The coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, experienced a minor scheduling issue. King Charles III and Queen Camilla reached Westminster Abbey ahead of time, while Prince William and Princess Kate, accompanied by their two youngest children, were delayed. This led to a brief rearrangement of the proceedings at the historic event.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman provides an account of this in his new book, “The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy.” He explained that the King and Queen were already at the venue anticipating the arrival of key family members who were supposed to precede them. As per tradition, the Prince and Princess of Wales along with their children were expected to enter eight minutes before the King and Queen. However, they were slightly late by one and a half minutes, an oversight that went unnoticed by the congregation in the abbey.
The minor disruption added to the day’s stress, which was already following a tight schedule. Captured by Sky News, King Charles III openly expressed his annoyance with the mishap stating, “We can never be on time… There’s always something… This is boring.” This incident gives an insight into the challenges of being persistently under public observation.
Hardman’s book cites several theories explaining the delay. Some speculate that the Prince and Princess of Wales were behind schedule because they were filming a coronation video, while others attribute the delay to the King’s early arrival, which disrupted the planned processional sequence.
Consequently, the event coordinators had to swiftly adjust the entry sequence. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were made to follow the King and Queen, contrary to the original plan of leading the procession.
Despite the initial hurdles, the coronation ceremony progressed smoothly. Prince William honored his father, highlighting his position in the line of succession. Notably, Prince George played the role of a Page of Honor, making him the first future monarch to officially participate in a coronation service.
The day concluded with Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children joining King Charles III on the Buckingham Palace balcony, emphasizing their significant positions in the evolving royal family.
