14 April 2023
Britain continues preparations for the ceremony to recognize the rule of a new king. The coronation, or crowning, of King Charles III is set for May 6. His wife Camilla will be crowned queen also.
The last time Britain coronated a ruler was June 2, 1953, when 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. Her son Charles' coronation comes almost 70 years later, following the death of Elizabeth last September.
The new king is aiming for a simpler event than the coronation of his mother, Buckingham Palace officials said. Plans call for a shorter path for the royal parade to Westminster Abbey, where the crowning takes place.
But ancient traditions and historic royal possessions will still be shown. Charles and Camilla plan to travel to Westminster Abbey in a beautiful black and gold vehicle called a carriage. Horses will pull the carriage along the parade path.
The carriage is the same one built for Elizabeth for the celebration of her 60th year as queen. Other royal objects to be expected in the ceremony include five swords and two scepters. The king will wear the so-called Sovereign's Ring. It is covered in mostly stones such as rubies and diamonds. Sovereign is another word for ruler.
Camilla is to wear Queen Mary's Crown. It was made for the coronation of Mary Teck in 1911. She was wife to Britain's King George V.
Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, will lead the ceremony. Charles will be coronated with the St. Edward's Crown, the central piece of the Crown Jewels.
The crown is very heavy. It is made of 2.2-kilograms of solid gold set with valuable stones of many colors. It is the same crown that was used in his mother's coronation. It has been refitted for her son.
After the ceremony, Charles will put on the less weighty Imperial State Crown for the parade back to the palace. Military troops on parade will salute the king and queen at Buckingham Palace, followed by three cheers from service members.
I'm Caty Weaver.
The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
crowning –n. the act of officially recognizing a new king or queen by placing a crown on their head
sword –n. a weapon having a long blade usually with a sharp point and edge
royal –adj. of, relating to, or subject to the crown
scepter –n. a baton carried by a ruler as an emblem of authority
salute –n. to show respect and recognition to (a military superior) by assuming a prescribed position