Exact date King Charles III could be crowned

A date at Westminster Abbey has already been pencilled in.

The coronation of King Charles III is expected to take place next May or June.

A date in May or June at Westminster Abbey has already been pencilled in, The Sun reports.

Next June marks the 70th anniversary of the coronation of the King’s beloved mother, the Queen, who was laid to rest on Monday.

Tired Charles has flown to the Scottish Highlands to recuperate and grieve after laying his mother to rest.

But just 48 hours after the Queen’s emotional state funeral, planning has already begun for the nation’s first coronation ceremony in 70 years.

King Charles’ Coronation is likely to take place next May or June. (Photo by Andy Stenning - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The service - which sources say will be shorter, smaller and less expensive than the Queen’s coronation in 1953 - will not take place before the end of this year.

And it is understood Charles could be crowned in May or June, depending on world events.

There is also a chance it could fall on Friday, June 2 — the same date Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.

A source said: “There is no rush for the coronation and there is an awful lot of planning that needs to be done. But it will be in May or June depending on what is going on in the world.

“It potentially could happen on the anniversary of the Queen’s ­coronation on June 2 — that is one thing that is naturally considered.

“While the family remains in official royal mourning until next Monday nothing will be finalised very soon. But everyone is aware that it must happen next year and May or June is the preferred time.”

Charles is seen with his mother, the Queen, during her Coronation (Photo by AFP)

Charles has long made clear his wishes for a slimmed-down monarchy and it’s understood his coronation would be a reflection of that.

Following Monday evening’s private burial service for his mother, Charles spent the night at Windsor Castle. He left yesterday and flew with Queen Consort Camilla to his Scottish retreat Balmoral.

Sources close to the King say the past 11 days have been difficult for him as he is still grieving and feeling tired.

A source said: “Balmoral is a place where the King can see his family and at the same time read his red government boxes.

“It is a place where he can ­recuperate and get on with state business. This is exactly what the Queen Consort said Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II liked to do when she gave her tribute.”

No formal engagements will take place during this period of royal mourning, which will last until Monday.

This story was originally published by The Sun and was reproduced with permission