With King Charles' Coronation less than two weeks away on May 6, Britain is gearing up for an almighty celebration.
Here we present the weird, wacky and wonderful ways in which the country's tourism industry is honouring the historic event - and giving tourists the royal treatment.
Royal-inspired undertakings range from a Hilton hotel crafting a 40kg chocolate carriage to Tesco launching its first-ever pub - The King in the Castle - in honour of the event.
Scroll down for the crowning glories of the UK tourist industry's Coronation offerings...
A CORONATION-THEMED CABARET SHOW
Pictured is the cast of‘Kings & Queens’, a Coronation-themed production run byThe London Cabaret Club
The London Cabaret Club is marking the royal event by running a special production of ‘Kings & Queens’ in Bloomsbury Ballroom in central London.
The production will feature 'notable monarchs throughout history including Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, King George V and Queen Elizabeth II' and will end with a scene that shows the 'inauguration of the forthcoming King as the UK welcomes in a new era'.
'Dramatic vintage costumes' and 'explosive, expertly choreographed dance routines' are promised.The show is running from May 5 to May 7, with ticket packages ranging from £75 to £270 per person. Visit thelondoncabaretclub.com.
HILTON'S 40KG CHOCOLATE CARRIAGE
TheHilton London Bankside is exhibiting achocolate Coronation carriage that's 'adorned with sugar paste patterns and His Majesty's coat of arms'
Step into the lobby of the Hilton London Bankside, set south of the River Thames in central London, to admire the hotel's chocolate Coronation carriage.
It's 'made up of over 40 kilos (88lbs) of chocolate, adorned with sugar paste patterns and His Majesty's coat of arms, finished in a lavish gold powder'. The hotel says: 'This intricately designed sculpture took a monumental 25 days to build, standing at an impressive 181cm (71in) tall and 181cm (71in) in length, featuring a regal design inspired by that of the King’s official Coronation carriage.'
Rooms at the hotel are priced from £377. Visit hilton.com.
A LONDON EYE POD WITH A THRONE
Riders can 'sit in a re-creation of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair' in the Coronation-themed London Eye pod (shown in the rendering above)
The lastminute.com London Eye is offering guests the chance to ride in a redesigned pod - called the 'Coronation Capsule' - that replicates 'the grandeur and Gothic design of Westminster Abbey'.
A statement notes: 'The sky-high majestic capsule will be transformed creating the illusion of ribbed vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and carved stone columns.'
Riders can 'sit in a re-creation of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair' and 'hold replicas of the Crown Jewels' to 'act out their very own Coronation and take the ultimate stately selfie'.
The experience is running from April 29 to May 8. Tickets cost £60 per person and include a glass of Champagne. Visit londoneye.com.
GET 'THE ROYAL TREATMENT' WITH CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING AND AN ASTON MARTIN OUTING
Buyagift is running a contest that includes a two-night stay in The King Charles Room at the five-star Rubens at the Palace hotel
Gift voucher company Buyagift is running a competition for two people to enjoy a royal-themed weekend away that's worth £2,500. The package, called 'The Royal Treatment', includes a two-night stay in The King Charles Room at the five-star Rubens at the Palace hotel near Buckingham Palace.
The lucky winners will get an Aston Martin driving experience, a private helicopter tour of London and a clay pigeon shooting experience. Back at the hotel, there's Champagne afternoon tea and a 'fine-dining experience' to be enjoyed.
There's one caveat, however. In order to win the experience, you must share a name with a member of one of the 26 monarchies worldwide - there are 603 names in total, including Alice, Felix, and Carl.
Entries are welcome until May 7. You can enter the competition via the submission form on the Buyagift website.
FREE COCKTAILS IF YOU HAVE A ROYAL NAME
Couples with the names Charles and Camilla will be presented with a free cocktail at the Japanese restaurant Jiji in London (above)
Luxury holiday home company Habitat Escapes is offering free monarch-inspired drinks to guests with royal names
Luxury holiday home company Habitat Escapes is offering free drinks to guests with royal names at both Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds and Silverlake Estate in Dorset.
Any guests who have the same name as a monarch from the past 100 years will receive a free cocktail that has been 'designed to encapsulate the personalities of previous monarchs'.
Habitat Escapesreveals that among the offerings are 'the Elizabeth II-inspired raspberry and rose refresher, the English Rose - the perfect drink for those who, like the late queen, embody the classic beauty and elegance of an English rose', and 'for those with green fingers', there's a rosemary gin fizz named The Gardener, which 'pays homage to King Charles III’s environmentalist side'.
It's not the only zany drink offer out there - couples with the names Charles and Camilla will be presented with a free cocktail and a serving of salmon and tuna tartare at the Japanese restaurant Jijiin London's Islington neighbourhood to mark the Coronation.
Diners must show identification to prove their royal name and to claim the reward.
A HESTON BLUMENTHAL ROYAL MENU
Heston Blumenthal has designed a four-course menu that's inspired by the dishes served at previous British Coronation banquets. Above is a reinterpretation of fflampayne, a dish served at The Coronation of King Henry V in 1413
Famously inventive chef Heston Blumenthal has crafted a Coronation menu at his restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel.
The four-course menu features reinterpretations of the dishes served at previous British Coronation banquets.
Highlights include a take on the Coronation chicken tart that was served for the Coronation of King James II in 1685, a twist on the veal sweetbread served for King George IV's Coronation in 1821, and Blumenthal's version of fflampayne, a dish served at the Coronation of King Henry V in 1413.
Available from May 1 until June, the menu is priced at £155 per person. Visit mandarinoriental.com.
STAY IN THE STUNNING ROYAL SUITE AND SEE THE CROWN JEWELS WITH THE HOTEL CAFE ROYAL
Stay in the 'opulent' two-bedroom Royal Suite at Hotel Cafe Royal as part of the hotel's'Crown Jewels Experience'
Hotel Cafe Royal beside London's Piccadilly Circus is offering a 'Crown Jewels Experience' for those with cash to splash - it's priced at £12,995.
Described as the 'ultimate experience of luxury and exclusivity', it begins when guests check in to the 'opulent' two-bedroom Royal Suite.
When night falls, a chauffeur-driven limousine will 'whisk the guests away for an exclusive after-hours visit' to the Tower of London led by one of the King’s Beefeaters. It's followed by a Champagne reception and private viewing of the Crown Jewels and Royal Collection at the Jewel House, guided by a royal expert.
The following morning, a breakfast that's 'fit for a King' will be brought to the Royal Suite by a personal butler. The package is available until October 1. Visit hotelcaferoyal.com.
WATCH ARCHIVAL FILM FOOTAGE OF THE ROYALS
Watch archival footage of the royal family at London's Victory House Hotel on the Coronation weekend
Throughout the Coronation weekend, each floor of London's Victory House Hotel will have archival footage of the royals playing on giant screens.
These film reels will include unseen footage of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the royals.
After you've checked out the films, the wine bar downstairs offers views of Leicester Square, so you can watch the festivities surrounding the Coronation Procession, which will pass through nearby streets.
Rooms at Victory House Hotel are priced from £359. Visit victoryhouselondon.com.
A GOLD LEAF CORONATION COCKTAIL
Royal Lancaster London's The Monarch cocktail is adorned with gold leaf, 'adding a touch of shimmer and elegance to every sip'
Royal Lancaster London, a five-star hotel set beside London's Hyde Park, is launching a specially crafted Coronation cocktail called The Monarch.
To make the drink 'truly regal', it's adorned with gold leaf, 'adding a touch of shimmer and elegance to every sip'.
Priced at £18, the 'exquisite' cocktail features King Charles' 'favourite drink, the classic martini, with a royal twist', says the hotel.
It adds: 'Our expert mixologists have infused the vermouth with the finest Darjeeling tea, known for its delicate and floral aroma and being his majesty's favourite tea.' Visit royallancaster.com.
TESCO'S FIRST PUB, LAUNCHED IN HONOUR OF THE CORONATION
British supermarket Tesco is opening its first-ever pub to help Britons celebrate King Charles' Coronation
Supermarket chainTesco is opening its first-ever pub to celebrate the historic event - though it's worth noting that it's a temporary pop-up.
Located near Farringdon Tube station in central London, The King in the Castle pub will be open on May 4 and May 5.
Punters can tuck into a Coronation-themed menu, enjoying dishes such as 'Camilla's King Prawn Curry' served with basmati rice (£6).
Proceeds will go to the supermarket's charity partner, The Prince's Trust, which was founded by the King to support young people across the UK.
Hotel room prices correct at the time of writing.
FAQs
Who will attend King Charles coronation? ›
Three of the Queen Consort's grandsons, Gus and Louis Lopes, Freddy Parker Bowles and her great-nephew Arthur Elliot will take the same role, and be part of the procession through Westminster Abbey. Queen Camilla will be also joined by her sister Annabel Elliot and close friend Lady Lansdowne as Ladies in Attendance.
How can I watch King Charles coronation in the US? ›Viewers in the United States can watch coverage of the coronation of King Charles III on their local ABC affiliate channel. Good Morning America and ABC News hosts will be broadcasting live from London covering the preparations, processions, and traditions of the royal coronation.
Will the coronation be televised in the United States? ›Where to watch the coronation. Major cable networks and media sites will be covering the coronation. You can follow along live with USA TODAY. CBS/Paramount+: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
What time will the coronation of King Charles be? ›About the Coronation
The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6 May. The first procession will begin at 10.20am. Their Majesties will travel in procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. This is known as 'The King's Procession'.
Members of the public
On April 8, it was announced that over 1,250 volunteers and young people had been invited to either attend the ceremony itself or be part of one of its surrounding events. Buckingham Palace revealed 450 'Covid heroes' had been invited to attend the service in person.
The Coronation Service of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey will be attended by a congregation of more than 2,200 people.
What title will Camilla have when Charles is king? ›In the UK the legacy of Princess Diana—and the fact that Charles and Camilla's affair became public—make things far more complicated. Before Charles and Camilla's wedding in 2005, it was announced that Camilla would be known as Princess Consort, not Queen, if and when Charles ascends to the throne.
How much will the coronation of King Charles cost? ›King Charles' coronation: $NZ200m cost hard to swallow for struggling Britons.
Will King Charles coronation be televised? ›What to expect. The majority of the Coronation ceremony will be televised, but the anointing of the King is to be kept hidden from the public. Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was the first to be televised on June 2 1953, at her own request.
What part of the coronation was not televised? ›A gold canopy borne aloft by four Knights of the Garter on poles shielded her, and at her request, the anointing ceremony was not televised. From the altar, the dean passed to the lord great chamberlain the spurs, which were presented to Elizabeth and then placed back on the altar.
Will NBC broadcast coronation? ›
Network-affiliated stations, like ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, will be airing the coronation live. Just tune into your area's local station. CNN also plans to broadcast the coronation. Online streaming will also be available on all the networks.
How long is the coronation? ›How long will the coronation ceremony last? A full schedule hasn't been released yet, but if it is anything like Queen Elizabeth's coronation back in 1953, we can expect the service to last around three hours.
Will Charles wear the same crown as the Queen? ›It will be placed on the monarchs right hand on the fourth finger, alongside a sceptre, which dates back to 1661. So, yes, King Charles will wear the exact same crown that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, wore throughout her reign.
How do you escape the coronation? ›- Follow in the footsteps of socialist Karl Marx (quite literally) Follow/stagger in the footsteps of Karl Marx's epic pub crawl. ...
- Hang out somewhere that Charles wouldn't approve of. ...
- Go to one of these bank holiday events. ...
- Flee London altogether.
The total cost of the coronation for the new king is expected to be over Rs 1,000 crore, with more than half the amount going towards security arrangements surrounding the palace.
How much does the queen weigh? ›Date of Birth: April 21, 1926 Date of Death: September 8, 2022 (Age: 96) Height: 163 cm (5 ft 4) Weight: 70 kg or 154 pounds (approximately) Eye color: Blue Hair Color: Grey Many people think that queens or kings live like in a fairy tale and their life is rich and care free.
Which foreign royals will attend the coronation? ›In an announcement shared to the Danish Royal House's website, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark said they will “participate in the coronation of HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Great Britain” at Westminster Abbey in London.
How long after a monarch dies is the coronation? ›The coronation usually takes place several months after the death of the previous monarch, as it is considered a joyous occasion that would be inappropriate while mourning continues. This interval also gives the planners enough time to complete the elaborate arrangements required.
How many people will watch the Kings coronation? ›An estimated 27 million people in the UK watched the ceremony on television, with 11 million tuning in on the radio.
Are we going to have a coronation? ›Saturday 6th May 2023
The Coronation Service will take place on the morning of Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry.
How many people serve the royal family? ›
| department | title |
|---|---|
| Chamberlain's Office | Apothecary to the Household at Holyroodhouse* (Medical Household) |
| Chamberlain's Office | Apothecary to the Household at Windsor* (Medical Household) |
| Chamberlain's Office | Assistant Sec. (Insignia) (Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood) |
This means that neither Camilla nor Kate will ever be known as Queen, only as Queen Consort. When William becomes king, that will be the title that awaits her.
Will Camilla stay queen if Charles dies? ›The line of succession follows Charles' blood descendants, so Camilla will never become the actual queen, even if he dies before her.
Is Camilla related to Diana? ›Camilla Is Related to Both Diana and King Charles
Strangely, they are also both related to the late Princess Diana through shared ancestry dating back to King Charles II. Also note that Camilla's great-grandmother was a mistress to King Edward VII, the great-great-grandfather of King Charles.
They have been popular among the royalty of England for hundreds of years and are still popular in the UK. They are still uncommon and demand a higher price in the US, and since numerous health problems afflict the breed, it may stay that way.
How much did Elizabeth's 1 coronation cost? ›Despite facing debts of nearly £250,000 on becoming queen, the coronation cost about £16,000, such was her desire to give an impression of power. The coronation became an act of propaganda, as did her use of portraits.
How much did Queen Elizabeth's coronation cost? ›Adjusting for inflation, the £1.57 million spent on Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 comes to just £46 million today.
How long does Charles have to wait for his coronation? ›When is King Charles III's coronation? The coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, eight months on from his automatic appointment as King on September 8 last year.
Who is the next monarch of England? ›After an historic 70 years on the throne, Britain's longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 on Sept. 8, 2022. Immediately upon her passing, her eldest son Charles became the new king.
When did England's monarchy end? ›Having executed Charles I in 1649, Parliament abolished the monarchy and formed a republic under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell. The Republic barely outlived its leader, who died peacefully in his own bed in 1658.
Who pays for the coronation? ›
The King's coronation is set to cost many millions – and it falls to taxpayers to foot the bill.
What is the secret part of the Queen's coronation? ›In 1953, a canopy of cloth of gold was held over Queen Elizabeth's head for the anointing to protect her privacy. The anointing is when the Archbishop pours holy oil from the Ampulla onto the Coronation Spoon, and anoints the sovereign on the hands, breast and head.
Why did Churchill delay Queen Elizabeth's coronation? ›On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth II was sworn in as Queen of England. Prince Philip, the Queen's husband, wanted the coronation televised as a way to help modernize the monarchy. Opponents, including Winston Churchill, felt that a televised coronation would be an affront to its dignity and religious character.
Do they watch Coronation Street in America? ›Summary of How to Watch Coronation Street Online in the US
Enjoy Coronation Street Live every week and watch old episodes from the archive. Plus you can sign up to BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 and Channel 5 for loads more live UK TV channels free of charge.
Watch Coronation Street (1960) Online | Free Trial | The Roku Channel | Roku.
What time is the king's coronation on TV? ›Coverage leading up to the event will start at 6am. It will also be telecast simultaneously on other TV channels including ITV1 and Sky News. The coronation flypast is set to take place after the ceremony so expect to see it on screens around 2.30pm.
What clothes are monarchs buried in? ›More generally, royals are buried in their finest clothing and jewellery. This may include robes or gowns, gloves, shoes, hats, tiaras and other items of their regular clothing. Additionally, funerary jewellery such as rings, medallions, and brooches may also be provided.
Is Corrie the longest running TV show? ›Coronation Street is made by Granada's successor, ITV Studios, at MediaCityUK and shown in all ITV regions, as well as internationally. In 2010, upon its 50th anniversary, the series was recognised by Guinness World Records, as the world's longest-running television soap opera.
What happens on coronation day? ›What will happen at the Coronation ceremony? The King and the Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in a procession starting from Buckingham Palace known as The King's Procession. Their Majesties will be crowned in the Abbey in London in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Which crown was on Queen's coffin? ›The crown on the coffin, as Town & Country pointed out, is the Imperial State Crown, which is “made of gold and set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies,” Historic Royal Palaces wrote on its site. The crown was made for Elizabeth's father King George VI during his 1937 coronation.
Who can touch the queens crown? ›
There are strict rules surrounding the crown jewels, and only three people in the world are allowed to touch them: the current monarch (that's now King Charles III), the Archbishop of Canterbury and the crown jeweler.
What crown will Camilla wear? ›Which crown Camilla would wear for the coronation had been much debated, but Buckingham Palace finally confirmed the crown that had been chosen for her in February. She will be sporting a crown made by Garrard for Queen Mary, who was also a Queen Consort and was coronated alongside King George V in 1911.
What happens if a monarch dies before coronation? ›A new Sovereign succeeds to the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies and is proclaimed as soon as possible at an Accession Council in St James's Palace.
What does the queen hold in her hands during coronation? ›The Queen wears the Imperial State Crown, 1937 and holds the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, 1661 and Sovereign's Orb, 1661.
What would happen if the king died before his coronation? ›The British constitution specifies that the heir to the throne immediately becomes king or queen after the death of the previous monarch. There is no interregnum -- that is, a period without a reigning queen or king.
Who will pay for King Charles coronation? ›The UK government will pay for the coronation, as it is a state occasion. Per the BBC, "While it is likely to come under pressure to show sensitivity during the current cost-of-living crisis, the government is expected to use the ceremony as an important diplomatic opportunity to present the UK to the world."
How much is the Queens signature? ›The royals are banned from signing autographs publicly – to prevent both forgery and waves of loyal subjects approaching with autograph books. You can expect to pay upwards of $8,000 for a particularly good Elizabeth II signed photograph. Private letters are generally around the $1,300 mark.
What was the most expensive coronation in history? ›The total cost of the coronation was £238,000, the most expensive ever and more than twenty times the cost of the previous event in 1761.
Are all peers invited to the coronation? ›Dignitaries and representatives from other nations are also customarily invited. Hereditary peers and their spouses are also invited. For Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, 8,000 guests were squeezed into Westminster Abbey and each person had to make do with a maximum of 18 inches (46 cm) of seating.
Will the coronation of King Charles take place? ›The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, 2023.
Who went to the Queen's coronation? ›
Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Attendees
Among these guests were Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, and her son, Prince Charles. While he was not crowned alongside his wife, Prince Philip still enjoyed the royal treatment during the coronation.
An invitation refused
The King and other members of the royal family make at least 3,000 visits every year, with around 1,000 invitations sent to The King alone each year. If your invitation is refused – as many sadly must be – it will not be sent on automatically to another Member of the Royal Family.
Who organises a coronation? As it is a state event, a coronation is paid for by the UK Government. Organisation involves ministers, the Royal Household, the Church of England and the Commonwealth Realms.
Can the Queen refuse a peerage? ›As explained in Halsbury's Laws of England, the Crown does not have the power to cancel a peerage once it has been created. A peerage can only be removed by an act of parliament. The most recent act that did this was the Titles Deprivation Act 1917 (TDA). The TDA received royal assent on 8 November 1917.
Will Harry and Meghan attend Charles coronation? ›The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet." A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to Town & Country that Harry will attend, saying "The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th.
Will Camilla be crowned Queen? ›The Queen's 2022 Platinum Jubilee statement said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla should be known as Queen Consort on her death - although Buckingham Palace appears to have decided to drop the second part of that title. Camilla will be by the King's side when he is formally crowned.
How much does the Queen weigh? ›Date of Birth: April 21, 1926 Date of Death: September 8, 2022 (Age: 96) Height: 163 cm (5 ft 4) Weight: 70 kg or 154 pounds (approximately) Eye color: Blue Hair Color: Grey Many people think that queens or kings live like in a fairy tale and their life is rich and care free.
What happens to Queen Consort when king died? ›By contrast a Queen Consort, although having the same rank and equivalent titles as the King, is solely dependent on him for her position. If he died, she generally became a Queen Dowager. If she had an underage son when her husband died, she could become a Queen Regent until her son came of age.
How long will the coronation last? ›King Charles's coronation will be a three-day extravaganza of ceremony, celebration and tradition.