Current:Home > StocksKing Charles III has a rainy coronation day – just like his mother's. Here are other similarities and differences between the ceremonies. -ValueCore
King Charles III has a rainy coronation day – just like his mother's. Here are other similarities and differences between the ceremonies.
View
Date:2025-04-14 20:51:38
Some people say rain on a wedding day is good luck – but what about a coronation day? Well, it rained for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and it is raining during the coronation for her son, King Charles III.
According to weather records for June 2, 1953, the morning began with clouds and "spot or two of rain" which became heavier. The cloudy weather continued throughout the day and it was cold for June, according the U.K.'s Met Office.
As journalist Ellen Castelow wrote for Historic U.K.: "The only problem on the actual day was the typical British weather…it poured with rain!"
During King Charles III coronation on May 6, a tent was propped up at the entrance of Westminster Abbey to shield guests from the rain. The weather was 57 degrees Fahrenheit and rainy, which was expected to persist until the afternoon.
There are some other similarities between the two coronations. Both monarchs assumed the role after their parent died, but their coronations were held months later. Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was not held for more than a year after her father, King George VI died in 1952. King Charles III is being coronated about eight months after his mother died.
At 74 years old, King Charles III is the oldest person to be crowned a British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II was not the youngest, but she was just 25 years old when she became the monarch. She was also Britain's longest-reigning monarch — and one of the longest-serving monarchs in the world — serving for more than 70 years until her death last year at 96.
Both were coronated at Westminster Abbey, as is customary, but there were some differences. Charles' wife, Camilla, will be crowned alongside him. She was initially given the title of queen consort, but coronation invitations referred to her as queen. Charles' father, Prince Phillip, was not crowned in 1953 with Queen Elizabeth. But he was by his wife's side for most of the momentous day.
Charles' ceremony is smaller than his mother's – with around 2,000 guests, compared to her 8,000. The regalia they wear will be different, as will the oath Charles recites and the procession route they take back to Buckingham Palace.
But once back at the palace, senior members of the royal family will gather on the balcony for their signature photo op, just as Queen Elizabeth II did on her coronation day.
- In:
- King Charles III
- British Royal Family
- Queen Elizabeth II
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Mariah Carey is going on a Christmas music tour: How to get tickets for One and All! shows
- Got packages to return? Starting Wednesday, Uber drivers will mail them
- Looking for innovative climate solutions? Check out these 8 podcasts
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Mega Millions heats up to an estimated $315 million. See winning numbers for Oct. 3
- Horoscopes Today, October 3, 2023
- Murder suspect sought after man stabbed multiple times in 'unthinkable' attack
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla' movie dissects Elvis Presley wedding, courtship: Watch trailer
Ranking
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Lottery club members claim $1 million prize from Powerball jackpot just in the nick of time
- Arrest made in case of motorcyclist seen smashing in back of woman’s car, police say
- Judy Blume, James Patterson and other authors are helping PEN America open Florida office
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- US warns of Chinese global disinformation campaign that could undermine peace and stability
- CBS News veteran video editor Mark Ludlow dies at 63 after brief battle with cancer
- DOJ says Veterans Affairs police officer struck man with baton 45 times at medical center
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
A huge fire rages in a plastics factory in eastern Croatia and residents are asked to stay indoors
TikTok Shop Indonesia stops to comply with the country’s ban of e-commerce on social media platforms
Mauricio Umansky Reacts to Explosive RHOBH Trailer Amid Kyle Richards Marriage Troubles
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Wildfire destroys 3 homes in southeastern Australia and a man is injured by a falling tree
US warns of Chinese global disinformation campaign that could undermine peace and stability
'Our Flag Means Death' still shivers our timbers