King Charles became monarch at the age of 73 years, and he is the first new monarch of England in more than 70 years, succeeding his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Charles has become head of the Commonwealth, which comprises an association of 56 independent countries and around 2.5 billion people.
Take a look at how the line of succession works in the British Monarchy and what Prince Charles’ coronation means for his children, grandchildren, siblings and wife, and Queen Consort Camilla.
The British Monarchy’s Line of Succession Explained
The British Monarchy’s line of succession dictates that the eldest child of the current monarch is next in line for the throne. As the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles became monarch upon her passing. While Prince Charles’ siblings (Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward) were at one time behind him in the line of succession, this changed when King Charles had his own children.
Prince Charles’ younger siblings ceased to be next in line for the throne upon the birth of Prince William and Prince Harry. Prince Charles’ children now have children of their own. After King Charles and Prince William, King Charles III’s grandchildren from Prince William are next in line.
What Happens During a Coronation Ceremony?
The coronation ceremony is an ancient occasion for celebration and it usually happens several months after their accession, that is when a new monarch succeeds to the throne upon the death of the previous king/queen. A huge amount of preparation is required to organize the event.
For the last nine centuries, the coronation ceremony has traditionally taken place at Westminster Abbey and it has been conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Thirty-eight coronations have taken place in the Abbey and the first king to be crowned was William the Conqueror in 1066.
During the coronation ceremony for a new British monarch, there is a state procession from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey. There are then six parts to the coronation ceremony.
- The Recognition: The Recognition is part of the ceremony where the monarch is first presented to the congregation within the Abbey.
- The Coronation Oath: Next, the monarch must swear the Coronation Oath, also called the Monarch’s Oath. This is where the monarch must swear to uphold the law and values of the Anglican Protestant Church.
- The Anointing: After the oath the Archbishop of Canterbury (a key participant in the ceremony) anoints the monarch with holy oil while they sit in the coronation chair.
- The Crowning: The Archbishop of Canterbury then places the crown on the Monarch’s head while the congregation chants “God Save The King” (or Queen).
- The Enthronement: Just as it sounds, the enthronement is the moment when the monarch first sits upon the throne.
- The Homage: This part of the ceremony requires Britain’s spiritual leaders, like the Archbishop of Canterbury, to declare their allegiance to the new King or Queen.
Will Camilla Be Crowned Queen?
Traditionally, when there is a Queen Consort, she is anointed and crowned at the King’s coronation, following The Homage. At King Charles’ coronation, his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, will go through this process to officially be crowned Queen Consort. Prince Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005. Queen Consort Camilla is his second wife—as Charles was originally married to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The couple divorced in 1996 and Princess Diana died in 1997.
Because Camilla is not a royal by blood and is not in the line of succession for the throne, Camilla will not be a Queen in the same capacity as Queen Elizabeth II. When King Charles eventually passes away, the throne will not pass to Camilla but to the next person in the line of succession. That person is Prince William, the eldest son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Despite Camilla’s official title being Queen Consort, the palace has confirmed that she will be referred to simply as Queen Camilla following the coronation, the same way that Prince Philip was not called Prince Consort Philip. Her official title will remain Queen Consort. To make life easier for people referring to her, she will be allowed to go by Queen Camilla.
The Coronation’s Impact Around the World
The coronation is a state occasion, which means that the parliamentary role of the British government is to pay for the ceremony. For people living in the UK, there is an official bank holiday to celebrate the event.
International figures and dignitaries, such as royals from other European nations, politicians from the commonwealth, and celebrities, are typically invited to the coronation ceremony as guests.
Find Out If You Have Royal Heritage
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