The Earl Marshal – the Duke of Norfolk – is in overall charge of the coronation – a role which is hereditary.
Oxford-educated father-of-five Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 67, was responsible for organising Elizabeth II’s funeral, as well as the Accession and State Openings of Parliament.
He was banned from driving for six months in September for using his mobile phone behind the wheel despite claiming he needed his licence to arrange the upcoming coronation.
The duke, who is reported to be worth more than £100 million, apparently oversees proceedings with a “mixture of flair, timing, absolute precision and with great humour”, but is also reported to be somewhat “pompous”.
A Privy Council “Coronation Committee” is usually formed to oversee the planning.
The Duke of Norfolk is a hereditary title in the peerage of England and is considered the premier duke in the British nobility.
The title has been held by members of the Howard family since the 15th century and is named after the county of Norfolk in East Anglia.
The Duke of Norfolk is also known as the Earl Marshal, a hereditary office responsible for organizing state occasions such as coronations and state funerals.
