King Charles III: Coronation on May 6, 2023

The Accession and Coronation of King Charles III

Charles, Prince of Wales, became King Charles III immediately upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. His formal coronation ceremony took place months later.

Key Dates

• Accession: **September 8, 2022** (automatic at moment of Queen's death).
• Accession Council Proclamation: September 10, 2022 (St James's Palace).
• Coronation: **Saturday, May 6, 2023** at **Westminster Abbey**, London.
• Coronation Weekend: May 6–8, 2023 (Bank Holiday Monday May 8).

Coronation Details

• Conducted by: Archbishop of Canterbury (Justin Welby).
• Ceremony: Traditional Anglican service (Recognition, Oath, Anointing, Investiture, Enthronement, Homage).
• Queen Camilla: Crowned alongside as Queen Consort.
• Guests: ~2,300 (royalty, heads of state, community champions).
• Processions: King's Procession (Abbey → Palace), Coronation Procession (Palace → Abbey).
• Flypast: Reduced due to weather; Red Arrows + historic aircraft.

Realms

Charles III is King of **15 Commonwealth Realms**: UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Belize, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis. Each has its own Governor-General representing him.