How to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III of England in Charlotte
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With deep ties to England in the history of the Carolinas, it’s fair to expect that there are more than a few Anglophiles hanging around who will be tuning in to watch King Charles’ coronation on Saturday, May 6.
After all, the Carolinas were even named after King Charles I of England. And our fair city, Charlotte, was named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
We couldn’t all get tickets to North Carolina’s Coronation Garden Party in Raleigh, sponsored by the Daughters of the British Empire of North Carolina — it’s sold out. But we can still celebrate right here in Charlotte, of course. We even rounded up what you’ll need to know to fully participate in the coronation events in the Queen City and help get you prepared.
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Coronation details
The Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla is taking place at Westminster Abbey in London.
In the U.S., you’ll have to get up early to watch — it starts at 5 a.m. and should be broadcast on most major news networks and streaming services. (And because it’s that early, we’ve got some suggestions for you to prepare in advance below. ⬇️)
The big bash also carries events through the weekend. On Sunday, May 7, there’s a 3 p.m. coronation concert, featuring Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry and other singers. You can catch that on the BBC News Channel.
How to celebrate in Charlotte
Big Ben Pub
Location: 1535 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Big Ben Pub, named after the famed clock tower in London, doesn’t open until 10 a.m. — long after the coronation is expected to end. But you can watch the events, take a nap and then head out for a Full English Breakfast at the restaurant to keep the festivities going. The traditional meal comes with two eggs, an English banger, English bacon, baked beans, Big Ben’s spuds, grilled tomato and grilled mushrooms, plus toast.
Cost: $13
Central Coffee
Location: 719 Louise Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Plan ahead and pick up some scones on Friday from Central Coffee that you can munch on while you spot celebrities and conduct fit checks. The locally owned coffee shop’s sells blueberry, chocolate chip, and spinach and feta varieties, plus seasonal offerings of raspberry almond and Earl Grey tea. You can also call ahead to order catering sized portions or frozen ones to bake at home at 704-335-7288.
Price: $2.50 each
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The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
Location: 2326 Arty Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary doesn’t open until 1 p.m. on Saturdays, so we suggest you pick up some tea earlier in the week to brew at home while you watch all the royals’ pomp and circumstance. You can opt for playing it safe and traditional with Earl Grey, or shake things up with one of the shop’s most popular options, such as Turmeric Ginger or Raspberry Green.
Price: Varies upon selection, but most varieties run about $5.50 for an ounce.
Table & Twine
Location: 2600 Youngblood St., Charlotte, NC 28203
You can celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in true royal style with the Coronation Afternoon Tea Package. The package for four people includes savory finger sandwiches and mini quiches, scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, and assorted pastries, plus tea from the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island.
Order online for pickup or delivery on Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5.
Cost: $129
