Processions, lunches and concert to crown King Charles III

THE CORONATION WEEKEND for King Charles III will feature a star-studded concert, nationwide “big lunch” and volunteering initiative as well as the traditional ceremony and royal processions, Buckingham Palace announced late Saturday.

The three days of ceremonial, celebratory and community events in early May will be a chance for “people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion”, the palace said in an update on its much-anticipated plans.

The landmark long weekend looms with the monarchy still grappling with the fallout from the publication earlier this month of Prince Harry’s scorching tell-all memoir “Spare”, in which he made a series of incendiary claims against the family.

It is unclear whether Us-based Harry — Charles’ younger son — and his American wife Meghan will attend the coronation, with a recent Sunday Times report claiming a reconciliation could still take place prior.

Charles, 74, immediately became king when Queen Elizabeth died aged 96 on September 8 last year, ending her record-breaking 70-year reign after a year of declining health.

He also took over as head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The coronation traditionally takes place some months after a new sovereign has ascended to the throne, following a period of national and royal mourning as well as intense preparation.

PROCESSIONS

The country’s first coronation since 1953, set to be watched worldwide and feature various global dignitaries, will begin with Charles’ formal crowning at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday May 6, in a tradition dating back more than 900 years.

Buckingham Palace has previously said the service, to be conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, will reflect the monarchy’s historic traditions alongside its modern role.

“The Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry,” it noted.

Charles’ wife, Queen Consort Camilla, 75, will also be crowned.

The pair will arrive from the palace without other royals in “The King’s Procession”, before returning in a larger ceremonial entourage known as “The Coronation Procession” featuring other family members.

Once back at the palace, the opening day will conclude with the royals appearing on the balcony overlooking The Mall where thousands of people are expected to gather.

SPECIAL’ CONCERT

The next day will then see a “special coronation concert” staged at Windsor Castle, west of London, to be produced and broadcast live by the BBC and featuring “global music icons and contemporary stars”.

Several thousand pairs of tickets will be made available through a public ballot, while volunteers from charities supported by Charles and Camilla will also be able to attend