Coronation services have been held at Westminster Abbey in London for over 900 years, since the Coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066.
A Coronation is a Christian ceremony during which a new monarch is crowned. As well as receiving a crown and royal regalia, the monarch makes promises to God and the people they serve. A Coronation is also an opportunity for the public to celebrate their new monarch.
The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen took place on Saturday 6th May 2023.
The Service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and reflected the King’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.
Constitutionally, King Charles became King immediately following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September 2022. A Coronation service is a ceremonial recognition of this fact.
New Zealand delegation to the Coronation Service
New Zealand was invited to send a delegation to the Coronation service comprising the Prime Minister, the Governor-General, the High Commissioner, senior Royal Honours recipients and ten additional representatives. Find out more about the New Zealand delegation on the Beehive website.
Find out more about the history of Coronations on Westminster Abbey’s website.