LONDON (News Nation) – 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 such event 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 more formal confirmation of his role as head of state and honorary head of the Church of England. Along with the king, his wife Camilla is crowned as queen, a first for a wife of a monarch of the United Kingdom.
The procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey starts at about 5 am ET, 2 am PT.
The coronation is the latest event to bring the world’s attention to the British royal family, which has been rocked by turmoil and scandal in recent years – from Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s shock departure from royal duties and the subsequent onslaught of accusations against the family to Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, being accused of sexual assault by a woman when she was in adolescence.
In the days leading up to the coronation, opinion polls show the audience in both the United Kingdom and the United States Don’t really care About the event, with 64% of UK respondents saying they had little or no interest in the coronation. Meanwhile, Charles He does not have the highest approval score Among Americans, though, he’s not the most unpopular of royals – a title that passes to his brother, Prince Andrew.
The pomp, blessing and symbolism of the occasion date back to the Middle Ages when English kings wielded great power. It was about 2,000 people from all over the world invited to attend the event in person.
The event — dubbed Operation Golden Orb — is much more miniaturized compared to Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. However, it is expected to come with An exorbitant price of $100 milliona concern for the British public grappling with an economic downturn.
Prince Harry is present. Buckingham Palace earlier announced he would come, ending months of speculation over whether the prince would welcome him after accusations of racism and media manipulation were leveled at the royal family.
How to watch coronation
If you want to join in the festivities across the pond, here’s what you need to know to tune in:
NewsNation will broadcast the award ceremony live and online. Not sure how to find NewsNation on your TV? use ChannelFinder app is here. You can also watch the coronation in this story.
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