King Charles and Queen Camilla at the coronation on May 6, 2023.Photo:Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
King Charleshad the best seat in the house for his coronation, but he wanted to be closer to the stage at theCoronation Concert!
On Thursday, King Charles,Queen CamillaandPrincess Annehosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for those involved in the planning of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022 and the coronation in May 2023. They welcomed everyone from royal photographers and musical composers to government officials and volunteers to thank them for their contributions in making the historic events happen.
Neil Walter — who was in charge of parking for Windsor and Maidenhead, where the Coronation Concert was held on the grounds of Windsor Castle the day after the crowning ceremony — chatted with King Charles during the palace reception. According toHello!magazine, the monarch told Walter that he felt his seat in the royal box was too far away from the stage, whereLionel Richie,Katy Perryand more performed some of their biggest hits.
“He said next time he would like to be closer – or bring his binoculars,” Walter told the outlet.
There’s no doubt King Charles has a pair of binoculars handy. He’s been seen using them at horse racing events likeRoyal Ascot, and with his keen interest in the environment, he likely uses them tospot wildlife.
Queen Camilla and King Charles at the Coronation Concert in May 2023.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty
Despite their seats being set back from the stage, the royal family — includingKate Middleton,Prince William,Prince GeorgeandPrincess Charlotte— appeared to have a blast during the show, clapping along to songs and waving Union Jack flags. The royals even joined the rest of the crowd in standing up and dancing along to Richie perform his hit “All Night Long.”
Opera star Andrea Bocelli performed “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as a duet with Bryn Terfel — which Bocellitold PEOPLEwas a special request from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
“The King and the Queen Consort have demonstrated their appreciation of art and good music — which are gifts from the heavens, and that, as they lift the spirit, contribute to spreading good. This is per se already a reason for all of us to be excited,” Bocelli told PEOPLE ahead of the concert. “As for my performance, they have indeed specifically requested a song that is very dear to me as well: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ a touching, intense and evocative score, a true tribute to solidarity.”
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The royal family at the Coronation Concert in May 2023.Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty
King Charles appeared emotional whenPrince William took the stageto give a speech to his “Pa.”
“As my grandmother said when she was crowned, ‘Coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future,’ " Prince William said, quotingQueen Elizabeth’s coronation speech from 1953. “And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a proud mother.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla participate in the Pearl Sword ceremony on Oct. 18, 2023.KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty
KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty
Upon their arrival, King Charles participated in the Pearl Sword ceremony. Representing the authority of the Lord Mayor in the City of London, the monarch was presented with the sword. King Charles then returned the Pearl Sword, confirming the Lord Mayor’s authority when the monarch is not present.
King Charles' mother performed the ceremony in 1953 following her own coronation and again in 1977 and 2022 to mark important jubilees.
source: people.com
