'From Longest-Serving Prince to King'... UK Charles III's Coronation Today

by Kim Bokyung

Published 06 May.2023 08:43(KST)

70-Year Mega Event
Coronation Costs Covered by Taxes... Expected to Exceed 100 Million Pounds (170 Billion Won)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

King Charles III of the United Kingdom will announce the change of the throne and the beginning of a new era to the world through the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the 6th (local time).

The Westminster Abbey coronation ceremony began with William I in 1066, and Charles III is the 40th monarch to be crowned there. Charles III's coronation, held 70 years after Queen Elizabeth's, is a massive event of great national significance.

The cost of the coronation is covered by taxes and is known to exceed 100 million pounds (170 billion won). The government will announce the expenses after the ceremony.

About 2,200 people will attend the coronation, reduced to a quarter of the number during the Queen's time. Representatives from 203 countries worldwide, including about 100 heads of state, have been invited.

First Lady Jill Biden will attend on behalf of U.S. President Joe Biden, and other dignitaries such as the President of France and heads of Commonwealth countries will be present in person. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, representing the South Korean government, arrived in the UK on the 4th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Through the coronation, Charles III will ascend as the new monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms, having been the longest-serving heir apparent in history.

Charles III faces the task of solidifying support through modernization of the royal family and uniting the Commonwealth. He has already reduced the scale of the coronation, reflected values of diversity, and agreed to investigate the royal family's historical ties to slavery.

Currently, the UK is deeply divided following Brexit and is economically challenged after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the glory of the British Empire remains in people's hearts, the country's international standing has diminished, causing repeated blows to national pride.

Amid this, Charles III carries the responsibility of defining the future role and significance of the monarchy.

Having prepared for a long time, he has been evaluated as performing his role steadily since his accession in September last year. Compared to the seemingly untouchable Queen, his more human side has gained favor. There have been no scandals like the political interference controversies he faced as Prince of Wales.

Meanwhile, King Charles III was born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace as the eldest son of then heir apparent Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

At age four, in 1952, when his mother ascended the throne, he became first in line to the throne and automatically received titles such as Duke of Cornwall.

The fairy-tale wedding with Diana Spencer at St. Paul's Cathedral in 1981 was a global sensation. Prince William was born in June the following year, and Prince Harry two years later, but the couple's relationship was not harmonious, eventually ending in divorce.