As we count down the days to King Charles’ coronation, many are wondering who will make up the over 2000 strong guest list.
While Buckingham Palace representatives have confirmed the invitation of British MP’s, religious representatives, world leaders, and approximately 850 community and charity representatives from the British general public, very little detail has been shared regarding the specifics of who will be inside Westminster Abbey on coronation day.
As specifics begin to emerge, let’s take a deep dive into the coronation attendees.
Which British Royal Family Members are Attending?
Buckingham Palace announced through Instagram that Prince William and Princess Kate’s eldest son, Prince George, will be one of the King’s Pages of Honour that will form part of the official procession through Westminster Abbey.
Queen Camilla’s grandsons and great-nephew will also take part in the official procession as the Queen’s Pages of Honour.
Prince William is also expected to play a major role in the coronation, with the Sunday Times reporting that the Prince will take part in the ceremonial pledge of allegiance to his father by touching the St Edward’s Crown and kneeling before the new King.
After weeks of speculation, Prince Harry has also recently confirmed his attendance, with the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle remaining in California to look after their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
King Charles’ niece, Princess Eugenie, may also take part in the official proceedings however, due to the Princess being heavily pregnant, pundits are speculating that she may miss out on the coronation due to its close proximity to her due date.
A source reporting to the Independent has stated that Princess Eugenie’s mother, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, will not be accompanying her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie to her former brother-in-law’s coronation however, the Daily Mail reports that the Duchess has been extended an invitation to be a VIP guest at the coronation concert the following day.
Which World Leaders are Attending?
The new King has cultivated quite the global guestlist, with world leaders and current reigning monarchs being invited to take part in the festivities.
U.S. President Joe Biden previously announced that he will not be attending the coronation, with First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, leading the American delegation for the coronation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead the Australian delegation alongside Governor-General David Hurley, accompanied by a contingent of ‘outstanding citizens’ hand-picked by the Prime Minister.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also anticipated to attend alongside former British Prime Ministers David Cameron, Tony Blair, John Major, Theresa May, and Liz Truss.
In a break of an almost 900-year tradition, current reigning monarchs from across the world will also be in attendance.
Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, were one of the first international royals to confirm their attendance. Other international royals confirmed to be attending the coronation are Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Crown Princess Victoria, and Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.
Which Celebrities are Attending?
Although celebrity attendance at the coronation is yet to be confirmed, the British royal family are no stranger to star power at their official events.
Based on attendance at previous royal weddings/funerals, it is speculated that celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham, James Corden, Idris Elba, James Blunt, and Oprah Winfrey may be inside Westminster Abbey to witness the new King be crowned.
You can tune in to the proceedings yourself from home with streaming service BritBox via live coverage direct from the UK along with full replay and highlights.
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