The Coronation Chronicles returns again- this series will be breaking down the British coronation service and traditions so that you know what to expect at King Charles III’s coronation in May. This is one of the most traditional events for the British monarchy, and there is a lot to unpack. We do see changes made as society shifts and monarchs change, it is not really set in stone like many will tell you. Today we will be exploring the guests at the Coronation. This 2023 Coronation will be rather different from the 1953 Coronation, and that includes those at the Abbey with a reported guest list of roughly 3,000. Let’s look at who will attend the 2023 Coronation.
Who Attended the 1953 Coronation?
Our “nearest” example to 2023 is Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953. Obviously, her coronation was taking place at a very different time. Not only was the UK still in the midst of Post-War rationing, the monarchy held quite a different position in society.
Over 8,000 people attended the 1953 coronation. That lengthy guest list included over 800 Peers and lords of the United Kingdom, Members of Parliament from the UK and other Commonwealth nations, Governor Generals and assorted guests from each Commonwealth nation, heads of state, and other leaders, such as past Prime Ministers and military leaders.
There were also nearly 100 royals there, including members of the British Royal Family and the Greek Royal Family. (The Duke of Windsor was not in attendance.) The Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish, Japanese, Thai, Monagesque, Belgian, Luxemburgish, Liechtenstein, Cambodian, Saudi, Nepalese Ethiopian, and Afghan royal families were also all represented. Notably, no reigning monarch attends another coronation, as they would essentially outrank the new monarch- thus we see many heirs to the throne representing their country.
Which Politicians Will Attend the 2023 Coronation?
We will start with UK politicians. With the 2023 guest list less than half the size of the 1953 list, politicians will not be invited in the same numbers.
This has not been confirmed yet, but there are reports that roughly 100 of the 700 members of the House of Lords will be invited to attend. There are also 650 MPs in the House of Commons, and reportedly less than 50 of them will be invited. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be there and most likely his Cabinet (if he is still Prime Minister at that point). Sir Keir Starmer and key members of the opposition will most likely be invited, as well as leaders of the other parties represented at Westminster.
Which Heads of State Will Attend the 2023 Coronation?
Starting with the most obvious answer, the Commonwealth Governor Generals and Prime Ministers/political leaders will attend. I do not believe that they will be allowed to have as large parties as they did in 1953- Canada will not send several Lieutenant-Governor (provincial) this time around. The Commonwealth High Commissioners will also most likely attend; they are the Commonwealth equivalent of ambassadors.
In terms of other nations, obviously, there are some countries that will not be invited, ie. Russia, but most heads of state will attend (if possible). Again, I think that they will have smaller parties at the 2023 coronation, but will still attend.
Which Royals Will Attend the 2023 Coronation?
While I cannot say if the Sussexes will attend, I believe that most members of the British Royal Family will attend the coronation. The one exception may be The Duchess of Kent, as she did not attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations or The Queen’s funeral. We also may see less members of the extended royal family, if Charles does want to truly trim the guest list.
Several members of the Greek Royal Family attended the 1953 Coronation, as the Duke of Edinburgh was born a Prince of Greece and Denmark. However, I suspect that only Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece and his wife, Marie-Chantal, will attend (and possibly his mother, Queen Anne-Marie).
Some of the monarchies represented at the 1953 coronation no longer exist, but those that do will most likely be represented. Given that many of the European monarchies have heirs in their teens and early twenties, it will be quite interesting to see who will be sent. All in all, I do think that we will see fewer royal representatives.
New Attendees for the 2023 Coronation
Several reports have said that The King wishes for the NHS, as well as many charitable organisations, to be represented at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. He is keen for more “regular people” to be able to attend, rather than an Abbey full of royalty and heads of state. While the government does technically control the guest list, I think that we will see many representatives of charities and other organisations. Given that Charles has long made clear the fact that he wants the monarchy to be more accessible, I think that the government will give this to him. (In a severe cost-of-living crisis, I don’t know that they have a choice.)
I pose this to you: who will attend the 2023 Coronation in your opinion?
Cheers,
The Historian
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