More than 6,000 British troops to attend King Charles III’s coronation
Posted Date – 11:59 PM, Sunday – 4/16/23
More than 6,000 British troops to attend King Charles III’s coronation
London: More than 6,000 British troops will attend the coronation of King Charles III, the British government said on Sunday, the largest ceremonial deployment of British troops in seven years.
Thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen will escort the King and Queen Camilla to and from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for the May 6 ceremony, the Ministry of Defense said.
Gun salutes will be fired from British warships and military bases across the country before military aircraft – ranging from World War II Spitfires to modern fighter jets – will circle the palace.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said it would be a “spectacular and fitting tribute” to the monarch who is also commander-in-chief of the UK’s armed forces.
Chief of the Defense Staff Admiral Tony Radakin said the military aspect of the coronation “reflects centuries of tradition, but demonstrates the integral role the Armed Forces play in modern Britain and the remarkable way in which we support the country, Whether it’s deterring aggression or maintaining global stability or strengthening our resilience and prosperity at home.” Hundreds of soldiers from 35 Commonwealth countries will also take part in Britain’s first coronation since Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Charles, who became king after his mother died in September, will travel from Buckingham Palace in a gilded carriage to join Camilla in the 1,000-year-old abbey for his formal coronation.
Royals and dignitaries from around the world were invited to attend the coronation, along with senior members of the British royal family, including the heir to the throne, Prince William, and his family. Charles’ youngest son Prince Harry, who is stepping down from royal duties in 2020, will travel from California to attend – but his wife Meghan and their two young children will stay home.
