King Charles Coronation 2023: When Is It? How to watch in Australia

The crowning of King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla promises to be a spectacle. Here’s everything you need to know.

King Charles III will be formally crowned this weekend in a televised grand ceremony expected to be watched by hundreds of millions around the globe.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a number of other Australians are on the in-person guest list for the Coronation, which, while steeped in tradition, has some unique modern aspects.

Here’s everything you need to know before settling down with your Coronation quiche and oath of allegiance (or not).

WHEN IS THE CORONATION?

The main event – the Coronation itself – takes place in London on Saturday, May 6; there are other related happenings such as a massive concert at Windsor on Sunday night (local time), royal garden parties and a number of receptions for dignitaries and guests.

Saturday’s key action kicks off at 7.20pm AEST (10.20am in London) when the King and Queen Consort’s procession sets off from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

The service lasts for two hours, from 8pm-10pm AEST, then there is a grand procession back to the palace, with the royals expected to appear on the balcony later.

King Charles and Queen Camilla in the official Coronation portrait. Picture: Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace via Getty Images

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT AND WHAT HAPPENS?

Although Charles succeeded to the throne following the death last year of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Coronation is a ceremony to formalise that.

Although British coronations have at their heart an Anglican service at Westminster Abbey – signalling the conferment of God’s grace upon a ruler – the ceremony combines not only religion but aspects of the country’s uncodified constitution and a large degree of the pageantry and spectacle for which the UK is so well-known.

The Coronation Oath, in which the monarch swears to govern the peoples of the UK and the Commonwealth Realms “according to their respective laws and customs” is the only aspect of the ceremony which is required by law.

After Charles, his wife Camilla – currently Queen Consort – will be anointed and crowned Queen.

She will wear a crown made for Queen Mary in 1911, while Charles wears the St Edward’s Crown, the centrepiece of coronations.

CAN I WATCH IT?

You sure can, along with hundreds of millions of expected viewers around the world, on TV or via digital streaming; you can even listen on live radio.

Among options for Aussies are the ABC and Sky News’ coverage, plus the commercial networks and even streaming platform Britbox.

For maximum atmosphere, tune in from mid-late afternoon.

CAN I TAKE PART?

First the first time in history, yes – even if you are not one of the VIP guests.

Members of the public all around the globe are being invited to join in a new voluntary oath of allegiance to the King at a certain point in the service, called the Homage of the People.

It has caused a bit of controversy in the UK but is not obligatory.

In another first, faiths other than Christianity are being incorporated into the service.

And, of course, you can have parties and organise themed food and drink – more on that below.

WHICH ROYALS WILL BE PRESENT? AKA, WHAT ABOUT HARRY?

Nearly the entire immediate royal family, plus cousins and grandchildren, are expected to join the 2200-strong congregation at Westminster Abbey.

For anyone who hasn’t been watching the Sussex vs Windsor soap opera, Prince Harry is coming solo for a 24-hour visit while wife Meghan Markle stays at home with their two kids.

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AND WHO ELSE?

Also at the Abbey are foreign royals and world leaders, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley (US President Joe Biden is not going, with Washington to be represented by First Lady Jill Biden); and other notable representatives of military, community and charitable organisations in the UK and overseas – in Australia’s case, people like Victoria Cross holder Daniel Keighran and soccer star Sam Kerr.

THE BIG QUESTION: DO AUSTRALIANS GET A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?

Sorry folks. The Brits do, on Monday, May 8.

But looks like a No for Australia.

Public holidays can be announced at state as well as federal level – so have a word with your Premier.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT AND DRINK?

Whatever you like! The official dish for the day is a Coronation quiche; not the most exotic food but tasty, easy on the pocket in a cost-of-living crisis and suitable for vegetarians in an age of diversity.

And Matt Preston backs it. Try our recipe at delicious.com.au. There are five other recipes at the Coronation website, all by well-known chefs: scones, a rack of lamb, prawn and pineapple tacos, Coronation aubergine and a trifle. Get in!

There’s no official Coronation drink, but the King is allegedly keen on both gin and martini … so why not start with one of those? Recipes plus party ideas and a playlist at the official website.

HOW MUCH DOES THE CORONATION COST - AND WHO PAYS?

The exact cost of the Coronation and all its associated events will not be known or released until afterwards.

The King is known for wanting to keep royal spending down – and his Coronation is a much smaller affair than that of his mother in 1953 – but unconfirmed speculation in UK media has seen (guess)timates rise to as much as $475m, with a massive security operation to mitigate terror threats and fringe protests responsible for more than half of that.

The good news for Aussie taxpayers: the British government is paying.

WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG TO COME ABOUT?

Charles became King in September 2022, beginning the so-called Carolean era.

Reasons for the seven-month pause before his Coronation include allowing for an appropriate mourning period and a suitable gap after his late mother’s funeral, which was an enormous event; and the practicalities of preparing for such an extravaganza.