With the Coronation only days away and most of the events have now been finalised. I have listed below the various photography events happening on the weekend. Some of them are in Watford as well as others in London.
The weather does not look great on Saturday, with expected heavy rain, but it may move through quickly.
What is a Coronation?
The history of the coronation in the United Kingdom can be traced back over a thousand years, with its roots in the religious ceremonies of Anglo-Saxon and medieval monarchs. A coronation is a formal ceremony where a monarch is crowned, and it represents the official beginning of their reign. In the UK, the ceremony has evolved over time, but it has remained steeped in tradition and symbolism.
Friday 5th May 2023
Watford Market Lates, Coronation Special
Celebrate the King’s Coronation Special! Includes live music alongside craft beer, a pop-up bar and delicious street food from around the globe, including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food.
Find out more here.
Pearly Kings and Queens at Leadenhall Market
The City of London’s Leadenhall Market will welcome a Royal family of a different kind to celebrate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort with some of East London’s much-loved royals – The Pearlies. Decorated in their iridescent mother-of-pearls, a Pearly King and Pearly Prince will be greeting visitors in the splendour of the Victorian market between 11 am – 4 pm.
Find out more here.
Saturday 6th May 2023
The coronation ceremony for King Charles III and Queen Camilla is scheduled for Saturday, May 6th. The initial procession is set to commence at 10:20 am, during which the royal couple will journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a procession referred to as “The King’s Procession.” They will be transported in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, pulled by six Windsor Grey horses, while the Household Cavalry provides the Sovereign’s Escort.
The King’s Procession will follow a route that includes The Mall, traversing through Admiralty Arch, and passing south of the King Charles Island statue situated in Trafalgar Square. It will then turn onto Whitehall, proceed down the street, and continue around the east and south perimeters of Parliament Square before ultimately arriving at Westminster Abbey.
After the Coronation service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace as part of a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. The Coronation Procession will last for around 30 minutes. Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach, drawn by 8 Windsor Grey horses.
The procession will arrive at Buckingham Palace at around 1:30pm. Their Majesties will receive a salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces in the Buckingham Palace Gardens and appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. At 2:30pm, there will be a Coronation flypast by the Armed Forces over The Mall and Buckingham Palace
Underground Stations
To access the viewing areas along the Mall, use Green Park, Charing Cross, Waterloo & Picadilly Circus. St James Park will be closed.
Schedule (as of 24 April)
King’s Road Coronation Party – 6th
As part of the Royal Borough, it is only fitting that the King’s Road hosts a day of extraordinary celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles. Expect live music and entertainment inspired by the King’s passions, each captured by the ‘plein air’ artists, painting the atmosphere as celebrations unfold. The Royal Hospital’s Chelsea Pensioners will be marching, and over 100 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will parade the King’s Road from 11 am to 5.30 pm.
Find out more here.
Coronation Party at Wembley – 6th
Celebrate His Majesty’s Coronation with a FREE, fun-filled street party celebration on Saturday 6th May, from 10 am to 4 pm, in Wembley Park, with free live music and performances, special kids’ entertainment, street food markets, ‘King Charles’ selfie moments.
Find out more here.
Coronation Party Bench Trail at Tower of London – 6th til 1st September
Fifteen winners were selected from more than 1,500 fantastic entries, to be brought to life by professional artists from global public art producers Wild in Art. The sculptures share insight into the values and symbols chosen by today’s young people to define the new era, with themes ranging from unity and peace to resilience, kindness and care for the environment. The winning benches will remain onsite at the Tower of London throughout the summer.
Find out more here.
King’s Coronation Party at Battersea Power Station – 6th till 8th
Enjoy some of the best live music and unique acts (did someone say Elton John and Spice Girls tribute acts?!) both on stage and roaming around the park, inside the Turbine Halls inside the Power Station, Malaysia Square and Riverwalk. Get your royal wave ready, Battersea Power Station is hosting a King’s Coronation Party, and it’s going to be THE place to celebrate in London over the bank holiday weekend!
Find out more here.
The weather is looking wet on Saturday, so bring your umbrella or mac.
Sunday 7th May 2023
Lighting up of buildings will occur around the country for the Coronation.
Big Coronation Lunch at the Bandstand, Cassiobury Park, Watford – 7th
From 12 noon to 4 pm, organised by the council, the Elected Mayor will open an afternoon of music at the bandstand. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic whilst enjoying the coronation-themed festivities.
Find out more here.
Lighting up the Nation for the Coronation – 7th
The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.
Find out more here.
Shot List Suggestions for Editorial Photos
- Street Parties
- Coronation decorations in public places, around recognisable landmarks etc.
- Public TV screenings of the Coronation on Saturday, e.g. Big Screens in Parks, Pubs etc.
- People watching in their homes or on phones/tablets to reflect participation in the digital world.
- The public have been invited to swear their allegiance to the King during the coronation, so anything to reflect this.
- Anything else which may provide an alternative/quirky angle of the weekend’s events.
