When Is the Coronation of King Charles III? How to Watch Ceremony, Guest List, Performers and More

King Charles III ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. While the longtime royal has already stepped into his new duties, the preparations have begun for his official coronation. During the prestigious historical event, his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, will also be crowned. Keep reading to learn everything we know about King Charles III’s 2023 coronation.

What Is a Coronation?

A coronation is the “religious ceremony during which a sovereign is crowned and the physical act of placing a crown on a monarch’s head,” according to the BBC. 

The process formalizes the transfer of titles and powers given to the Monarch as the head of the Church of England. However, it is “symbolic” as Charles automatically became King the moment Queen Elizabeth II died. 

Where Will King Charles III’s Coronation Take Place?

The coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey. The historic church has been the setting for British coronations for the past 900 years. 

When Is the Coronation of King Charles III?

The coronation of King Charles III is on Saturday, May 6. 

What Time Is King Charles III’s Coronation?

Buckingham Palace has to confirm a schedule for the coronation, however, his predecessor’s coronation in February 1953 took place at 11:15 A.M. to give a rough estimate. 

How to Watch or Stream King Charles III’s Coronation

The ceremony is expected to be broadcast live and more information on live online streams will be revealed closer to the event. 

Who Will Attend King Charles III’s Coronation?

King Charles III’s coronation is considered a state occasion, meaning the government will control who attends the event. 

While Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation saw over 8,000 guests, the event for King Charles III is expected to be smaller, closer to 2,000 attendees. The guest list will include the royal family, representatives from the House of Parliament and prominent politicians from around the world. 

Who Is Performing at King Charles III’s Coronation?

The celebrations for King Charles III’s coronation take place for three days following the ceremony. The day after the coronation, Buckingham Palace promises to bring “global music icons and contemporary stars together” as part of The Coronation Concert,  according to an official statement released by the royal entity in January 2023 and reports from the BBC. 

King Charles III’s coronation will see performances from British band Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench and Sir Bryn Terfel, who confirmed his role amid the coronation in a statement to In Touch.

“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen by His Majesty to be one of the many musicians performing at this historic occasion,” he said. “As artists, we all know of His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to our rich cultural traditions, and I look forward to this magnificent day with great anticipation.”

More performers are slated to be announced in the coming weeks.

“I am excited to be performing at the Coronation Concert, and helping to shine a further light on the British Asian Trust’s Children’s Protection Fund, whose work includes on-ground initiatives to fundraising, with the aim to find solutions to child trafficking,” Perry told the BBC on April 14, ahead of her performance. Perry was made an ambassador of The British Asian Trust in 2020.

Additional representatives for the performers did not immediately respond to In Touch‘s request for comment.

Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend King Charles III’s Coronation?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received an invitation to King Charles III’s coronation, a rep for the former royal couple told Us Weekly. 

“I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation,” the rep for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed on March 5. “An immediate decision on whether The Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.”

Prince Harry declined to confirm his appearance at his father’s coronation in January 2023, noting “there’s a lot that can happen between now and then.”

“The door is always open,” the Spare author told ITV News anchor Tom Bradby. “The ball is in their court. There’s a lot to be discussed, and I really hope that they are willing to sit down and talk about it.”

On April 12, Harry was confirmed to be attending the event without his wife. 

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th,” a statement from the palace read. “The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”

Will Prince William and Princess Kate’s Kids Be Taking Part In the Coronation?

The couple’s oldest child, Prince George, will be serving as one of four Pages of Honor, who will carry the king’s robes during the procession into Westminster Abbey. William and Kate’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, and youngest child, Prince Louis, will also be in attendance to watch their grandfather’s coronation. The kids were photographed during rehearsals for the event on May 2, but aren’t expected to have formal roles.