The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, broadcast live on 2 June 1953, was the event that did more than any other to make television a mainstream medium. More than 20 million people watched the Service on television, outnumbering the radio audience for the first time. The BBC knew the event would be popular – based on the reaction to the limited broadcast of George VI's Coronation Procession - but could not foresee that it would mark the coming of age of television, as well as the modernisation of the monarchy.
Behind the scenes of the BBC broadcast of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Coronation brought the nation together, as 10.4 million people watched in the homes of friends and neighbours, and 1.5 million watched in public places like pubs and cinemas. The BBC coverage of the event included cameras installed inside Westminster Abbey for the first time, to show the Coronation Service. The Queen gave her permission for this departure, against official advice - revealing the monarchy's willingness to move with the times. Television commentary in the Abbey was provided by Richard Dimbleby, with 7 other commentators including Bernard Braden and Brian Johnston providing coverage along the processional route.
The BBC's Coronation coverage was broadcast around the world. In the United States 85 million people watched recordings of the highlights, while in Germany all 11 hours of coverage were transmitted. Reaction to the broadcasts was overwhelmingly positive. With competition from ITV only 3 years away, the BBC established an early lead as the trusted and reliable broadcaster of national events.
Coronation of Charles III and Camilla
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Coronation of Charles III and Camilla
Charles and Camilla (cropped).jpg
The then Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in 2019
Date 6 May 2023
Venue Westminster Abbey
Location London, United Kingdom
Participants
King Charles III
Queen Camilla
Great officers of state
Archbishops and bishops assistant of the Church of England
Garter Principal King of Arms
Peers of the Realm
The coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey. King Charles III acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Background
Charles III became king immediately upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, at 15:10 BST on Thursday 8 September 2022. He was proclaimed king by the Accession Council of the United Kingdom on Saturday 10 September,[1] which was followed by proclamations in other Commonwealth realms.[2] Due to Elizabeth's advanced age, Charles's coronation has been planned for years, under the code name Operation Golden Orb.[3][4][5] During Elizabeth's reign, planning meetings for Operation Golden Orb were held at least once a year, attended by representatives of the government, the Church of England and Clarence House staff.[3]
Plans
St Edward's Crown
The Duke of Norfolk, by tradition, is in charge of organising the event as Earl Marshal. The current earl marshal is the 18th Duke, Edward Fitzalan-Howard.[6] A committee of Privy Counsellors will arrange the coronation.[7][5]
In October 2022, the date of Charles and Camilla's coronation was announced: Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.[8] Buckingham Palace set the date to ensure sufficient time to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II before holding a joyous ceremony.[7][5] In November 2022, the government proclaimed that an extra bank holiday would occur on 8 May 2023, two days after the coronation.[9]
A coronation oath is required by statute; the anointment, delivery of the orb, and enthronement are also expected to be performed.[5] St Edward's Crown, which was removed in December 2022 from the Tower of London for resizing,[10] is to be used to crown the King.[11][5] The King will also wear the Imperial State Crown during the ceremony.[12] Historic Environment Scotland announced in September 2022 that the Stone of Scone would be moved from the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle to London for Charles's coronation at Westminster Abbey and returned to the Castle after the ceremony.[13]
Charles's wife, Camilla, will be crowned alongside him as queen consort. When Charles married her in 2005, it was announced by Clarence House that it was not intended that Camilla would assume the title of queen upon his accession.[14] Charles, however, had long wished for her to be so titled and crowned alongside him and, in February 2022, with Camilla's popularity rising, Elizabeth II declared her "sincere wish" that Camilla be known as queen consort upon Charles's accession.[15] This will be the first coronation of a consort since that of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) in 1937.[5]
As a state occasion, the coronation is paid for by the British government. The government thus also decides the guest list,[11] which will include members of the British royal family, the British prime minister, representatives of the houses of Parliament, and foreign royalty and heads of state.[16] After the ceremony, Charles and Camilla are expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony.[5]
For the first time, a Coronation Claims Office within the Cabinet Office has been established instead of the traditional Court of Claims to handle claims to perform a historic or ceremonial role at the coronation.[17]
Reactions
The anti-monarchist organisation Republic has announced plans to protest in the lead up to the ceremony.[18]
Speculation
In October 2022, there was speculation in the British press about whether the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is currently set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, would be worn at the coronation. Indian politician Rakesh Sinha claimed that the use of the jewel, which was acquired during the British Raj, would symbolise the "unapologetic legacy of colonialism" and the "exploitation of India." Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that it was a matter for Buckingham Palace officials to decide. The diamond is also claimed by Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Afghanistan.[19]
It has been reported that unlike previous coronations, only the Prince of Wales will pay his personal homage and allegiance to the King, while other royal peers will not be asked to do the same.[20]
As relationships are estranged between the King's second son the Duke of Sussex and the rest of the royal family, the press has written that even though Charles and Camilla will invite the couple to the coronation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would probably not attend, citing some other reason.[21] The coronation is the same day as their son Archie's fourth birthday.
Guests
Monaco The Prince and Princess of Monaco[22]
See also
List of British coronations
References
Rhoden-Paul, Andre; Heald, Claire (10 September 2022). "Charles praises Queen's reign as he is formally confirmed as king". BBC. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
Ratcliffe, Rebecca; McClure, Tess; Badshash, Nadeem; Taylor, Harry; Zeldin-O'Neill, Sophie (11 September 2022). "Proclamations read out in Commonwealth countries – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
Pepinster, Catherine (2022). "Chapter 9: Vivat! Vivat! Vivat Rex! the next coronation". Defenders of the Faith: Queen Elizabeth II's funeral will see Christianity take centre stage. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 978-1399800068.
Mahler, Kevin (14 February 2022). "Ghosts? Here's the true tale of things that go bump in the night". The Times. Retrieved 9 September 2022. the codename for the coronation planning: 'Operation Golden Orb'
Dixon, Hayley; Narwan, Gurpreet (13 September 2022). "Coronation for the cost of living crisis as King expresses wish for 'good value'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
Davies, Caroline (10 September 2022). "Earl marshal: the duke coordinating the Queen's funeral and King's coronation". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
Donaldson, Kitty (5 October 2022). "King Charles III Set to Be Crowned on June 3 Next Year in London". Bloomberg. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
Coughlan, Sean (11 October 2022). "Coronation on 6 May for King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort". BBC News. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
"Bank holiday proclaimed in honour of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III". gov.uk. 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
"St Edward's Crown leaves Tower of London ahead of Coronation". BBC. 4 December 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2022.
"King Charles III, the new monarch". BBC. 10 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
"Historic crown to be modified for King Charles's coronation". Reuters. 3 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
"Stone of Destiny to return to Westminster Abbey for coronation". BBC. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
"Clarence House press release". Clarence House. 10 February 2005. Archived from the original on 24 June 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
Boffey, Daniel (8 September 2022). "Camilla to be crowned Queen beside King Charles III at his coronation". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
"King Charles III's coronation: What we know so far". BBC News. 8 November 2022.
"Coronation Claims Office to Look at Historic and Ceremonial Roles for King Charles III's Coronation". gov.uk (Press release). Retrieved 14 January 2023.
Quinn, Ben (13 September 2022). "Republican campaign group planning new protests after arrests of anti-monarchists". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
Adam, Carla; Masih, Niha (13 October 2022). "Will Camilla wear the diamond that India — and others — want back?". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
"Prince Harry book Spare: King Charles has had Harry omitted from his coronation". The New Zealand Herald. 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
"Harry and Meghan 'will be invited to King's coronation. but not expected to attend'". The Independent. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
Stacey, Danielle (17 January 2023). "Prince Albert and Princess Charlene confirm attendance at King Charles's coronation". Hello!. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
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Charles III
King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms (2022–present)
Realms
Antigua and BarbudaAustraliaBahamasBelizeCanadaGrenadaJamaicaNew ZealandPapua New GuineaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSolomon IslandsTuvaluUnited Kingdom
Titles and
honours
Head of the CommonwealthDefender of the FaithSupreme Governor of the Church of EnglandHead of the British Armed ForcesCommander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed ForcesLord of MannDuke of NormandyKing's Official Birthday
Family
Camilla Parker Bowles (wife)Lady Diana Spencer (former wife)William, Prince of Wales (elder son)Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (younger son)Elizabeth II (mother)Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (father)Anne, Princess Royal (sister)Prince Andrew, Duke of York (brother)Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (brother)Mountbatten-Windsor (family)
Life as Prince of Wales
Investiture of the Prince of WalesFirst wedding guest listSecond wedding2022 State Opening of ParliamentBlack spider memosPrince of Wales v Associated Newspapers Ltd
Accession and
coronation
Proclamation of accessionCoronation
Reign
HouseholdPrime ministersOperation Menai Bridge
State and official visits
Outgoing 2022 royal tour of CanadaIncoming
Charities
and campaigns
Mutton Renaissance CampaignThe Prince's Charities British Asian TrustBusiness in the CommunityChildren & the ArtsIn Kind Directiwill CampaignThe Prince's FoundationThe Prince's Foundation for Integrated HealthThe Prince's School of Traditional ArtsThe Prince of Wales's Charitable FundRoyal Drawing SchoolTurquoise Mountain FoundationYouth Business ScotlandThe Prince's May Day NetworkThe Prince's TrustSustainable Markets Initiative Great Reset
Residences
As King
Buckingham Palace (official)Windsor Castle (official)Holyrood Palace (official, Scotland)Hillsborough Castle (official, Northern Ireland)Sandringham House (private)Balmoral Castle (private)Craigowan Lodge (private)
As Prince of Wales
Clarence House (official)Highgrove House (private)BirkhallLlwynywermod
Awards given
and created
List of awards receivedPrince of Wales's Intelligence Community AwardsPrince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage LeadershipThe Sun Military Awards
Business ventures
Duchy Home FarmDumfries HouseHighgrove House ShopsPoundburyWaitrose Duchy Organic
Depictions
Televised addresses
Royal address to the nationRoyal Christmas Message
Documentaries
Royal Family (1969)Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role (1994)Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work (2007)Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016)
Film
and television
Chorus Girls (1981)Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story (1982)The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana (1982)Spitting Image (1984–1996, 2020–2021)Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After (1992)Willi und die Windzors (1996)Whatever Love Means (2005)The Queen (2006 film)The Queen (2009 TV serial)King Charles III (2017 film)The Windsors (2016–2020 TV series)The Crown (2016–)The Prince (2021)
Plays
Her Royal Highness..? (1981)King Charles III (2014)Diana (2019/2021)The Windsors: Endgame (2021)
Music
Buckingham Blues (1983)Prince Charles (1986)
Bibliography
The Old Man of Lochnagar (1980)A Vision of Britain: A Personal View of Architecture (1989)Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World (2010)
Eponyms
Prince Charles IslandPrince Charles stream tree frog
← Elizabeth II
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Camilla, Queen Consort
Queen consort of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms (2022–present)
Family
Charles III (husband)Andrew Parker Bowles (former husband)Tom Parker Bowles (son)Laura Lopes (daughter)Bruce Shand (father)Rosalind Shand (mother)Annabel Elliot (sister)Mark Shand (brother)
Extended
family
Philip Morton Shand (paternal grandfather)Edith Marguerite Harrington (paternal grandmother)Roland Cubitt, 3rd Baron Ashcombe (maternal grandfather)Sonia Rosemary Keppel (maternal grandmother)Elspeth Howe, Baroness Howe of Idlicote (paternal aunt)Henry Cubitt, 4th Baron Ashcombe (maternal uncle)Ben Elliot (nephew)
Life events
CamillagateSecond wedding wedding dress2022 royal tour of Canada2022 State Opening of ParliamentCoronation
Charities
Royal Osteoporosis SocietyNational Literacy TrustBrooke Hospital for AnimalsEmmaus UKSt Catherine's School, BramleyJDRFRoyal Trinity HospiceWomen of the World Festival (WOW)
Residences
The Laines (Plumpton, East Sussex)Bolehyde Manor (Allington, Wiltshire)Middlewick House (Corsham, Wiltshire)
Awards and recognition
List of titles and honoursThe Duchess of Cornwall AwardRosa 'Duchess of Cornwall'
Popular culture
Whatever Love Means (2005 film)Queen Camilla (2006 novel)"How Do You Solve a Problem Like Camilla?" (2009 TV episode)The Windsors (2016–2020 TV series)The Crown (2019–present TV series)The Prince (2021 TV series)The Windsors: Endgame (2021 play)
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History of London
Evolution
LondiniumLundenwicCity of LondonCity of WestminsterMiddlesexCounty of LondonGreater LondonTimeline
Periods
Roman LondonAnglo-Saxon LondonNorman and Medieval LondonTudor LondonStuart London
18th-century London19th-century London1900–1939World War II (The Blitz)1945–200021st century
Events
Peasants' RevoltBlack DeathGreat PlagueGreat Fire1854 cholera outbreakGreat StinkGreat Exhibition1908 Franco-British ExhibitionThe Battle of Cable StreetFestival of BritainGreat SmogAbdication of Edward VIIICoronation of George VI and ElizabethCoronation of Elizabeth IISwinging LondonLondon Plan1966 FIFA World Cup FinalHyde Park and Regent's Park bombingsAnti-war protests7/7 bombingsOlympic Games (190819482012)2012 Summer ParalympicsGrenfell Tower fireCOVID-19 pandemicCoronation of Charles III and Camilla
Government
Historic Metropolitan Board of WorksLondon County CouncilGreater London CouncilCurrent Greater London AuthorityLondon AssemblyMayor of London
Politics
Parties LabourConservativesLiberal DemocratsLondon independence
Services
Bow Street RunnersMetropolitan PoliceLondon Ambulance ServiceLondon Fire BrigadePort of London AuthorityLondon sewer systemLondon UndergroundLondon Metropolitan Archives
City of London
City of London CorporationLord Mayor of the City of LondonWards of the City of LondonGuildhallLivery CompaniesLord Mayor's ShowCity of London PoliceBank of England
Structures
St Paul's CathedralTower of LondonPalace of WhitehallWestminster HallLondon BridgeTower BridgeWestminster AbbeyBig BenThe MonumentFortifications
Category
Categories: 2023 in the United Kingdom2023 in LondonCharles IIICamilla, Queen ConsortCoronations of British monarchsMay 2023 events in the United KingdomScheduled events*
Queen Elizabeth II Biography
elizabeth-iiQueen Elizabeth (1952 – ) was crowned Head of State, Head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England in 1952.
She served as the longest-serving British monarch for over 70 years presiding over continual change both within the Royal Family, Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
Elizabeth was the eldest child of Prince Albert, the Duke of York (later George VI) and his wife Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother). Her father Prince Albert was second in line to the throne until his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 – pushing the shy Prince Albert into an unexpected role of King. King George VI rose to the challenge though he died early in 1952.
Elizabeth was educated at home, along with her sister Princess Margaret. During the Second World War, they were evacuated to Balmoral and later Windsor Castle. Towards the end of the war in 1945, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she served as a driver and mechanic. After the war, she increasingly stepped into her role of performing public service and made her first overseas trip to South Africa in 1947. Shortly before her 21st birthday, she said:
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
phillip-queenIn 1947, she married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in a ceremony at Westminster; they had known each other for several years. Some were opposed to the union because of his foreign ties, but this was overcome by his service in the Royal Navy. They have been happily married for over 70 years, and their relationship is a source of mutual strength, even if Prince Philip has a reputation for letting slip the odd colourful remark about foreigners. Elizabeth gave birth to their first child in 1948 – the future Prince Charles. They had four children in total. (Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward)
elizabeth-iiIn 1952, her father George VI passed away and Queen Elizabeth was crowned Queen with widespread enthusiasm. Her coronation set TV records around the globe, and it appeared to usher in a new era for the monarchy and British Commonwealth. News of Edmund Hilary reaching the peak of Mt Everest was delayed to coincide with her coronation. It appeared a symbolic end to the post-war austerity.
The 1950s could be seen as the golden age for the Queen. Deference and Queen_Elizabeth_IIrespect to the Royal family were still high, and the young Elizabeth looked like the fairy-tale Princess. However, over the next few decades, widespread social change saw a decline in traditional attitudes to the monarchy. Also, the new era of TV and intense media scrutiny led to many unfavourable headlines as her children were caught up in marital problems and related scandals.
Yet, there were still high points for the Royal Family, such as her ‘Silver Jubilee’ in 1977 and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. By the 1990s, the media had a widespread fascination with Princess Diana, but as their marriage broke down, the Queen was increasingly perceived as being out of touch. In 1992, she famously declared the year to be her ‘annus horribilus‘ The year saw media headlines dominated by the marriage breakup of Charles and Diana, a fire in Windsor, and other criticisms of the Royal Family.
“1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘Annus Horribilis‘.” (Christmas address, 1992)
In 1996, Princess Diana died in a car crash, and temporarily there was public dismay as the Queen appeared distant and refused to fly the flag at half-mast. But, after the Queen later expressed admiration for Princess Diana the hostility evaporated. Nevertheless, the relationship between Princess Diana and the Queen was best described as being ‘cool’.
elizabethThe Queen placed great emphasis on her job of uniting the Commonwealth – a difficult job in the post-war period as de-colonisation led to many differing problems. However, the Queen usually received widespread acclaim, and many commented she was a real unifying presence at the Commonwealth meetings. In a speech at the United Nations, in 2010, she spoke of the importance of countries working together:
“In tomorrow’s world we must all work together as hard as ever, if we’re truly to be United Nations.”
After the difficulties of the 1990s, the 2000s saw a resurgence in her popularity as the Royal Family put many difficulties behind them, and they were able to celebrate good news. If 1992 was her annus horribilus, 2012, was perhaps her annus mirabilis. Firstly, in April, Prince William married Kate Middleton to widespread public enthusiasm. Then in summer, her Golden Jubilee was widely celebrated and popular despite the wet weather. Finally, in July 2012, she took part in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics – which was a huge global success.
During her time as Head of State, Queen Elizabeth has sought to refrain from interfering in political issues and provide a moderating influence on the nation.
“We are a moderate, pragmatic people, more comfortable with practice than theory.” (30 April 2002)
She is a committed Christian and often mentions her religious beliefs in her Christmas addresses. However, in her role as Head of the Church of England, she has stated that she is committed to protecting the rights of all different faiths.
“The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated. Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.”
– During a speech at Lambeth Palace, 15/02/2012.
Despite passing 90 years, she remained in relatively good health and continued to serve.
Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022 causing an outpouring of love and good wishes for her unique reign and life of duty and service. Her funeral at Westminster Abbey on 19 September attracted heads of state from around the world. It was the first state funeral since Winston Churchill and huge crowds came to see her final journey to Windsor Castle where she was buried next to her husband Prince Phillip.
Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. “Biography of Queen Elizabeth II”, Oxford, UK www.biographyonline.net, 30/01/2013. Updated 20 September 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family
Book Cover
Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family
For a word frequently used to describe Prince Harry by the Royal Family and British media since his birth 38 years ago, it’s ironic that the same two groups had the most outrage about the Duke of Sussex’s decision to name his forthcoming memoir SPARE.
“Royal sources” (aka anonymous palace aides), media pundits and newspapers wasted no time sharing breathless outrage after publisher Penguin Random House revealed the tome’s title, steely-faced cover and January 10 release date. “Malevolent”, “cruel”, “playing the victim once again”, and, quelle surprise, “all Meghan’s doing”, were just some of the angered reactions.
Of course, calling the book SPARE - a decision made by Prince Harry early on in the process - shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise. It’s a punchy choice, but for a word that has trailed the prince like a shadow, being the spare was one of the most defining aspects of his royal existence. Leaning on the derogatory moniker for a title is Harry finally owning the term after a lifetime of being called it.
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For the family business, Harry’s position as the heir’s spare saw him take on the compulsory role of royal support act at an early age. With no real defined job, The Firm mostly needed one thing from him: to support his more important older brother, Prince William. It’s a bizarre and somewhat cruel existence — the outcome of a system built on hereditary privilege. And in many cases it’s also a curse. Princess Margaret’s life as the Queen’s spare was riddled with drug abuse and alcoholism, and Prince Andrew’s life… well, the less said about that, the better.
DUBBO, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan pictured in Australia in 2017 before they stepped back from being working royals. (Getty Images)
A spare also carries a purpose rarely acknowledged by any royal or palace official — the resident scapegoat to protect the Crown and higher ranking family members. Collateral damage when blame or distraction is needed. To those who have followed the royal beat closely enough, the coincidental timing of certain revelations or stories about Harry have already highlighted this. It’ll be interesting to see how SPARE — which doesn’t shy away from this specific burden — describes these moments.
So far, only the smallest official details about the book’s 416 pages have been released by the publisher. They describe SPARE as a title written with “raw, unflinching honestly”, a book that is filled with “insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom”. I’d expect nothing less from prolific ghostwriter JR Moehringer, who is famous for encouraging his subjects to switch on the lights in the darkest parts of their story.
Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) with her sons Prince William (left) and Prince Harry on a skiing holiday in Lech, Austria, 30th March 1993. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
Dealing with the grief of losing a parent will be covered by Harry. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
Among those who have already had sight of the book’s manuscript, Harry’s journey of being the spare, plus that difficult decision to change his destiny and start a new life elsewhere, serve as significant parts of the book. Filled with the prince’s trademark cheekiness, this memoir also tells a surprisingly relatable life story. Sure, its opulent royal backdrop is far beyond a world any of us will ever know, but themes explored in SPARE should resonate with readers from all backgrounds.
Coping with grief and the tragic loss of a parent, the struggles of accepting oneself, sibling rivalry, and falling in love with a person your family doesn’t accept are all part of the duke’s very human story.
Although overlooked in coverage, SPARE dedicates its largest sections to other key elements of the duke’s life. Readers will hear moving anecdotes from the frontlines of Afghanistan and his time in the military, plus honest insights into Harry’s quest to find purpose and why he chose to commit to a lifetime of service. A spokesperson for the book—which will be released one month after the Sussexes’ forthcoming Netflix docuseries drops—adds that the intimate memoir will also “share the joy he has found in being a husband and father”.
Britain's Prince Harry sits on his camp bed on January 02, 2008, in his accommodation at FOB Delhi (forward operating base), in Helmand province in Southern Afghanistan. Prince Harry, the youngest son of Prince Charles and the late princess Diana, has been fighting the Taliban on the front line in Afghanistan, the defence ministry in London said Thursday. The 23-year-old, an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment, has spent the past 10 weeks secretly serving in the volatile southern province of Helmand, where most of Britain's troops are based. AFP PHOTO/John Stillwell/PA POOL (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Harry will cover his time in Afghanistan in the book. (Getty)
For all the tabloid reports about Harry supposedly “trashing” his family (spoiler alert: he doesn’t), the book actually offers a more sympathetic look at the realities of their near-impossible existence. There were also no last-minute rewrites or edits after the Queen’s death. SPARE’s manuscript was completed almost five months before the monarch’s passing, a detail that will be acknowledged in a note at the start of the book.
No matter how carefully Harry shares the parts of his story involving others, there is still the very real risk of serious blowback from the institution and family. Palace aides recently told me about the “genuine fear” amongst senior members that this book will cause irrevocable damage to reputations and relations. But, for Harry, SPARE’s larger intention appears to make that risk worth taking. “My hope is that in telling my story — the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned — I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think,” he has said.
Hundreds of journalists, including myself, have written versions and fragments of the duke’s story over the years. It’s a story that, as a working member of the Royal Family, he has long been unable to tell himself. Now, having created an independent life away from the confines of the royal institution, Harry finally has the chance to set often-inaccurately reported records straight. The freedom of speech. And no matter how you may feel about the man, it’s hard not to agree he should have the right to that.
Related pages
Famous ShakespeareEnglish people – Famous English men and women. From Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I to Henry VIII and Winston Churchill. Includes the great poets – William Shakespeare, William Blake and William Wordsworth.
Sir_Winston_S_ChurchillGreat Briton list – Top 100 famous Britons as voted by a BBC poll. Including Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare, Thomas Cromwell and Queen Elizabeth I.
politiciansRoyalty – Famous Kings and Queens throughout history. Including Henry VIII, Queen Victoria and Catherine the Great.
What New Coins Will The Royal Mint Issue In 2023?
Image Title
Posted on Dec 22 2022
This year was a big one for UK coin collectors. We've enjoyed the launch of several new coin series from The Royal Mint, we've got new 50ps in circulation and now we've got a new monarch on our money.
The national news is still focused on what Charles III becoming King means for our coins and banknotes. Meanwhile, we've been looking forward to 2023, keeping a weather eye on royal proclamations in the London Gazette. These formal announcements signpost upcoming Royal Mint releases and we can already tell there's some great stuff in the pipeline, plus a host of traditional, annual issues that are just around the corner.
Here's what we know so far about upcoming releases from the UK's national mint.
2023 Definitive And Commemorative Annual Sets
Early in the New Year, The Royal Mint usually offers a range of annual sets featuring both definitive and commemorative UK coins. You'll find these sets available in BU and proof finishes with a limited number offered in gold, silver and even platinum.
We're anticipating the release of a wide range of new sets for 2023, including:
2023 BU Set
2023 Definitive BU Set
2023 Collectors Proof Set
2023 Premium Proof Set
2023 Silver Proof Set
2023 Gold Proof Set
Want to be the first to get hold of a 2023 Annual Set? Use the links above to sign up for product alerts. As the first annual sets of King Charles III's reign these ones are likely to be very popular.
2023 Charles III Coronation Year Sovereigns
We were looking forward to a 2023 Sovereign release in the autumn of 2022. The surprise 2022 Memorial Sovereign (the second 2022-dated Sovereign) switched up this schedule, pushing the release of the 2023 Sovereign into King Charles' coronation year. Will we see a special coronation Sovereign with a unique commemorative reverse? We're not sure yet but while we're all waiting now's a good time to sign up for product alerts on 2023 proof Sovereigns, proof Half Sovereigns, bullion 'full' Sovereigns, 3-coin sets, 4-coin sets and 5-coin sets. We'll drop you an email the moment we have these eagerly anticipated 22-carat gold coins available to purchase.
25 Years Of Magic Harry Potter Collection
2023 will see the release of two new coins in the 25 Years of Magic collection with spellbinding designs based on Jim Kay's Harry Potter illustrations. The Royal Mint are conjuring up 50ps and ounce coins featuring Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the coming months.
While the first two coins in the set (Harry Potter and Hogwarts Express) show Jody Clark's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, the next two will use Martin Jennings' portrait of King Charles.
Find out more and get a full product list on the BCC blog: Accio Numismatica! Royal Mint to Conjure Up Harry Potter Coins.
New Design In The Great Engravers Series
This time last year the BCC office was in the middle of Gothic Crown mania. The Quartered Arms coin had been released and we were looking forward to the Portrait. These coins marked the third and fourth releases in The Royal Mint's Great Engravers series, following reissues of Una and the Lion and the Three Graces. So far this premium coin collection has focused on the work of William Wyon who was Chief Engraver to the Mint in the early 19th century. Will we see another Wyon design in 2023? Or will the Great Engravers look to another British engraver for the next issue?
New British Monarchs Coins Incoming
The Royal Mint's definitely looking to the past for inspiration at the moment and the British Monarchs collection, launched in 2022, is a testament to this. The coins in this range celebrate some of the remarkable Kings and Queens that have graced British money down the centuries. 21 coins are planned but we can expect four to be released in 2023:
King Henry VIII (1509-1547)
King Charles II (1660-1685)
King George II (1727-1760)
These precious metal coins will feature remastered versions of historic royal coin portraits. The Mint's original schedule also featured a Charles I British Monarchs coin but that's not mentioned in the Proclamation. Too many Charles'?
Roosevelt And Churchill Bullion Coins
A 16 December Proclamation teases a new investment collection themed around the so-called 'Special Relationship' between the United Kingdom and the United States. The phrase comes from a 1946 speech by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who features on these 1/4oz gold and 1oz silver bullion coins alongside President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The inscription will read 'UNITED STATES – UNITED KINGDOM A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP' along with the date and composition. The concept was originally scheduled for a 2021 release and appears to have been revived.
The same Proclamation indicates that these will be accompanied by new Royal Arms bullion coins as well as new additions to the Gold Standard range in 1/10oz, 1/4oz, 1/2oz, 1oz sizes.
Windrush Generation 75th Anniversary Fifty Pence
Empire Windrush Generations 50p Coin Royal Mint 2023.
In 1948 the HMT Empire Windrush carried 1027 passengers (plus two stowaways) from Jamaica to London. 75 years on, the ship's arrival has become symbolic of the generation of post-war migrants who came to live in Britain and The Royal Mint is acknowledging their contributions and struggles with a new 50p.
Thanks to an 11 November Proclamation we know that the reverse design will show a man, a woman, the Union Jack and the number 75, along with the inscription: 'WINDRUSH GENERATIONS'.
The Windrush 50 Pence will likely be issued in an individual presentation on 22 June 2023 to coincide with Windrush Day. Brilliant uncirculated, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, gold proof and platinum proof editions will be available.
National Health Service Fifty Pence
The National Health Service was founded the same year the Windrush arrived, bringing universal healthcare, free at the point of service, to all Brits. The NHS is a massive point of national pride so it's great to hear that we'll be getting a new 50p to mark the institution's 75th anniversary. A 16 December Proclamation tells us that this coin will feature an inscription that reads 'NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE 75' surrounded by words that describe the NHS. This coin will be available in BUnc, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, gold proof and platinum proof.
The Royal Mint previously marked fifty years of the NHS with another 50p (we've got 1998 piedfort silver proof and gold proof editions in stock now).
First Commemorative Bimetallic One Pound
We're getting a new definitive £1 coin in 2023. It's being issued to mark 40 years since the first of these decimal Pounds were put into circulation. The new design - the work of Kenyan-born British artist, Michael Armitage - will replace David Pearce's 'Nations Of The Crown' design, in use since 2017. The Mint have said that Armitage's One Pound:
'... will celebrate the culture, creativity, heritage and history of the UK in the 21st century.'
You'll be able to find this £1 in your change but there will also be commemorative editions available, likely in BU as well as gold and silver proof.
Flying Scotsman Centenary Two Pound
Flying Scotsman Centenary Coin Two Pound UK Coin.
Earlier in the year we caught wind of three new Two Pounds, all detailed in a 10 June Proclamation. We haven't yet seen these coins so its safe to say they'll turn up sometime in 2023, likely in UK annual sets and then in an individual presentation
First up is a new bimetallic coin to mark 100 years since the 4472 Flying Scotsman entered service. Built in 1923, the world record-setting steam train ran between London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland. Today you can see this LNER locomotive at the National Railway Museum in York. The commemorative 2 Pound coin will feature the words 'FLYING SCOTSMAN LNER 4472' and '1923 - 2023' with an inscribed edge reading 'LIVE FOR THE JOURNEY'.
It looks like the Flying Scotsman £2 will be available in BU, gold proof, silver proof, piedfort silver proof and platinum.
Edward Jenner Smallpox Vaccine Two Pound
Edward Jenner Smallpox Vaccine Two Pound UK Coin 2023.
We can also look forward to a new entry to the Innovation In Science collection, this time celebrating the achievements of British physician Edward Jenner. Known as 'the father of immunology', Jenner pioneered the world's first smallpox vaccine. 200 years after his death and in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, 2023 is a good time to honour his legacy. The upcoming £2 coin will feature an abstract smallpox cell and a representation of the people whose lives Jenner's vaccine saved, together with an inscription reading: 'EDWARD JENNER A VACCINE TO END SMALLPOX'. The edge of most coins will be lettered with the words: 'INNOVATION IN SCIENCE · JENNER'.
We're expecting to see these Edward Jenner Two Pounds in BU, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, gold proof and platinum proof.
J R R Tolkien 50th Anniversary Two Pound
J R R Tolkein Lord Of The Rings Two Pound Coin 2023 Royal Mint.
J R R Tolkien - author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - passed away in 1973. Fifty years on, the father of modern fantasy literature joins a very small group of British authors to be celebrated on coinage with a Two Pound decorated with his distinctive monogram and lettering reading '1892 JRR TOLKIEN 1973 WRITER · POET · SCHOLAR'. The edge will read 'NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST' on most editions: a line from The Riddle of Strider from The Fellowship of the Ring. Again, these Tolkien 2 Pounds will be struck in BU, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, gold proof and platinum proof finishes.
King Charles 75th Birthday Five Pound Crown
Last but not least: we're getting a new Five Pound coin. The King turns 75 on 14 November 2023 and it looks like The Royal Mint are giving him a present in the form of a Crown with floral details, Charles' new royal cypher and the number 75. This will be accompanied by an inscription that reads 'HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III 1948 2023'. The edge will feature the words 'RESTORING HARMONY WITH NATURE' - a nod to Charles III's dedication to the environment. You can expect to see this 75th birthday coin in gold proof, silver proof, piedfort silver proof, BU and piedfort platinum proof.