The year was 1953, and a 25 year old Princess Elizabeth was about to go into the history books as the UK’s next reigning monarch.
Fresh from the trauma of WWII, a nation eager for a good old fashioned knees-up prepared for the mother of all celebrations with viewing events - it was the first ever televised coronation, watched by an audience of 27 million in the UK alone - and epic street parties where the newly invented dish, coronation chicken, stole the show.
Fast forward to 2023, and the coronation of King Charles III is shaping up to be an equally momentous affair.
When is the King’s coronation?
The government has announced that 30 massive screens will go up in sites across the four nations so that the public can watch the ceremony, which will be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6. Millions more are expected to watch at home and tune in from around the world.
Meanwhile, top hotels and restaurants like JW Marriott Grosvenor House are holding special afternoon teas in honour of the occasion. Wear something stretchy and prepare for a royally indugent feast.
How will the UK celebrate the coronation?
National plans include longer pub opening hours on the Friday and Saturday of the coronation weekend - not forgetting of course, an extra Bank Holiday to enjoy on May 8. Now if that’s not a reason to celebrate, we don’t know what is.
Naturally, there will be merch. Oh boy, will there be merch. From tea towels and limited edition tins of shortbread to packets of seeds that flower into His Maj’s favourite varieties, the production lines have already started pushing out commemorative coronation gear in anticipation of the crowning of the new King and his Queen Consort, Camilla.
For those who want to join in the party and bag a piece of British history, we’ve rounded up the best of them below.
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F&M Coronation Collection
Fortnum’s Coronation collection is a markedly different look to the usual patriotic paraphernalia out there (though we do love a bit of red, white and blue).
The upmarket grocer has designed a fabulous new look of tins and boxes for the occasion, with its signature Eau de Nil shade running throughout. The first drop includes teas, coffees and biscuits using ingredients from around the UK as well as the Commonwealth, acknowledging that the coronation is likely to be a global party.
While each piece has keepsake potential, we’re torn between the peacock-themed Coronation Musical Biscuit Tin (£35) and the salmon pink tea caddy of Organic Darjeeling (£19.95) made with leaves plucked from the foothills of the Himalayas. If you’re looking for a gift for someone special or a souvenir for yourself, Fortnum’s range won’t fail to delight.
Buy now, F&M
Cartwright & Butler The Coronation Celebration Hamper
Feast like a king thanks to Cartwright & Butler’s specially designed Coronation Celebration Hamper. A smart honey-hued wicker hamper is stuffed with delicious morsels to see you through the celebrations, from marmalade and breakfast tea to start the day to fruit loaf cake, whisky fudge and tomato and chilli chutney to have with your afternoon spread. This is a party, so the brand has thrown in a bottle of Moet into the mix too. Three cheers!
Buy now £160.00, Cartwright & Butler
Cath Kidston Coronation King & Queen Royal Stafford Boxed Mug Set
In tribute both to the last monarch and the current one, British brand Cath Kidston has designed a pair of mugs to enjoy a celebratory coronation tea. The limited edition mugs feature the late Queen Elizabeth and the dates of her reign, while the second mug showcases King Charles in profile, facing his mother, just as the new currency bearing his image will. The set is part of a collection of matching plates and tea towels, so you can go all out with the full look.
Buy now £18.00, Cath Kidston
Seed Pantry King Charles III Coronation Seed Kit
The former Prince of Wales was well-known for his love and commitment to the environment. In honour of his upcoming coronation, Seed Pantry has put together a cottage garden seed kit with the aim of encouraging sustainable gardening. The seeds are from flowers that His Majesty is known to love. Once in bloom, they will promote wildlife while also serving as a long-lasting reminder of the historic day.
Buy now £28.00, Seed Pantry
Silent Pool Gin Coronation Limited Edition
The coronation will be full of ceremonies and traditions that will be new to most of us, but you can watch it all while engaging in another proud British tradition - sipping on a nice, gold G&T. Silent Pool has whipped up a Coronation special, complete with a commemorative label for His Maj. Packed with fruity, floral and herby notes, as well as hints of Earl Grey, it needs little more fanfare than a splash of tonic and a juicy wedge of lemon.
Buy now £45.00, Waitrose
2023 King Charles III’s Coronation crystal crown fabric hanging decoration
For those who see Christmas decorations as a year-long search, Historic Royal Palaces has this celebratory hanging decoration to mark the first crowning of a monarch for 70 years. The commemorative piece is a miniature work of art, all red velour, shimmering beads and glinting crystals. One side is embroidered with ‘Coronation 2023’ while the reverse reads ‘God Save The King’.
Buy now £35.00, Historic Royal Palaces
Wedgwood King Charles Coronation Mug Standard Edition
Heritage brand Wedgwood has stepped up to the plate with two commemorative mugs from which to sip your coronation tea. Adapted from a design it made for the late Queen, the new look features King Charles' monogram, CIIIR, and is finished with the words 'God Save The King' as well as the year. The limited edition version also has 22-carat gold lining to finish things off, and costs more than the standard edition at £130.
Buy now £95.00, Wedgwood
Annoushka 18ct Gold Amethyst & Diamond Coronation Crown Locket Charm
There’s souvenirs, and then there’s the chance to buy an uber-luxe piece of jewellery in the name of patriotism. Whatever your reason, Annoushka’s stunning charm locket ticks both boxes (though probably won’t do any favours for your bank account). If you’ve got the cash and the inclination what better way to commemorate the coronation than with a crown of your own?
This miniature version of the St Edwards Crown is made with 18ct yellow gold and white gold and studded with gems - we’re talking emeralds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts and diamonds. The underside bears the coronation date in Roman numerals which lifts up to reveal a small chamber for stashing other tiny souvenirs.
Only 100 of these very special limited edition lockets will be made by the jeweller.
Buy now £4500.00, Annoushka
Caviar House & Prunier Coronation Caviar
If you've got the cash and the inclination, what better way to ring in the coronation of our new king than with champagne and caviar? Prestigious Mayfair establishment Caviar House & Prunier has released a special edition Union Jack-spangled Coronation Caviar for the big day. Filled with the first Prunier caviar known as Saint James the caviar hit perfect maturity two months after being caught and has a low salt content. Prices from £90 for 30g.
Buy now £150.00, Caviar House & Prunier
Nespresso ‘Jewels of Nespresso’ collection
The coronation will be a long day full of pomp and pagentry. Stay alert and refreshed through it all with a helping hand from Nespresso, who has launched a ‘Jewels of Nespresso’ collection, which brings together the treasures of the coffee brand's range in capsule form for both the Original and Vertuo machine owners.
There’s also recipe ideas to toast the new King including The Charlie recipe which uses Nespresso’s new Barista Creations Flavour Whisky Essence capsule, though it is non-alcoholic.
As well as the coffee, there will be a range of memorabilia, think a mug, coffee towel, and tote bag.
Available from April 13.
Buy now, Nespresso
Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvée 2014
Such a huge occasion calls for a bottle of something special, and Hattingley Valley has just the thing - or two. The Hampshire winery has a trio of majestic serves to pop open at your coronation lunch: a limited edition engraved bottles of its King’s Cuvée 2015 (£85) and King’s Rosé 2015 (£95). Meanwhile if you're going to a party, add the King’s Coronation Engraved Oak Case (£30) for a sense of celebration.
Meanwhile this slightly older vintage is available on Amazon.
Buy now £79.99, Grape Britannia
Woolroom Union Jack Merino Throw - Red, White & Blue
Celebrating the best of British wool, Woolroom presents its Union Jack themed throw for draping over furniture, picnic spots or yourself ahead of the coronation. Made from Merino Lambswool, it's a high-quality piece that only looks better with wear. Super soft, and naturally flame retardant and hypoallergenic.
Buy now £112.49, Woolroom
Nyetimber’s King’s Coronation Limited-Edition Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage
A special bottle of bubbly is just the thing to wash down your coronation feast. Nyetimber, esteemed makers of English sparkling wine, has launched a limited edition bottle to celebrate the historic event, wrapped in livery to celebrate the new monarch. Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the Cuvee is widely available, but Ocado has it on offer right now for just £29. Stock up and celebrate all summer long.
Buy now £29.00, Nyetimber’s
Emma Bridgewater King Charles III Coronation 8 1/2 Inch Plate
Commemorative crockery is our favourite way to celebrate a national event, and this coronation is no different. Homegrown brand Emma Bridgewater has gone to town designing this special plate in honour of the new king. Whether you’re going to a neighbourhood street party or watching the pomp on the box, stack this plate with fresh scones or sarnies to match the national mood.
Buy now £20.00, Emma Bridgewater
M&S limited edition Commemorative Tins
Marks & Sparks has joined the fray with the launch of two limited edition tins in white and purple both with gold lettering. One is packed with all-butter shortbread, while the other contains packets of Fairtrade English Breakfast Tea, both essentials for any coronation viewing party. At just a fiver a piece, they’re a low-cost way to mark the moment.
Buy now £5.00, M&S instore
