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HM The King and The President of the Portuguese Republic will Mark the 650th Anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance

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Royal Life Magazine
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King Charles III meets the public on a walk about after attending an official council meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town, ahead of a visit to Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary, 2022.
King Charles III meets the public on a walk about after attending an official council meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline, Fife, to formally mark the conferral of city status on the former town, ahead of a visit to Dunfermline Abbey to mark its 950th anniversary, 2022.

HIS MAJESTY THE KING AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC WILL ATTEND A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING TO MARK THE 650TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANGLO-PORTUGUESE ALLIANCE

Thursday 15th June 2023

His Majesty The King and The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will attend a service of thanksgiving to mark the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.

This service, which will include readings and a psalm in both English and Portuguese as well as music from Portuguese and English composers, is the culmination of the Portugal-UK 650 celebrations that began in The Queen’s Chapel in 2019.

The Queen’s Chapel was the chapel of the Portuguese-born Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II. Her coat of arms, combining the arms of Portugal and the United Kingdom, features above the altar and in the gallery.

The Portugal-UK 650 commemorations mark the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force. To date Portugal-UK 650 has organised more than 300 activities and projects in both countries, in collaboration with 210 institutions.

The alliance, based on the perpetual friendship between the two countries, was first formalised with the signing of the Treaty of Tagilde on 10th July 1372. It was formally constituted by the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Alliance, sealed at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, on 16th June 1373 by King Edward III of England and King Fernando and Queen Leonor of Portugal.

The alliance was renewed in the Treaty of Windsor of 1386, and by several other treaties throughout the centuries.

On arrival at The Queen’s Chapel, His Majesty and the President of the Portuguese Republic will be welcomed by members of UK and Portuguese Armed Forces and met by the Sub Dean of The Queen’s Chapel, The Reverend Canon Paul Wright LVO, who will introduce Dr Maria Joao Rodrigues de Araújo, President of Portugal-UK 650.

The service will include a short address by Dr Maria Joao Rodrigues de Araújo, President of Portugal-UK 650, and will conclude with the National Anthems of both countries.

After the service, the King and the President will view the original Treaty of Tagilde from 1373 from the National Archives, receive a gift from Portugal-UK 650 and meet some of those who have been involved in the celebrations.

The King’s Coronation: Gun salutes

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Royal Life Magazine
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Members of the Honourable Artillery Company during the Gun Salute at the Tower of London to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, September 9, 2022.
Members of the Honourable Artillery Company during the Gun Salute at the Tower of London to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II, September 9, 2022.

The King’s Coronation: Gun salutes

At 12:01 pm on Coronation Day, at the exact moment the St Edward’s Crown is placed on The King’s head, a six-gun salvo will be fired on Horse Guards Parade, and gun salutes will be fired at saluting stations across the UK, in overseas territories, and on His Majesty’s ships at sea.

But what’s the significance of these salutes, where will they take place, who will fire the guns and why will a different number of rounds be fired depending on the location?

Gun salutes have existed for centuries as a sign of respect or welcome, both on land and at sea, marking special occasions or military honours.

The tradition dates from the 15th Century when ships visiting foreign ports would discharge all their guns out to sea on arrival to show they came in peace.

British ships carried seven guns so seven shots became the standard to signal that the ship was now unarmed. The guns onshore would welcome the incoming ships by firing three rounds for every shot fired from the ships – putting the total number of shots fired at 21. This explains the 21-gun salute, the most common number of gun salutes used today. 

A traditional Royal Salute comprises 21 rounds with an additional 20 rounds fired in royal parks, such as Hyde Park.

In 1946 King George VI instructed the War Office to form a horsed battery to carry out the ceremonial salutes in London and so the Riding Troop Royal Horse Artillery was formed. In 1947 the King, whilst visiting the Troop, renamed it The King’s Troop RHA.

Horse Guards Parade – A six-gun salvo, where all six Guns fire once at the same time, will be fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (KTRHA) at the precise moment His Majesty is crowned King. This mounted unit fires Gun Salutes to mark the grand occasions of State, including royal anniversaries, State Visits, and the State Opening of Parliament. 

This six-gun salvo is a unique salute for the Coronation designed for maximum impact and to create a sound that will be clearly heard within Westminster Abbey.

71 horses will ride out on to Horse Guards Parade, of which 36 will pull six First World War-era 13-pounder Field Guns. The six guns will be positioned ten metres apart, in front of the Horse Guards Building and will face towards Buckingham Palace.

There are only ten such quick-fire howitzer guns still in existence. All the guns saw active service in both the First World War, where they were drawn through the mud-ridden fields of France, and the Second World War, when they were prepared as anti-aircraft guns. 

Each gun is maintained by a limber gunner to an exacting standard. This is a significant challenge given there is no published maintenance manual nor spare parts. It takes approximately 100 hours to prepare each gun for state occasions. 

King’s Troop soldiers have a vital operational role. They are trained as fighting soldiers first and foremost and when the Army deploys on operations the KTRHA provides drivers who deliver ammunition to artillery units around the battlefield. They are the most diverse and representative of any unit in the British Army, with a 50/50 male/female demographic.

Tower of London – On the anniversary of the Birth, Accession or Coronation of the Sovereign, 62 guns are fired from the Tower of London. This is made up of the Royal Salute comprising the traditional 21 rounds, a further 21 rounds to show the loyalty of the City of London to the Crown, and a final 20 rounds as the Tower is a royal palace and fortress.

Historically, every king needed the support of the City of London to hold their throne. Without the loyalty of its citizens to the monarch, ancient kings could not control the country. Even today, the King still needs the permission of the Lord Mayor of London to enter the square mile City of London.

A (1st City of London) Battery, Honourable Artillery Company will fire the 62 round Royal Salute from the Tower of London. This Army unit is a 105mm Light Gun battery that provides a reserve to 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

The Guns fired at the Tower of London will be three L118 105mm ceremonial Light Guns, converted from Guns that previously saw action during the Falklands conflict. 

Battery Commander Major Matt Aldridge will have overall command of the salute, giving the fire orders, controlling the guns, and maintaining a rate of fire of ten seconds between rounds. 

The Coronation gun salute of 21 rounds will be fired, with each gun firing at ten second intervals, at all Saluting Stations in the UK and Gibraltar, except for the Tower of London’s 62 round Royal Salute. These are the Army Saluting Stations across the UK: 

Scotland, Edinburgh Castle – 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (Scottish and Ulster Gunners) (105 RA), a Close Support Light Gun Regiment, part of the Army Reserve, will fire the gun salute. Since their formation, which can be traced back to around 1859, 105 RA have deployed on or supported nearly every theatre of operation, from the First and Second World Wars, through to Iraq and Afghanistan and most recently Operation Cabrit in Estonia. 

Scotland, Stirling Castle – The gun salute will be fired by troops from 53 Battery, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery. This Battery participated in Coronation parades in Dusseldorf in 1953 for the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of the British Army of the Rhine commemorations and in Delhi in 1903 for the Delhi Durbar for the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VII. Troops from 53 Battery at Stirling Castle will be wearing the Maroon Beret with Number One Dress which signifies service with 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Before the union with England, Stirling Castle was a Scottish royal residence, a palace as well as a fortress. Several Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542, and others were born or died there.

Wales, Cardiff Castle – The gun salute will be fired by 104th Regiment Royal Artillery, an Army Reserve unit located across South Wales, southwest England and the West Midlands. The unit is equipped with the 105mm Light Gun and carries out all gun salutes in Wales, most recently to mark the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Cardiff Castle remains the principal saluting station in Wales, but events have also taken place in Cardiff Bay, at Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, as well as at Caernarfon Castle in North Wales. The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh and The Band of The Prince of Wales regularly play at these events, with The Goat Major and Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, the Regimental Goat of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, and The Farrior Major and Lance Corporal Emrys Forlan Jones, a Welsh mountain pony from 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry), also being regular attendees.  

Northern Ireland, Belfast, Hillsborough Castle – 206 (Ulster) Battery, 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) will fire the gun salute. 105 Regiment Royal Artillery is closely attached to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, their regular army counterparts, with whom they provide Artillery support as part of 7th Light Mechanised Brigade, also known as The Desert Rats. 

206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery also have a ceremonial duty to fulfil and are tasked to carry out Royal Salutes throughout the year. The Battery fired a 96 round Royal Salute to commemorate the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II as well as 21 round Royal Salutes for the national and regional proclamations of King Charles III and the arrival of King Charles III in Northern Ireland, where each member of the Saluting Troop was honoured to meet the King.

Colchester, Castle Park – The gun salute will be fired by 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) – known as the Airborne Gunners – who are based at Merville Barracks, Colchester and equipped with L118 105mm Light Guns. The unit’s role is to provide joint fires to 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army’s global response force, which is held at very high readiness to deploy anywhere in the world. 

Stonehenge – The gun salute at this ancient site will be carried out by 14 Regiment Royal Artillery, the training support regiment of the Royal School of Artillery which prepares new Gunners for their initial regimental role. Stonehenge stood at the heart of the world’s largest military camp during the First World War. One million men trained for war there between 1914 and 1918, coming from across the Commonwealth.

York, Museum Gardens – The salute will be fired by 4th Regiment Royal Artillery (the North East Gunners), a close support artillery regiment armed with the L118 Light Gun, a 105mm artillery piece. The regiment normally provides fire support to light role infantry brigades (ones not mounted in the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle) but has also deployed outside this role, such as in Northern Ireland, or more recently as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force on Op Tosca in Cyprus. 

Plymouth, Royal Citadel – 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery will fire the salute with a 105mm Light Gun, the artillery gun used by the Regiment. A regiment of Commando Gunners held at very high readiness, these soldiers specialise in amphibious operations, mountain, desert, jungle and arctic warfare.

There will also be a Saluting Station at MOD Gibraltar, located at His Majesty’s Naval Base, at the end of Queensway Quay. The salute will be fired by Headquarters Company (Thomson’s Battery) Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG).

This RG, known as The Barbarians, was formed in 1958, with the specific Battery named in honour of the late Sir Willie Thomson OBE, JP. After firing the 21-round salvo, the Inspecting Officer, Commodore Tom Guy, Commander British Forces Gibraltar, will be accompanied into the Tower by Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Moore, Commanding Officer of the RG.

TV/Radio Coverage of the Coronation of His Majesty The King

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Royal Life Magazine
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Coronation Emblem
Coronation Emblem

BBC unveils special coverage and programming to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort

Saturday 6 May

The Coronation

A live broadcast that will cover all of the ceremonial events as they unfold throughout the day, from the early military movements to the formal processions in the lead up to the Westminster Abbey service.

The BBC will provide an extensive network of cameras to give audiences a front row seat on the ceremonial route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. Bespoke commentary, starting with the atmosphere on the streets of London as the street-liners take position, will set the scene for the departure of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort from Buckingham Palace.

In Westminster Abbey, thousands of guests from the UK and around the world will gather, including politicians past and present, faith leaders, The King and Queen Consort’s patronages and members of the Royal Family. With the arrival of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, the BBC will capture the unique Coronation Service in all its majesty. The architectural splendour of The Abbey will be a breath-taking backdrop to the words and music of the Order of the Service.

The day will continue with the return procession to Buckingham Palace. As the Royal Family are received at The Mall, the BBC will capture the moment that the nation welcomes its newly crowned monarchs before the events culminate in the balcony appearance.

What time is the Coronation on TV?

You can watch coverage of The Coronation on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 7.30am on Saturday 6 May 2023.

Coverage begins with The Coronation of HM The King: The Preparation and is followed by coverage of The Coronation of HM The King: The Coronation from 10.15am. The Coronation of HM The King: The Celebration will air from 1pm. These programmes will be broadcast on both BBC One and BBC Two with sign language available on BBC Two.

There will also be accessible coverage for people who are blind or partially sighted on Red Button, hosted by Petroc Trelawny.

Radio 3 will also be reflecting the music of the Coronation and the musical interests of The King in the week leading up to the Coronation and on the day itself.

Coverage will simulcast across BBC Radio 4, 5 Live, Radio 3, BBC World Service and BBC Sounds in the UK.

How to watch coverage of the Coronation on the BBC outside the UK

Audiences outside the UK will be able to watch on the BBC News channel, or listen on the World Service.

BBC Studios Productions will be responsible for the broadcast of the Coronation.

Sunday 7 May

Coronation Concert

A unique Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle to celebrate the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort.

Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of this historic occasion.

The concert will be attended by a public audience including volunteers from The King and The Queen Consort’s many charity affiliations. It will see a 74 piece world-class classical orchestra to include the strings of the Countess of Wessex String Orchestra and woodwind, brass and percussion sections from the Bands of the Household Division play interpretations of musical favourites fronted by fantastic entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance and the arts. The performances will be supported by staging and effects located on the Castle’s East Lawn and will also feature a selection of spoken word sequences delivered by stars of stage and screen.

Through a national ballot held by the BBC, five thousand members of the public are being selected to receive a pair of free tickets for the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.

Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. The 300 strong choir will include singing groups ranging from London Cabbies, an all-deaf sign performance group, a Northern Irish farming community and an LGBTQ+ choir; to a Gaelic choir hailing from the Western Isles of Scotland, Hull’s NHS choir, a traditional male voice choir from Caerphilly and a refugee choir, also from Wales.

A centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, potential drone displays and illuminations.

BBC Studios Productions will produce, stage and broadcast the Coronation Concert for BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

What time is the Coronation Concert on?

The Coronation Concert will be broadcast from 8pm on Sunday 7 May 2023.

TV: Special programming

(both past and to come…)

Sunday 23 April

Countryfile – The King and the Countryside – Hamza Yassin and Charlotte Smith are at Dumfries House, the Ayrshire showcase of the abiding rural passions of King Charles – from farming to education, the renaissance of country crafts to the revival of wildlife.

Ahead of the Coronation, Countryfile celebrates Britain’s King Of The Countryside. Hamza discovers The King’s love of wildlife and how environmental efforts at Dumfries have encouraged the return of countless creatures. Charlotte discovers how education projects are teaching local children about field to fork, and Adam Henson joins Elizabeth Buchanan on her farm with her prized herd of Sussex cattle. She was by The King’s side from the very beginning of The Princes’ Countryside Fund.

Sunday 30 April

Charles R: The Making of a Monarch tells the story of King Charles III’s more than seven decades as heir to the throne. During that period, every step of Charles’ life was captured on camera and his words recorded: from newsreel to home movies from interviews to documentaries – both about him and by him. This sixty minute documentary brings together a wealth of material, much rarely seen or unseen.

Songs of Praise: The King’s Journey to Coronation – Aled Jones visits Highgrove House and the gardens which are a testament to King Charles’ lifelong desire to champion causes close to his heart, especially for the environment. Gyles Brandreth recalls important events that have shaped the life and faith of King Charles and we also hear about the pioneering work of The Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by The King after leaving the Navy. The Dean of Westminster reveals the preparations for the upcoming ceremony and about the sacred symbols used in Coronations.

From Monday 1 May

The One Show will launch the Coronation week starting with a one-hour special featuring the brilliant work being done across all the nations and communities of the UK in the build-up to the biggest weekend of the year.

We’ll be hearing from those people up and down the country whose lives have been touched by The King and the Queen Consort and looking ahead to the weekend with insights into what people can expect from the first ceremonial event of its kind in over 70 years.

EastEnders will mark the historical occasion with a Coronation-themed street party in Albert Square hosted by the residents of Walford who come together to celebrate the festivities of the day just as those around the nation will be celebrating this summer. Viewers can expect to see the community spirit of Walford at an all-time high as the residents attempt to leave their drama at the door, but whether the day will go ahead without a hitch is yet to be revealed.

Wednesday 3 May

Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King – The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant goes behind the scenes at the family firm making ceremonial uniforms for King Charles’s coronation. 

Tasked with creating thousands of bespoke uniforms for the big day, the Kashket family have been making spectacular ceremonial wear for four generations. As well as discovering the skill and craftmanship required to create these unique garments, Patrick also meets some of the men and women of the armed forces who will wear them.

Friday 5 May

Sing For The King: The Search for the Coronation Choir – Across the four corners of Britain, on stages and behind closed doors, thousands of communities, friends, neighbours and colleagues are getting together to experience the power, joy and togetherness singing in a choir brings.

Now, as the nation prepares for the Coronation of His Majesty The King, a very special choir – made up of singing groups of all shapes and sizes to give a true representation of the diverse range of faces, places and voices that makes up modern Britain today – will be given the once in a lifetime chance to sing their hearts out for The King and Queen Consort at the Coronation Concert, as well as the millions who will be watching around the world.

Ready to roll up their sleeves and put the choirs through their paces are celebrity mentors Gareth Malone, Motsi Mabuse, Amanda Holden and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Drawing on their individual areas of expertise, they will coach, challenge and inspire the choirs to give a pitch-perfect performance and overcome the inevitable nerves that come with singing in front of royalty at Windsor Castle.

The final 300 strong choir will feature singing groups ranging from London Cabbies, an all-deaf sign performance group, a Northern Irish farming community and an LGBTQ+ choir; to a Gaelic choir hailing from the Western Isles of Scotland, Hull’s NHS choir, a traditional male voice choir from Caerphilly and a refugee choir, also from Wales. We’ll also hear Yorkshire’s only female South Asian choir, the London Fire Brigade and a troupe of RNLI sea shanty singers from Portishead – all of whom provide a highly-valued community for their members and serve a meaningful purpose beyond singing alone.

As the documentary draws to a close, and with the concert performance just days away, we’ll see the final Coronation choir meet at Windsor Castle where all 300 will sing together for the very first time in an uplifting and emotional final rehearsal.

Royal Bargain Hunt – Christina Trevanion hosts a special Coronation episode of Bargain Hunt at Newark Antiques fair in which the red and blue teams are made up of royal fans, guided by experts Raj Bisram and Roo Irvine. The teams will have £300 to spend on three items and royal themed-antiques are very much on their shopping lists. Both teams are challenged to buy at least one item featuring a crown and their buys will be sold at Richard Winterton Auctioneers in Lichfield. Which team will make the most profit and win this Coronation competition?

Sunday 7 May

Coronation Kitchen Live – To mark the historical event of the Coronation of King Charles III, Saturday Kitchen will broadcast live and look ahead to the Big Lunch and the Coronation Concert.

Michelin starred chef Adam Byatt will rustle up a dish he cooked for The King and Queen when they ate at his restaurant back in 2021. Star of BBC’s Royal Recipes, Anna Haugh will make a dish fit for royalty, giving her passionate modern twists to historical royal recipes. Matt Tebbutt will create dishes that will work well for the Big Lunch, as well as snacks for watching the concert

Celebrity guests will join our party to share memories of Charles and the wider Royal family and our resident expert Helen McGinn will have an array of drinks, perfect for any celebration!

Antiques Roadshow Coronation Special – The Antiques Roadshow celebrates Britain’s fascination with all things regal by taking a look through the archives at some of the most intriguing artefacts with royal connections that have appeared on the show.

The episode will look at the tradition of royal gifts, including exquisitely crafted treasures that have been given by kings and queens to trusted members of staff, such as a jewelled bracelet given by Queen Victoria to a lady-in-waiting.

Songs of Praise: A Coronation Celebration – Katherine Jenkins and Pam Rhodes visit the magnificent Hampton Court Palace to look back into royal history and to look forward to what may define King Charles’ reign. Speaking to historians, faith leaders and those who share The King’s passions, they celebrate the Coronation and discuss what will shape the reign to come.

Radio & Sounds

Radio 2

Saturday 6 May

Pick of the Pops – Paul Gambaccini celebrates the Coronation by playing two top twenty charts from key weeks in King Charles’ life: November 1966, the week of King Charles’ 18th birthday, and the chart from his 50th birthday in 1998.

Sunday 7 May

The Coronation Concert at the Castle – Radio 2 captures the atmosphere of the Coronation Concert live from Windsor Castle. Ahead of the event, Zoe Ball will be speaking to the performers as well as those who have made the whole evening possible. Dermot O’Leary will be amongst the crowds that have gathered to find out their stories and sharing their anticipation, ahead of the concert which will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, with commentary by Jason Mohammad.

On BBC Sounds from 14 April

The Coronation Collection – In a series of pocket guides, award-winning television and radio presenter Elle Osili-Wood takes a look at different aspects of the Coronation of King Charles III. Across the collection, Elle is joined by historians, royal commentators and special guests as they explore the history and significance of The Orb and Sceptre, St Edward’s Crown, The Coronation Oath, The Anointing, and The Abbey.

Each Coronation Pocket Guide will be released on BBC Sounds on Friday 14 April and be broadcast across Jeremy Vine’s show on Radio 2 from Monday to Friday, in the lead up to Saturday 6 May.

The King & I – Sara Cox presents a special programme featuring the stories of people who have met The King over the years. She hears from contributors such as Stephen Fry, Judi Love, Joanna Lumley, Jay Blades, Dame Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell, Rod Stewart and Carol Vorderman. There will also be contributions from listeners who will share their memories of meeting The King. The programme will be accompanied by a soundtrack of The King’s favourite music.

In Youth We Trust – How the Prince’s Trust Saved Me – In 1976, after completing his time in the Royal Navy, the then Prince of Wales used his severance pay to set up an organisation that has gone on to help one million young people, many of them disadvantaged.

This programme will feature incredible stories from those whose careers were kickstarted by the trust, including actors Idris Elba and David Oyelowo, music producer Naughty Boy, and bands Stereophonics and Muse, amongst others. Listeners will hear from stars who have collaborated with the organisation and been involved in its concerts, such as Elton John, Brian May and Paul McCartney.

On BBC Sounds from end of April

The King’s Garden – This programme shines a light on the gardens at Highgrove. The gardens have been designed, as The King says, ‘To please the eye and sit in harmony with nature.’ Presenter Zoe Ball visits the gardens, which attract thousands of visitors every year, for a special behind the scenes tour. She will speak to those who work there and find out what makes Highgrove so special.

Radio 3

  • Radio 3 celebrates the Coronation with a live broadcast of music from Westminster Abbey from 9am, with Katie Derham introducing performances by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, Sir Antonio Pappano and the Coronation Orchestra, with a programme of traditional repertoire and new commissions.

Radio 4

  • The Coronation celebrations will be reflected in The Archers. Ambridge aims to rival the crown jewels in sparkle to mark the Coronation, while some characters in the world’s longest running continuing drama will be able to draw upon their memories of the Coronation of The King’s mother.

Saturday 29 April

  • Charles: the Making of a King – King Charles is the sixty-fourth sovereign in a family line stretching back over a thousand years. Few people have been so prepared for a job they’ve waited most of a lifetime to attain. Sarah Montague looks back at the people and events which shaped Britain’s longest serving Prince of Wales, and examines how the legacy left to him by his mother, Queen Elizabeth the Second, will shape the path he chooses as monarch.

Monday 1 May

  • Beyond Belief: Divine Right – At its heart the Coronation is a religious service, steeped in ancient ritual. Aleem Maqbool and the panel explore the religious symbolism of the Coronation and discuss what this service means in the modern day and to King Charles III.
  • Stone of Destiny – Scottish poet Len Pennie goes in search of the student plotters and literary sensations who schemed to get back the ultimate symbol of Scotland – the stone of Scone. It was the early mediaeval inauguration seat of the Scottish kings, sitting blamelessly in Scone Abbey waiting to be taken out every time a new monarch had to be made. But then it was taken – in 1296 King Edward I wanted to extinguish Scots kingship so he grabbed the stone and took it to Westminster Abbey to sit in a coronation chair for the Kings of England. There was surprisingly little fuss. But then in the early 20th century something stirred. Scottish home rulers and nationalists wanted it back and the stone became a symbol not just of sovereignty but of outrage and injustice. All kinds of marvellous schemes were dreamt up to get it back. At Christmas 1950 one of them succeeded. Join Len to find out how a lump of Perthshire sandstone became the subject of an Ealing comedy style heist.

Sunday 7 May

  • Desert Island Discs – The castaway is the historian Professor Peter Hennessy, one of the UK’s leading contemporary historians and an expert on the British constitution. During the course of an engaging interview he reflects on his life chronicling post-war Britain and his respect and affection for Queen Elizabeth II.

5 Live

  • 5 Live will head to the heart of the action with programming coming live from London in advance of the Coronation ceremony with Tony Livesey presenting 5 Live Drive on Friday May 5 and 5 Live Breakfast with Rachel Burden and Chris Warburton on Saturday 6 May.

World Service English

  • The Day I Met The King – As The King is crowned at Westminster Abbey, Orna Merchant presents a special programme of people’s recollections of meeting King Charles III of the United Kingdom. King Charles, who is the monarch of 14 other Commonwealth realms around the world, succeeded to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II – Britain’s longest ever reigning monarch, in September 2022. Prior to becoming King, Charles had been the longest serving Prince of Wales in history. Here people from all over the globe remember their meetings with King Charles over the years.
  • The Documentary: The Making of King Charles – Charles III waited a very long time to become King. While he was waiting, he filled his life with activity on behalf of favoured causes like the environment, charities like The Princes Trust, and places over which he would one day reign. In the process he attracted criticism for meddling, and praise for intervening – two sides of the same coin. On the eve of his Coronation, this documentary will examine what he got up to, what it says about the type of person he is, and whether it points to what kind of King he will be.
  • Witness History presents a week of special programming looking at Monarchies and Kings past, in the run up to the Coronation to King Charles III

BBC News

In the run up to the Coronation, BBC News will be covering the preparations in London and Windsor as well as talking to communities across the UK about their celebrations and participation in the Big Help Out. Correspondents will be looking at the views of the nations of the UK, the Commonwealth, the monarchy, the new King and Queen Consort and what’s changed since the last coronation in 1953 – which was ground-breaking for live TV coverage.

On Coronation Day, BBC News will provide comprehensive coverage with live presentation from Westminster Abbey and with contributions from correspondents across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. On Sunday, there will be a BBC News Special covering the UK’s street parties and celebrations.

Children’s

Newsround will cover the Coronation on all platforms (daily bulletins, online and social media) and will explain the history and significance of the Coronation of a new monarch, as well as provide live coverage of the event itself.

Blue Peter – On Friday 5 May, the Blue Peter studio will be decorated with bunting triangles designed by children. Presenter Joel will also be challenged to join the Royal Marines band where he will rehearse and perform as a drummer with the marching band who will feature in the Coronation parade.

BBC Education

BBC Teach will create a video-led assembly pack for primary schools to mark the Coronation. Supplemented by key images, the pack will suggest reflection and ‘pause for thought’ questions, as well as a suggested framework for teachers to use in the classroom about the momentous occasion.

England

Local Radio

  • On the morning of the Coronation, Local Radio will join teams from around the country to hear how they are marking the historical day. On Sunday, we will hear from those taking part in The Big Lunch reflecting how people are joining together for the event. Monday 8 May will look at the efforts of volunteering as part of BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference initiative.

Scotland

  • BBC Radio Scotland will cover the Coronation across its news output as well as providing live coverage of the event
  • BBC Radio Nan Gaidheal will be covering the build-up on the day of the Coronation and the ceremony itself in Gaelic. Beginning at 10am, Cathy MacDonald and Catriona Murray will be providing commentary.

Wales

For BBC Radio Wales

  • King and Country: How Wales Made a Monarch – Before Charles became King, he was Prince of Wales. It was a role he took more seriously than any predecessor, but what impact did he make in Wales, and what does it tell us about how he will reign? Being Prince of Wales meant more than a title to Charles, and interviews with those he encountered will paint a picture of the work he did in business, culture and conservation.
  • The Day I Met The King – He’s been waiting to take to the throne for his entire lifetime and we all think we know him but who is the real King Charles III, king of 15 realms, leader of the Commonwealth and the longest ever serving Prince of Wales?

Northern Ireland

  • There will be coverage across BBC Radio Ulster/ Foyle and BBC Sounds with scheduled programmes in the lead up to and on the Coronation weekend, reflecting the occasion and local plans. These will include a special Gardeners’ Corner ‘Highgrove and Hillsborough’ programme on Saturday 6 May looking at Northern Ireland’s horticultural links with The Monarchy.
  • Classical Connections With John Toal and Sounds Sacred will feature a mix of 30 minutes of music, including two hymns, recorded by the Royal Irish Regiments, based in Holywood County Down, who will have a key role to play locally at the time of the Coronation.

iPlayer Quality and Accessibility

Viewers will be able to watch the Coronation in the best possible picture on BBC iPlayer – with the entire event streaming live from multiple locations in Ultra High Definition and High Dynamic Range. UHD will offer sharper, more detailed images, while HDR will enable viewers to enjoy brighter highlights and deeper shadows throughout all the celebration and pageantry of The King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

BBC iPlayer’s UHD stream will also use a Wide Colour Gamut, meaning viewers will see more colours than they ever usually see on TV – offering an even more lifelike view that makes the most of this magnificent occasion.

The Coronation will also be the BBC’s most accessible live event ever on BBC iPlayer. Viewers will be able to watch with subtitles, sign language, and an alternative commentary version for people with sight loss – all delivered live on iPlayer.

The alternative commentary version will also be available on red button on broadcast channels, and the subtitled, alternative commentary, and signed versions will be available to viewers by pressing red while watching a BBC channel on an internet-connected TV.

Viewers will also have the option to watch live without BBC commentary.

Marble Arch Marks Coronation with a Majestic Crown Installation

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Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID
Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID

Marble Arch Marks Coronation with a Majestic Crown Installation

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, Marble Arch London BID has installed a giant 16ft bespoke replica of the St Edward’s Crown that forms a key element in the ceremony on Saturday 6 May.

Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID
Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID

The replica crown – weighing 300kg and incorporating 36 different coloured glass stones – is on display at Marble Arch until Thursday 11 May. Visitors can take photos with the crown and scan the QR code around the installation to learn more about Marble Arch’s royal connections.

The bespoke crown is located at Marble Arch, near Speakers’ Corner, a short stroll from the Hyde Park screening sites where the ceremony and procession will be shown on four large screens on Saturday 6 May.

Since John Nash’s original designs for Marble Arch were conceived in 1826, the monument has had a strong association with Coronations and the processions of new monarchs to and from Westminster Abbey over nearly 200 years. Despite being moved from its original location at Buckingham Palace to its current home in the early 1850s, Marble Arch has played a key role in the Coronation processions of the current King’s grandfather, King George VI in 1937 and his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID
Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID

The Marble Arch crown has been designed to represent the current St Edward’s Crown – made for King Charles II in 1661 – which will be placed on King Charles III’s head by the Archbishop of Canterbury towards the end of the Coronation ceremony. The giant replica is also adorned with lights which will create a stunning illuminated display during the evening.

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, comments: “Marble Arch has a long and celebrated history of Royal Coronations from the monument’s early creation to Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremony in 1953. We could think of no better way to pay tribute to King Charles III’s Coronation than to install this fantastic and stunningly realistic attraction for all to enjoy as they venture to this part of London in the days before and after this very special Royal occasion.

“Alongside the exciting visual display, we hope visitors can learn more about Marble Arch’s long connection with the Royal Family as well as its wider role in some of the nation’s biggest events. We look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors expected in London in the days around the Coronation weekend and hope they are able to enjoy the wide variety of attractions we have in this
part of London.”

Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID
Marble Arch marks Coronation with a majestic crown installation. Photo credit: Marble Arch London BID

Princess Charlotte Celebrates 8th Birthday

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Princess Charlotte celebrates 8th Birthday. Photo credit: The Princess of Wales
Princess Charlotte celebrates 8th Birthday. Photo credit: The Princess of Wales

Princess Charlotte Celebrates 8th Birthday

The Prince and Princess of Wales share a new photograph of Princess Charlotte to celebrate her eighth birthday.

The photograph was taken in Windsor this weekend by the Princess of Wales.

The Anointing Screen

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The anointing screen which will be used in the coronation of King Charles III, in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace in London. The most important moment in the coronation is the
The anointing screen which will be used in the coronation of King Charles III, in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace in London. The most important moment in the coronation is the "unction", the sacred act of anointing a monarch with holy oil, which can be traced as far back as the 7th and 8th centuries, and signals that the monarch has been chosen by God. It is only seen by the sovereign and the Archbishop of Canterbury and will take place behind the anointing screen.

The Anointing Screen

29 April 2023

The Anointing Screen which has been designed and produced for use during the Coronation Service on 6th May at Westminster Abbey has been blessed at a special service of dedication at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

The blessing follows a private visit by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort to the Royal School of Needlework to view the Anointing Screen’s progress, and to meet the craftspeople and embroiderers who contributed to the project. As Duchess of Cornwall, Her Majesty The Queen Consort became Patron of the Royal School of Needlework in 2017.

The Anointing Screen

The Anointing Screen has been designed and produced for use at the most sacred moment of the Coronation, the Anointing of His Majesty The King. The screen combines traditional and contemporary sustainable embroidery practices to produce a design which speaks to His Majesty The King’s deep affection for the Commonwealth. The screen has been gifted for the occasion by the City of London Corporation and City Livery Companies.

The Anointing takes place before the investiture and crowning of His Majesty. The Dean of Westminster pours holy oil from the Ampulla into the Coronation Spoon, and the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the Sovereign on the hands, chest and head. It has historically been regarded as a moment between the Sovereign and God, with a screen or canopy in place given the sanctity of the Anointing.

The Anointing Screen was designed by iconographer Aidan Hart and brought to life through both hand and digital embroidery, managed by the Royal School of Needlework. The central design takes the form of a tree which includes 56 representing the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. The King’s cypher is positioned at the base of the tree, representing the Sovereign as servant of their people. The design has been selected personally by The King and is inspired by the stained-glass Sanctuary Window in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, which was gifted by the Livery Companies to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.

The Anointing Screen is supported by a wooden pole framework, designed and created by Nick Gutfreund of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters. The oak wooden poles are made from a windblown tree from the Windsor Estate, which was originally planted by The Duke of Northumberland in 1765. The wooden poles have been limed and waxed, combining traditional craft skills with a contemporary finish.

At the top of the wooden poles are mounted two eagles, cast in bronze and gilded in gold leaf, giving the screens a total height of 2.6 metres and width of 2.2 metres. The form of an eagle has longstanding associations with Coronations. Eagles have appeared on previous Coronation Canopies, including the canopy used by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Equally, the Ampulla, which carries the Chrism oil used for anointing, is cast in the shape of an eagle.

The screen is three-sided, with the open side to face the High Altar in Westminster Abbey. The two sides of the screen feature a much simpler design with maroon fabric and a gold, blue and red cross inspired by the colours and patterning of the Cosmati Pavement at Westminster Abbey where the Anointing will take place. The crosses were also embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework’s studio team.

At the Coronation Service, the Anointing Screen will be held by service personnel from Regiments of the Household Division holding the Freedom of the City of London. The three sides of the screen will be borne by a Trooper and Guardsman from each of The Life Guards, Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards.

Design Process

The screen has been gifted for the Coronation by the City of London Corporation and participating Livery Companies, the City’s ancient and modern trade guilds. His Majesty The King is a keen advocate and supporter of the preservation of heritage craft skills, and the Anointing Screen project has been a collaboration of these specialists in traditional crafts, from those early in their careers to artisans with many years of experience.

The individual leaves have been embroidered by staff and students from the Royal School of Needlework, as well as members of the Worshipful Company of Broderers, Drapers and Weavers.

As well as heritage craft, contemporary skills and techniques have formed part of this unique collaboration. The outline of the tree has been created using digital machine embroidery by Digitek Embroidery. This machine embroidery was completed with sustainable thread, Madeira Sensa, made from 100% lyocell fibres.

The threads used by the Royal School of Needlework are from their famous ‘Wall of Wool’ and existing supplies that have been collated over the years through past projects and donations. The materials used to create the Anointing Screen have also been sourced sustainably from across the UK and other Commonwealth nations. The cloth is made of wool from Australia and New Zealand, woven and finished in UK mills.

The script used for the names of each Commonwealth country has been designed as modern and classical, inspired by both the Roman Trojan column letters and the work of Welsh calligrapher David Jones.
Also forming part of the Commonwealth tree are The King’s Cypher, decorative roses, angels and a scroll, which features the quote from Julian of Norwich (c. 1343-1416): ‘All shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well’.

This design has again been inspired by the Sanctuary Window in the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, created for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. At the top of the screen is the sun, representing God, and birds including the dove of peace, which have all been hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

The dedication and blessing of the Anointing Screen took place earlier this week at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, where it was officially received and blessed by the Sub-Dean and Domestic Chaplain to The King, Paul Wright, on behalf of The Royal Household.

Roles to be performed at the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

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St Edward's Crown
St Edward's Crown

Roles to be performed at the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

27 April 2023

Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce further details on the Ceremonial roles to be performed by individuals in the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey.

The Ceremonial roles include bearing the Regalia in the Procession and presenting the items to Their Majesties. Those undertaking these historic roles in the Service have been chosen to recognise, thank and represent the Nation due to their significant service, and include representatives from Orders of Chivalry, the military and wider public life.

The first processions into Westminster Abbey will be made up of Faith Leaders and Faith Representatives followed shortly afterwards by representatives from His Majesty’s Realms. Flags of each Realm will be carried by national representatives accompanied by the Governors General and Prime Ministers. Bearing the Flag of the United Kingdom ahead of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mrs Akshata Murty will be Cadet Warrant Officer Elliott Tyson-Lee, who said: “It is a great and incredible honour to be a part of Their Majesties’ Coronation Service as a representative of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.“

This will be followed by The Procession of The King and The Queen which will be led by the Marquess of Anglesey, the Duke of Westminster, the Earl of Caledon and the Earl of Dundee who will carry the Standards of the Quarterings of the Royal Arms and Standard of the Principality of Wales. Francis Dymoke will carry The Royal Standard.

Mr Dymoke’s claim to undertake a historic role in the Coronation was upheld by the Coronation Claims Office. The title of King or Queen’s Champion has been held by the Dymoke family since the Middle Ages. The King’s Champion would previously ride on horseback into the Coronation Banquet and challenge any who doubted the right of The King or Queen to the throne. There has not been a Coronation Banquet since that held by King George IV in 1821 so the Champion has instead undertaken a different role since, usually bearing a flag or Standard.

Also taking part in the procession will be Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, acting as Lord High Constable of England, an office held for the day only. Traditionally the Lord High Constable is a Great Officer of State and has historically been connected to the military. He will take part alongside the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.

The Earl of Erroll will act as Lord High Constable of Scotland. Similar to that of Lord High Constable of England, this role has historically been connected to the military and the Earldom of Erroll through a Coronation claim. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres will act as Deputy to the Great Steward of Scotland, HRH The Prince of Wales.

The following will then process to the altar carrying Her Majesty’s Regalia:

  • Baroness (Helena) Kennedy of The Shaws – Carrying The Queen Consort’s Rod
  • General Sir Patrick Sanders – Carrying The Queen Consort’s Sceptre
  • The Duke of Wellington – Carrying Queen Mary’s Crown
  • The Rt. Reverend and Rt. Hon the Lord Chartres– Carrying The Queen Consort’s Ring

Lord Chartres said: “The ceremonies of the Coronation are ancient but they have been freshly interpreted for our contemporary world.”

The following will then process to the altar carrying His Majesty’s Regalia:

  • General Sir Gordon Messenger, the Constable of HM Tower of London – Carrying St Edward’s Crown as Lord High Steward of England
  • Baroness (Elizabeth) Manningham-Buller LG – Carrying St Edward’s Staff
  • The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT – Carrying the Sceptre with Cross
  • Baroness (Floella) Benjamin OM – Carrying the Sceptre with the Dove
  • Dame Elizabeth Anionwu OM – Carrying the Orb
  • The Keeper of the Jewel House, Brigadier Andrew Jackson – Carrying The Sovereign’s Ring
  • Petty Officer Amy Taylor – Carrying the Sword of Offering
  • Lord Hastings and The Earl of Loudoun – Carrying the Spurs
  • Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt – Carrying the Sword of State in The King’s Procession
  • Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach – Carrying the Sword of Mercy (The Curtana)
  • General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux – Carrying the Sword of Spiritual Justice
  • General the Lord Houghton of Richmond – Carrying the Sword of Temporal Justice

General Sir Gordon Messenger, the Lord High Steward of England, (also an office held for the day only) is the most senior Great Officer of State for the Coronation, in order to bear the St Edward’s Crown into the Abbey, the most significant item of Regalia. On carrying St Edward’s Crown, General Sir Gordon Messenger said: “It is a huge and unique honour to be appointed Lord High Steward for His Majesty’s Coronation. To be playing a key role on such an important and historic occasion is a source of great pride to me, my family, the Royal Marines, and the Tower of London community.”

Petty Officer Amy Taylor will be the first woman to bear the Jewelled Sword of Offering into the Abbey. She has been selected to represent Service men and women, as a Royal Navy Petty Officer, a tribute to His Majesty’s military career. She said: “Having served most of my senior career as an Aircraft Engineer on 845 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton where His Majesty originally trained and served as a pilot, I am deeply honoured and humbled to play my part in this historic event. Coming from a farming family His Majesty has always been such a great advocate for our community and someone I have admired growing up.”

Baroness Benjamin and Dame Elizabeth Anionwu are amongst recent appointees to the Order of Merit, the final members to be chosen for the Order by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Baroness Benjamin said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic Coronation ceremony. To be selected to carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it’s everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced.”

Participating in the act of Recognition of His Majesty whereby His Majesty will be presented to the Congregation at the start of the Service will be:

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Baroness (Valerie) Amos LG, Lady Elish Angiolini LT, and Christopher Finney GC, Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.

During the Coronation Service the Regalia will be presented to Their Majesties. Those presenting have been chosen on the advice of Government. Those presenting Regalia to His Majesty will be:

  • The Lord Carrington, Lord Great Chamberlain – Presenting the Spurs
  • The Lord (Syed) Kamall – Presenting the Armills
  • Baroness (Gillian) Merron – Presenting the Robe Royal
  • The Most Reverend John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh – Presenting the Orb
  • Lord (Narendra) Patel KT – Presenting the Ring
  • Lord (Indarjit) Singh of Wimbledon – Presenting the Coronation Glove
  • The Most Reverend Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, and Episcopal Primus of Scotland – Presenting the Sceptre with Cross
  • The Most Reverend Andrew John, the Archbishop of Wales – Presenting the Sceptre with Dove
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury – Performing the crowning with St Edward’s Crown

Those presenting Regalia to Her Majesty will be:

  • The Rt. Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin CD, The Bishop of Dover – Presenting The Queen Consort’s Rod
  • The Rt. Reverend and Rt Hon. Lord Chartres – Presenting The Queen Consort’s Sceptre with Cross
  • Brigadier Andrew Jackson, The Keeper of the Jewel House at HM Tower of London – Presenting The Queen Consort’s Ring
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury – Performing the crowning with Queen Mary’s Crown

On presenting Regalia to Her Majesty, The Bishop of Dover said: “I am surprised, excited and honoured to have been asked to play a part in this historic once in a lifetime occasion. As I make my presentation, both Their Majesties will remain in my prayers as they seek to serve the nation and the Commonwealth.”

‘His Noble Crown’ Released to Celebrate King Charles III Coronation

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His Noble Crown
His Noble Crown

His Noble Crown
Composed by Olga Thomas
Performed by Joanna Forest
Label: Arcava Music

World-renowned Classical Composer Olga Thomas and Number One Classical Soprano Joanna Forest to release a brand-new single ‘His Noble Crown’ to celebrate King Charles III Coronation.

‘His Noble Crown’ will be released on Thursday 4th May and all proceeds will be split equally between Cruse Bereavement Support and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. Olga Thomas is a world-renowned classical composer, who has had a lifelong admiration and passion for the Royal family and has for many years been a supporter of both charities.

Olga has spent a lot of time, energy and creative musical craftsmanship on behalf of Cruse Bereavement Support. Some years ago, Cruse began a unique music programme, a tradition to give their late patron, Her Majesty The Queen special gifts of music composed by Olga to commemorate the important events in the lives of the Royal Household. Olga is delighted to continue this tradition for King Charles III. Cruse Bereavement Support recently announced that their online chat service, Crusechat will have to close after a challenging financial year. Fundraising for the charity is even more vital than ever to prevent further reductions to their services.

Joanna Forest is an Award Winning, Record Breaking, Best Selling, Official Double Classical Number 1 Soprano. Joanna and Olga have described themselves as a ‘dream team’, having released four singles together, three of which have gone straight to Number One in the classical single charts.

Joanna Forest comments: ‘It’s an absolute delight to be working with Olga once again, for such a special national occasion. I really hope the song brings joy and hope to everyone, especially our new King.’

Olga Thomas comments “It has been my honour to compose a single to celebrate our new King’s coronation. My music is brought to life with the beauty of Joanna Forest’s stunning vocals. I had the honour of personally presenting my music to Her Majesty The Queen on a couple of special occasions, I hope this can continue with King Charles III. Long live the King.”

The single has been arranged by Michael Mc Dermott, who has worked with the Royal Marines Band and has vast experience writing for Royalty. His music can be heard at the Silver, Golden, Platinum Jubilee and at the Horse of the Year Show (Royalty) and Windsor Tattoo (Royalty). Produced by Tom Hodge, MBE who has previously also worked with the Royal Marines Band and the lyrics are by Adam Fergusson.

‘His Noble Crown’ is released on Thursday 4th May and is available to pre-order by clicking here.

Charles R: The Making of a Monarch

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Charles R: The Making of a Monarch. Image credit: BBC
Charles R: The Making of a Monarch. Image credit: BBC

BBC reveals details of new programme featuring never before seen footage of King Charles III

Spanning seven decades, the BBC Studios-produced film offers a rare behind the scenes glimpse of His Majesty’s life.

The BBC has announced further details of a special 60-minute documentary, Charles R: The Making of a Monarch, that will offer audiences a chance to witness unseen and rarely seen footage of King Charles III, telling his more than 70-year story as heir to the throne, through his own words. This is the story of how a Prince became a King.

From BBC Studios, the producers behind 2022’s hugely popular Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen, the film will debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 30th April. Five never before seen images from the programme were released today including shots of the then Prince flying a plane solo, a visit to the Royal Mint with Queen Elizabeth II, a trip to Malta when he was young, and shot of The Prince decorating a Christmas tree at Windsor.

For the documentary, Buckingham Palace has granted the BBC exclusive access to unseen footage of Prince Charles from the 1969 documentary ‘Royal Family’ – with producers gaining access to reels of film held at the BFI National Archive, responsible for the preservation and digital restoration of the Royal Collection of films.

The never seen before footage shows the Royal Family‘s most personal moments including them enjoying a bonfire at Sandringham, Prince Charles flying solo, and Prince Charles on a private visit to Malta in 1968. There are also unseen clips of The Prince’s many royal engagements, including a trip to the Royal Mint with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and a visit to a North Sea oil platform. Other intimate family moments that have never been seen before include Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and other members of the Royal Family taking a trip by hovercraft, and members of the Royal Family sitting down to dinner onboard The Royal Yacht Britannia.

In addition to this new footage, BBC Studios has also been given special permission to use clips from the Royal Family’s private home movie footage, illuminating The Prince’s formative years by capturing his early love of nature, gardening and animals, as well as other rare footage of Queen Elizabeth II driving her Land Rover.

The programme is told through His Majesty’s own words, as recorded through the decades, giving audiences an unfiltered and immersive portrait of our new Monarch, and features key moments in The King’s life, both personal and public.

Drawing on the Royal Family’s home movies from The Royal Collection and archive news footage, audiences will hear The King discuss his childhood years, including his memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, as well as his school days, adolescence, and investiture as Prince of Wales. It also contains recollections of The King’s military service and personal commentary of his commitment to charitable work, as well as his private passions and the role of the institution he now heads up.

Simon Young, the BBC’s Head of History says: “It’s a real privilege to be trusted with such rare, unseen archive material to create a new and distinctive portrait of someone so famous and photographed. As Their Majesties’ Coronation approaches, this film will give audiences a fresh insight into his remarkable life.”

Claire Popplewell, Creative Director for BBC Studios Events Productions added: “This documentary brings audiences a treasure trove of scenes filmed across seven decades in the life of The King. Unique and unseen moments with contemporary archive sources and the spoken words of His Majesty, Charles R: The Making of a Monarch tells the story of how a Prince became a King.”

Charles R: The Making of a Monarch, a 1×60’, is a BBC Studios Productions for BBC One and iPlayer. The Executive Producer is Liz Hartford, the Director is Tim Kirby and Claire Popplewell is the Creative Director. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Simon Young.

The Princess of Wales to Visit The Baby Bank

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The Princess of Wales meets volunteers during a visit to St Thomas Church, in Swansea, Wales. The re-developed church supports people in the local area and across the City and County of Swansea with initiatives including a foodbank, Swansea Baby Basics, distributing essential items to vulnerable mothers such as toiletries and clothes, homeless facilities, a not-for-profit cafe, a community training kitchen, and surplus food distribution network which collects food from supermarkets at the end of each day and distributes it to prevent food waste and help end food poverty, 2022.
The Princess of Wales meets volunteers during a visit to St Thomas Church, in Swansea, Wales. The re-developed church supports people in the local area and across the City and County of Swansea with initiatives including a foodbank, Swansea Baby Basics, distributing essential items to vulnerable mothers such as toiletries and clothes, homeless facilities, a not-for-profit cafe, a community training kitchen, and surplus food distribution network which collects food from supermarkets at the end of each day and distributes it to prevent food waste and help end food poverty, 2022.

THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL VISIT THE BABY BANK

Windsor

Monday 24th April 2023

The Princess of Wales will visit The Baby Bank in Windsor on Monday 24th April to hear about the crucial work the organisation carries out to support families in need from Windsor, Maidenhead, Slough, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.

The Baby Bank was founded in 2015 by two mothers from Windsor and strives to provide essential items to families facing financial hardship. The charity provides a range of objects for families including new-born starter kits, school uniforms, nappies, buggies and beds. Donations are provided by the general public, retailers and local suppliers.

Families are referred to the charity through a large network of 150 referral partners which include Helping Hands, social services, schools, food banks and Refugee organisations. Since its opening, The Baby Bank has supported over 21,500 individuals and have seen a year-on-year increase in referrals.

During her visit to The Baby Bank, the Princess will meet volunteers and take part in sorting donations and packing referrals, and hear how the organisations works with local partners, including health visitors and midwives to provide support to families in need.

Her Royal Highness has been a long-standing supporter of baby banks having visited many across the country. In the summer of 2020, the Princess also brought together nineteen British brands and retailers to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 baby banks nationwide, operated by Little Village, Baby Basics and AberNecessities.

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