A historic coronation ceremony.

The coronation ceremony promises to blend the ancient and symbolic elements inherited from over 1,000 years ago with new features that are appropriate for the modern context.

Combining tradition and modernity

As has been the tradition since 1066, the ceremony will be held inside Westminster Abbey and will reflect the deep religious history of the British Royal Family. A total of seven symbols derived from biblical stories will appear during the ceremony. Among these, the most famous are the Royal Orb, the scepter, the crown, and the coronation chair.

According to History.com , the coronation chair is an extremely old wooden chair, dating back to the 1200s. Beneath the chair is an ancient stone, which, according to legend, was once used by a biblical figure named Jacob as a pillow while he dreamed of the way to heaven. The anointing oil used in the ceremony also originates from the Holy Land.

Preparations ahead of the coronation ceremony.

In a new development, King Charles III decided to scale down his coronation, inviting only 2,300 guests to the main event inside Westminster Abbey—far fewer than the more than 8,000 who attended Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Representatives from Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism were also present, demonstrating King Charles III's commitment to being "a protector of the faiths."

The procession by horse-drawn carriage following the coronation has also been shortened to 2 km, the distance from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The carriage is 260 years old and has been used in every coronation since 1831. Around 7,000 military personnel will participate in various aspects of the ceremony, with over 4,000 soldiers present in the procession after the coronation.

A boost for the economy

Around 100 heads of state have confirmed their attendance, including royals from Europe to Asia. Prince William, Prince of Wales, will kneel and swear allegiance to his father, the King. Meanwhile, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, will not perform this ritual.

The Associated Press cited estimates suggesting that the cost of King Charles III's coronation could reach £100 million. Meanwhile, organizers and Buckingham Palace anticipate the event will be a boost to Britain's struggling economy.

"It is a moment of great pride in British history," Reuters quoted Earl and Marshal Edward Fitzalan-Howard, Duke of Norfolk, as saying. The Marshal's family, a hereditary position, has hosted coronations for British monarchs since 1483. The coronation is estimated to generate more than £1 billion for the national economy.

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