11.20 am (Dutch time): Procession

King Charles and Queen Camilla board their carriage and drive from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where the coronation will take place. Two hundred British soldiers take part in the procession, and a thousand stand along the route. The procession was more modest than when Queen Elizabeth was crowned seventy years ago.

Good detail: Charles and Camilla travel to Westminster Abbey in Diamond Jubilee state carriage – according to BBC Less comfort – A golden state carriage has been used at every coronation since 1831. The diamond carriage was made in Australia in 2012 to mark Elizabeth’s 60th birthday. The Gold State carriage is used on the way back from the coronation.

The first fans are already waiting on the track:

12 noon: Westminster Abbey service

Charles and Camilla will arrive at Westminster Abbey at noon, with the service lasting two hours. Compared to Elizabeth’s coronation, few guests have been invited, according to United Kingdom journalist Anne Chanen. “This was done deliberately to keep the service cheap. At this time of inflation, the royal family did not think it wise to invite thousands of people. Charles chose to invite many ordinary Britons instead of heads of state and people. The nobility . 850 citizens who received ribbons or volunteered.”

Willem-Alexander and Maxima

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima have also received an invitation. Princess Beatrix and Princess Amalia, who were not allowed to attend the coronation, have been invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace on Friday evening.

The service consists of several phases. In the first phase, King Charles is presented to ‘the people’. In the second stage, Charles takes the coronation oath. In it he pledges to uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign and to remain ‘a staunch Protestant’.

Blessed Olive Oil

The third phase revolves around the anointing of consecrated olive oil in Jerusalem. Charles became not only the official King of England, but also the head of the Anglican Church. “The consecrated oil is poured into a very special silver spoon. The spoon dates back to the twelfth century and has been used for anointing since 1603,” says Sanen. We cannot see the holy rituals. “It’s a very private, intimate moment that happens out of sight of the world. A golden curtain will be placed around the chair.”

Crown 2.2 kg

The fourth phase is the highest moment when Charles is actually crowned. “The crown was made of pure gold, with over four hundred precious stones and weighed 2.2 kg. Elizabeth sometimes let it slip that the crown was too heavy,” says Chanen. And precious, of course. “After the service, the crown is immediately locked away in the Tower of London. All other crown jewels of the British royal family are.”

After the coronation, Charles will ascend the throne. Then it was Camila’s turn. She is also anointed, crowned, and placed on the throne, but unlike Charles, she does not have to swear an oath. Good news for Camilla: her crown weighs only 590 grams.

3:30 pm: Buckingham Palace balcony view

Since the coronation of Edward VII in 1902, it has been customary for the new monarch to greet the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The British royal family has yet to announce which family members will be in attendance, but it is certain that Princes Harry and Andrew will not be in the balcony, according to Channen.

“Harry has said he will fly to America immediately after the coronation, in his own words so he can attend his son Archie’s birthday. I think this is a wise choice. The English are delighted at his arrival at the coronation. To show that he cares for his father, but if he pays too much attention, he won’t be appreciated by people.”

Have a picnic and drink beer

And the British people? “63 percent of Brits say they have no plans on Coronation Day, but I doubt it. If the sun shines, they’ll go outside, you face it anyway. Most Brits will have a picnic and a beer. It’s very nice and comfortable,” says the reporter.

That tourism tradition is also taken into account. “A royal dish always comes out with a coronation. For example, Elizabeth brought out Coronation Chicken, a kind of chicken curry sandwich that you can still find in supermarkets under that name.” Charles has already shared his favorite recipe. “He goes for a quiche with broad beans and spinach.”

Concert

It suggests that the rest of the weekend is a feast in England British royal family. On Sunday, May 7, the King will perform a concert at Windsor Castle that will be broadcast live. Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will perform. Monday 8th May is all about volunteering and is an official holiday for the British.