LONDON (NewsNation) — Coronation celebrations have begun in Great Britain as the royal family turns the page on a new chapter with the coronation of King Charles III, the first event of its kind in 70 years.
Although King Charles III ascended the throne when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died last year, the coronation is a religious ceremony that provides a more formal confirmation of his role as head of state and titular head of Church of England. Along with the king, his wife, Camilla, was crowned queen, a first for a wife of a UK monarch.
A procession will begin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey at about 5 am ET, 2 am PT.
The coronation is the latest event to draw the world’s eyes to the British royal family, which has been rocked by turmoil and scandal in recent years — from Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s shocking departure from royal duties and their subsequent onslaught of accusations against the family until Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, was accused of sexually assaulting a girl when he was a teenager.
In the days before the coronation, polls show the public in the UK and the US don’t really care about the event, with 64% of UK respondents saying they had little or no interest in the coronation. Meanwhile, Charles does not have the highest approval rating to Americans, though he’s not the most unpopular royal — a title that goes to his brother Prince Andrew.
The pomp, pageantry and symbolism of the occasion comes from medieval times when English kings wielded great power. About 2,000 people from all over the world are invited to attend the event in person.
The event – dubbed Operation Golden Orb – was much smaller compared to Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. Although, it was expected to include a hefty estimated $100 million price taga concern for the British public grappling with an economic downturn.
Prince Harry attended. Buckingham Palace had earlier announced he would arrive, ending months of speculation about whether the prince would be welcomed after charges of racism and media manipulation were leveled at the royal family.
How to watch a coronation
If you want to join the festivities from across the pond, here’s what you need to know to tune in:
NewsNation will broadcast the coronation live on air and online. Not sure how to find NewsNation on your TV? Use our ChannelFinder app here. The coronation can also be seen in this story.
