Coronation news – latest: David Dimbleby ‘turns down’ chance to cover event as ‘slimmed down’ plans unveiled
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Veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby has turned down the chance to play a role in the BBC’s coverage of the King’s coronation, according to reports.
The BBC’s coverage of the 6 May event will be led by Kirsty Young, 54, in a studio outside Buckingham Palace, with Huw Edwards, 61, and Clare Balding, 52, providing commentary.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has unveiled official plans for the “slimmed down” coronation, ahead of the ceremony on 6 May.
The procession route has been revealed and will be noticeably different from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day in 1953.
In comparison to his mother, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s procession is set to stretch just 1.3 miles, a quarter of the length of Elizabeth’s. Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street have been cut out of the new route.
The coronation will be attended by 2,000 guests, marking a departure from the late Queen’s coronation, which saw 8,000 guests present.
Royals news - latest updates
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Queen Camilla will hold ivory sceptre during coronation ceremony
Camilla Queen Consort to be crowned Queen Camilla at coronation
Prince George will have special role in King Charles’ coronation
Queen Camilla will hold ivory sceptre during coronation ceremony
Monday 10 April 2023 09:43 , Ellie Muir
Queen Camilla will use an ivory sceptre during her and King Charles III’s coronation ceremony in May, despite reports suggesting it might be avoided.
The ceremony traditionally features deeply symbolic objects that represent the royal duties and responsibilities of the new monarch and his wife.
It is understood that Camilla will hold a gold sceptre surmounted by a cross and a second staff made of ivory and topped by a dove during the coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
The ivory sceptre, which has been used by every Queen Consort at previous coronations since 1685, is part of the crown jewels and regalia held in trust by the monarch for the nation.
Read the full story below:
Queen Camilla will hold ivory sceptre during coronation ceremony
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Monday 10 April 2023 13:30 , Ellie Muir
In the past, the royal balcony appearances have featured many members of the royal family as the late Queen Elizabeth II would often have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren joining her.
But as King Charles has long been an advocate of a slimmed-down monarchy and it is understood that, as he commences his reign, the balcony will hold a much smaller number of royals.
It has been reported that only working members of the royal family will appear on the balcony on the day of the coronation.
Last year, during the late Queen’s balcony appearance for her platinum jubilee, only Charles, Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Waleses’ three children were present.
Read the full story below:
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Harry and Meghan facing ‘time crunch’ to confirm coronation attendance
Monday 10 April 2023 13:00 , Ellie Muir
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will soon make their decision about attending the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, it has been reported.
With only a month to go before the coronation ceremony takes place in Westminster Abbey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a “time crunch” to confirm their attendance.
It comes after US president Joe Biden informed the King he would not be attending the event, but would send his wife, Jill Biden, to represent the US at the ceremony.
A source was quoted by The Times as saying: “I hear [the Sussexes] are going to confirm their plans soon, particularly now that Biden has.”
In early March, Harry and Meghan indicated that they have received “email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation” but have yet to disclose their decision.
Read the full story below:
Harry and Meghan facing ‘time crunch’ to confirm coronation attendance
Sarah Ferguson says parents today would ‘never dream of using the language’ hers used
Monday 10 April 2023 12:30 , Ellie Muir
The Duchess of York has reflected on her childhood and the language used by her parents growing up.
In a new interview, Sarah Ferguson opened up about how her mother, Susan Barrantes, was “a child herself” when she started her family with Ronald Ferguson.
The duchess, 63, recalled how her father “used to call me a sheep’s a***” and her mother would “hit me” if she refused to eat semolina.
Speaking to The Times, Ferguson said: “My mother was a beautiful woman but she was a child herself. She didn’t know how to be a mummy.
“We would never dream now of using the language my parents used on us as children. Dad used to call me a sheep’s a***. If I refused to eat my semolina, Mum would hit me and say she needed to beat the devil out of me.”
Read the full story below:
Sarah Ferguson says parents today would ‘never dream of using the language’ hers used
Fans delight in Prince William and George’s identical reactions during Aston Villa game
Monday 10 April 2023 11:45 , Ellie Muir
Fans have pointed out that Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was the spitting image of his father while watching Aston Villa’s match against Nottingham Forest.
Father and son were seen in the stands with Villa chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday (8 April).
George, nine, has followed in Prince William’s footsteps as an avid fan and supporter of Aston Villa, and cheered them on in the stands.
Read the full story below:
Fans delight in William and George’s twin reactions at Aston Villa game
What is King Charles III’s coronation procession route?
Monday 10 April 2023 11:15 , Ellie Muir
It has been revealed that Charles’ procession will also be quite different from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation day.
Elizabeth’s grand procession took two hours and featured tens of thousands of participants, stretching five miles long.
In comparison to his mother, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s procession is set to stretch just 1.3 miles, a quarter of the length of Elizabeth’s.
After the ceremony, they will make their way back to Westminster Abbey via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace.
This is the reverse of their route to the Abbey, but will mean cutting out Piccadilly, Oxford Street and Regent Street – the route that Elizabeth took to wave at crowds along the way.
My colleague Kate Ng has the full story below:
What is King Charles III’s coronation procession route?
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Monday 10 April 2023 10:45 , Ellie Muir
Buckingham Palace has revealed an official emoji to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The colourful cartoon motif depicts the 17th century jewelled solid gold St Edward’s Crown with purple velvet cap – the regalia which will be used to crown the King on 6 May.
It is the first emoji created for a British coronation, with the last crowning taking place 70 years ago, before the invention of social media, mobile phones and even the internet.
Read the full story below:
This is the official Twitter emoji for King Charles’s coronation
Prince Harry branded ‘Meghan Markle’s hostage’ by royal aides, author claims
Monday 10 April 2023 10:14 , Ellie Muir
Royal aides allegedly described Prince Harry as “Meghan’s hostage” behind the couple’s back, according to an author of a new royal book.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson, author of a new book titled Our King Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, claimed that the royal aides blamed Meghan Markle for Harry stepping back from his royal duties and moving to California in 2020.
“Some blame Meghan Markle for the fallout, ignoring the fact that Harry seems to be the driving force in everything that happened,” Jobson wrote.
The author also claimed that the aides believed the Duke of Sussex had Stockholm syndrome – when victims empathise with their captors.
“There was a point when officials joked Harry was the victim of Stockholm syndrome, and he was Meghan’s hostage, but now most just feel Harry has turned his back on everything he has known.”
Royal aides branded Prince Harry as ‘Meghan Markle’s hostage’, author claims
Camilla to be crowned Queen at coronation next month, King Charles confirms
Thursday 6 April 2023 21:00 , Kate Ng
Queen Consort Camilla will officially be named Queen Camilla at King Charles III’s coronation next month.
The newly-released invitations for the British monarch’s forthcoming coronation revealed Camilla Parker-Bowles’ new title. She was referred to as Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year.
Meredith Clark has the story:
Camilla to be crowned Queen at coronation next month, King Charles confirms
Who is attending King Charles’ coronation?
Thursday 6 April 2023 20:30 , Kate Ng
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned at their coronation on Saturday 6 May. The couple will be joined by hundreds of guests at Westminster Abbey, including senior members of the royal family, politicians and celebrities. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct the ceremony.
While the venue can seat up to 2,200 guests, it is unknown how many invites Buckingham Palace has sent out, and many attendees won’t be confirmed until the actual day of the event.
Here’s who we think might make the list:
All of the celebrities and royals attending King Charles’ coronation
Sarah Ferguson ‘doesn’t know’ how King Charles is coping ahead of coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 20:00 , Kate Ng
Sarah Ferguson has admitted she doesn’t know how King Charles III is coping with his new role as monarch.
In an interview with The Independent, published on Wednesday 5 April, the Duchess of York, 63, shared her thoughts on King Charles’s reign.
Sarah Ferguson ‘doesn’t know’ how King Charles is coping ahead of coronation
William, Prince of Wales: A timeline of the heir’s life ahead of King Charles’s coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 19:30 , Kate Ng
As the coronation draws closer, many may be wanting to know more about the Prince of Wales, who will be present as his father is crowned King.
Ellie Muir tells you everything you need to know about Prince William:
A timeline of Prince William’s life ahead of King Charles’s coronation
Jill Biden to attend King Charles’ coronation without president
Thursday 6 April 2023 19:00 , Kate Ng
Joe Biden has revealed that he will not be attending King Charles III’s coronation and that his wife Jill Biden will be going without him.
The White House confirmed in a readout of Biden’s call with the King, shared on 4 April, that the first lady will be going to the coronation in May to represent the US.
Amber Raiken reports:
Jill Biden to attend King Charles’ coronation without president
Harry and Meghan ‘to confirm coronation plans soon’ following Biden decision
Thursday 6 April 2023 18:30 , Kate Ng
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will soon make their decision about attending the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, it has been reported.
With only a month to go before the coronation ceremony takes place in Westminster Abbey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a “time crunch” to confirm their attendance.
Get the full story:
Harry and Meghan ‘to confirm coronation plans soon’ following Biden decision
Sarah Ferguson says royals ‘can’t have it both ways’ if they choose to leave
Thursday 6 April 2023 18:00 , Kate Ng
The Duchess of York has said that members of the royal family who choose to leave the fold “can’t sit on the fence” and must decide whether they want to be “in or out”.
Her comments come amid ongoing tensions between the royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have repeatedly aired their grievances over Buckingham Palace’s relationship with the tabloid press since they stepped down as senior royals in 2020.
Read her comments below:
Sarah Ferguson says royals ‘can’t have it both ways’ after Meghan and Harry exit
Artist who painted invitation for King’s coronation ‘sworn to secrecy’
Thursday 6 April 2023 17:30 , Kate Ng
The artist who painted the invitation for King Charles III’s coronation has revealed that he was sworn to secrecy as he made the design.
Andrew Jamieson, 61, didn’t even tell his mother or children that he had been chosen to create the artwork for the reported 2,000 guests who will arrive at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
Ellie Muir reports:
Artist who painted invitation for King Charles III’s coronation ‘sworn to secrecy’
Prince George will have special role in King Charles’ coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 17:00 , Kate Ng
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will each have four Pages of Honour supporting them on the day of the coronation, with the monarch’s nine-year-old grandson Prince George expected to take on one of the official roles.
On Tuesday 4 April, Buckingham Palace announced that George, who is second-in-line to the throne and the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, would join three other pages for the King.
Find out more:
The special role Prince George will have in King Charles’ coronation
Prince Harry set to give evidence in court case against Mirror newspaper publisher
Thursday 6 April 2023 16:30 , Kate Ng
The Duke of Sussex is to return to the High Court in London in June to give evidence in his claim against a tabloid newspaper publisher over phone-hacking allegations.
Harry is one of a number of high-profile figures bringing damages claims against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over alleged unlawful information gathering at its titles.
Read more:
Prince Harry set to give evidence in court case against Mirror newspaper publisher
White House says Biden’s decision to skip King Charles’s coronation is not a snub
Thursday 6 April 2023 16:00 , Kate Ng
The White House has defended President Joe Biden’s decision not to attend the coronation of King Charles III next month after it was announced First Lady Jill Biden would be attending “on behalf of the United States”.
On 5 April, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about Mr Biden’s decision as head of state not to attend the upcoming coronation of the King and Queen on 6 May during a press conference, and whether it would be construed as a “snub”.
Chelsea Ritschel reports:
White House says Biden’s decision to skip King Charles’s coronation is not a snub
IN PICTURES: King Charles and Queen Camilla step out for Maundy Thursday
Thursday 6 April 2023 15:38 , Kate Ng
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were out and about on Thursday morning (6 April) as they attended a church service for Maundy Thursday at York Minster.
The royal couple, who are exactly a month away from their coronation, also distributed Maundy Money to select members of the community.
Queen Camilla appears in public for first time since title change
Thursday 6 April 2023 14:26 , Kate Ng
Queen Camilla has made her first public appearance since her title was confirmed as Queen, instead of Queen Consort.
She attended the Royal Maundy Service at York Minster on Thursday morning (6 April) and accompanied King Charles III as he distributed Maundy Money for the first time as Britain’s new monarch.
Queen Camilla appears in public for first time since title change
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Thursday 6 April 2023 14:00 , Ellie Muir
On Saturday 6 May, after King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the monarch will appear on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony to wave at the crowds.
In the past, the royal balcony appearances have featured many members of the royal family as the late Queen Elizabeth II would often have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren joining her.
But as King Charles has long been an advocate of a slimmed-down monarchy and it is understood that, as he commences his reign, the balcony will hold a much smaller number of royals.
It has been reported that only working members of the royal family will appear on the balcony on the day of the coronation.
Read the full story below:
King Charles’ coronation balcony appearance to include ‘working royals only’
Take a closer look at the coronation invitations
Thursday 6 April 2023 13:30 , Ellie Muir
Take a closer look at the coronation invitations below:
New photograph of the King and Queen Consort released ahead of coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 13:00 , Ellie Muir
Maundy Thursday 2023: What is the meaning of the Christian holy day?
Thursday 6 April 2023 12:30 , Ellie Muir
Following the arrival of Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, Christians around the world will prepare to celebrate Easter weekend.
Before Good Friday, there is another significant date that is observed on the Christian calendar: Maundy Thursday.
While the day may not warrant a day off work, it is still a crucial occasion for those that observe Christian teachings in Western and Orthodox churches.
In the UK, the late Queen Elizabeth II would usually give Maundy money to pensioners as an act of charity and to mark the occasion.
This year, King Charles will present 74 men and 74 women, with the number chosen to signify his age, with a Maundy gift.
What is the meaning of Maundy Thursday?
The fascinating history behind the throne King Charles will sit on at his coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 12:00 , Ellie Muir
During the crowning and anointing parts of the coronation ceremony, which are said to be the most sacred parts, King Charles will sit upon the 700-year-old Coronation Chair.
The throne has been at the centre of English coronations since it was made by order of King Edward I between 1300 and 1301. Westminster Abbey, where it is located, describes the chair as “one of the most precious and famous pieces of furniture in the world”.
Read the full story below:
The fascinating history behind the throne King Charles will sit on at his coronation
King Charles III ‘to break from tradition’ with specific outfit choice for coronation
Thursday 6 April 2023 11:30 , Ellie Muir
King Charles III has been advised to wear an outfit for his coronation that goes against previous royal tradition, according to reports.
The monarch acceded to the throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September.
His coronation is set to take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, in an event that has been teased to “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry”.
In previous ceremonies, the King or Queen has traditionally worn silk stockings and breeches. However, recent reports have claimed that King Charles will opt to wear his military uniform instead.
Read the full story below:
King Charles III ‘to break from tradition’ with coronation outfit choice
Artist who painted invitation for King’s coronation ‘sworn to secrecy’
Thursday 6 April 2023 11:00 , Ellie Muir
The artist who painted the invitation for King Charles III’s coronation has revealed that he was sworn to secrecy as he made the design.
Andrew Jamieson, 61, didn’t even tell his mother or children that he had been chosen to create the artwork for the reported 2,000 guests who will arrive at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
His design, which was revealed to the public on Tuesday night (4 April), was painted in watercolour and gouache and recalls the coronation emblem, accompanied by illustrations of wildflowers. The artwork will be printed on recycled card with gold foil detailing.
Artist who painted invitation for King Charles III’s coronation ‘sworn to secrecy’
‘No one can break the York family’: Sarah Ferguson on Andrew, Diana and Prince Harry, and her new Mills & Boon whodunit
Thursday 6 April 2023 10:20 , Ellie Muir
The Duchess of York talks to Charlotte Cripps about feeling broken, living through her heroines and plastic surgery
Sarah Ferguson on Andrew, Harry and her new Mills & Boon whodunit
The ancient symbolism behind King Charles’s coronation invite design
Thursday 6 April 2023 09:50 , Ellie Muir
The ancient symbolism behind King Charles’s coronation invite design
