by the Howard family since 1483. The Count Marshal is the head of the college of heralds and is responsible for organizing state ceremonies and parades.

* British monarchs traditionally sit on the 14th century King Edward’s throne at their coronation and are crowned with the 17th century solid gold crown of Saint Edward. The throne was made for the coronation of Edward I in 1296. The crown was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and weighs almost 2 kg. It is adorned with 444 precious stones, including rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.

* Elizabeth II’s coronation service in June 1953 lasted almost three hours, but royal sources suggest next year’s ceremony will be shorter, more varied and with far fewer guests. In 1953, temporary stands were built inside the abbey that allowed 8,000 guests, including the then four-year-old Prince Charles. But the abbey’s current capacity is around 2,200, which is likely to be the limit for next year. Invited guests to the coronation will include representatives of other royal families, Commonwealth and foreign governments, as well as military veterans, National Health and Human Services workers, charities and celebrities. The presence of Prince William and his wife Kate, who will be the next heirs to the throne after Charles, is also expected.

* In honor of the coronation, many restaurants and cafes across Britain prepare special dishes and drinks. Among the festive dishes is the coronation lamb with Asian marinade from the famous chef Ken Hom. This flavorful dish combines oriental and western flavors such as sesame oil, mustard and soy sauce. The meat is served with fried potatoes and green salad. Also on offer is a “Coronation Eggplant” from UK Bake winner Nadia Hussain. This is a vegetarian dish of baked eggplant with tomato sauce, cheese and cashews. The eggplant is garnished with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds. And for dessert – a strawberry-ginger trifle from Chef Adam Handling. It is a dessert made with layers of cookies, strawberry jelly, gingerbread cream and whipped cream. Trifle topped with almonds and fresh strawberries. At the official dinner at Buckingham Palace after the coronation, guests will be offered coronation quiche with spinach, beans and tarragon. This is a deep pie with crispy light dough and delicate flavors. Quiche is recommended to eat with green salad and boiled new potatoes.