King Charles’ Coronation Plans Spark Speculation Of Scaled-Back Ceremony

The upcoming coronation of King Charles in May is causing speculation of a scaled-back ceremony.

Official plans for the event were released by Buckingham Palace, which announced a three-day celebration starting on May 6th.

The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey and be marked by a “solemn religious service” led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, but also as an occasion for “pomp and circumstance.” The following day will include a concert at Windsor Castle and a lunch for all of the UK.

A bank holiday and a charity event will take place on Monday. Buckingham Palace stated that the service will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, leading to speculation that the coronation may be more succinct and less extravagant than Queen Elizabeth II‘s in 1953.

The reason for this is being attributed to the current economic state and the King‘s desire not to flaunt the monarchy’s wealth in the face of the public.

Some also speculate that this subdued approach may be influenced by Prince Harry‘s recent criticism of the monarchy in his book and Netflix docuseries.