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. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.
Compared with previous coronations, the ceremony will undergo some alterations to represent multiple faiths, cultures, and communities across the United Kingdom, and will be shorter than Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. The ceremony will begin with the anointing of Charles, symbolising his spiritual entry into kingship, and then his crowning and enthronement, representing his assumption of temporal powers and responsibilities. Camilla will be crowned in a shorter and simpler ceremony.
The royal family will then travel to Buckingham Palace in a state procession and appear on the balcony to celebrate the occasion.
In addition to the ceremony, the coronation will be marked by public celebrations. On 7th May, the 'Coronation Big Lunch' will take place, providing the public with the opportunity to mark the occasion with street parties. The 'Coronation Concert' will be held on the same day at Windsor Castle with representatives of the King and the Queen Consort's charities as well as members of the general public in attendance. On 8th May, the 'Big Help Out' initiative will take place to encourage community service and volunteering.
(NB. There is a lot of material here, probably enough to fill a couple of sessions.)
(NB. You could take screenshots for printing handouts or if you click on the first photo if you are broadcasting a slide show will open.)
Discussion
Ask members what they think of the Royal Family?
Are they more monarchist or republican?
Do they think Charles will make a good King at age 74?
What do they think about Queen Camilla?
Who will watch the 'Coronation Ceremony'?
Who will be celebrating with a 'Coronation Big Lunch' or street party?
Idioms
Ask members to complete these well known phrases together ...
The Crown JEWELS
Tower Of LONDON
Roll out the red CARPET
Drama QUEEN
Queen BEE
Pay a King's RANSOM
Battle ROYAL
A right Royal PAIN IN THE PROVERBIAL
Prince CHARMING
King of the WORLD ('Titanic' movie)
Build castles in the AIR
The emperor's new CLOTHES
On the porcelain THRONE
Prince and PAUPER
Princess and the PEA
Grand Old Duke Of YORK (How many men did he have?)
Blue BLOOD
Crowning GLORY
Jewel in the CROWN
Until Kingdom COME
Reminiscence
SONG BREAK. 'Buckingham Palace', Ann Stephens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCdzGThASr8
Has anyone met a member of the Royal Family?
Or been at a royal occasion?
The King's Head
How much is a first class stamp these days?
T or F. The profile of the monarch on coins changes from left to right and right to left with every new King or Queen?
Name these famous people on the reverse of the current polymer Sterling notes?
Clues:
- "British Bulldog"
- 'Pride And Prejudice'
- 'The Fighting Temeraire'
- 'The Enigma Code'
His Wife
What was her previous name before marrying Charles on 9th May 2005?
Will (or should) she be 'Queen' or 'Queen Consort'?
His Ma
What was her full name?
How old was she when she became Queen?
His Family
Who was his Pa?
Who are his sister and brothers?
Line Of Succession
Name the people in the line of succession currently?
Their Mother & Grandmother
What was her maiden name?
When did she sadly die in Paris?
Some Royal Occasions
What date was the 'Coronation Of Queen Elizabeth 11'? & Where was she holidaying when she heard of the death of her father, King George V1?
What date was Prince Charles's 'Investiture' as 'Prince Of Wales'? & Which Welsh castle did it take place in?
Name these three Royal Weddings? What years were they in?
Name this Royal Funeral? Why is HM Queen Elizabeth sitting alone?
FACTOID. Charles' Investiture Crown was made with electro-magnetic plating, which was revolutionary for the time, and provided a modern twist to the historic occasion. However, difficulty crafting a metal orb centre-piece reportedly resulted in a ping-pong ball being used instead.
What date was HM Queen Elizabeth's funeral?
How far did people queue to pay their respects?
How old was she when she died?
How long was her reign?
Name these objects?
What is the most valuable diamond in the world, also featured as part of this collection?
FACTOID. 'The Stone of Scone', also known as the 'Stone of Destiny', is an oblong block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland. It will be re-inserted into the 'Coronation Throne' in Westminster Abbey for King Charles 111 Coronation on 6th May.
This lovely video was broadcast as part of the Queen's Jubilee celebration.
What sandwich does he keep in his hat and she keep in her handbag?
Some Former Kings & Queens
Name the King and Queen who led us through the Second World War? (1936 - 1952)
Name the former Royal couple? (He abdicated in 1936)
Name the King from 1910 - 1936?
Name the King from 1901 - 1910?
Name the former Queen & what was her husband's name? (1837-1901)
Who is playing the Queen in this comedy clip?
Name the six wives of Henry V111?
(The rhyme is below)
SONG BREAK. 'I'm Henry V111, I Am', Herman's Hermits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1GS6gu1FgY
(FACTOID. Said at the time to be "the fastest-selling song in history")
King Henry VIII,
To six wives he was wedded.
One died, one survived,
Two divorced, two beheaded.
Boleyn and Howard lost their heads,
Anne of Cleves he would not bed,
Jane Seymour gave him a son -
but died before the week was done,
Aragon he did divorce,
Which just left Katherine Parr, of course!
Other Historic Kings & Queens Of England
 | Which king, in the sixth century, had a round table where he and his knights met? What was his sword called? |
 | Which king tried to prove a point about the power of kings by pushing back the sea in Southampton circa 1016? What did he vow to never wear again after the waves washed over him? |
 | Which king was killed in the Norman attack at the Battle of Hastings on October 14th, 1066? Which historic tapestry depicts his death? |
 | Which king visited Sherwood Forest in 1194 and may have met Robin Hood? Who is pictured here playing him? |
 | Which king who had great success against France in the 'Hundred Years War' (reign 1413-1422) did William Shakespeare write about? Who is pictured here playing him? |
 | Which king's remains (reign 1483-1485) were found under a car park in Leicester in 2012? |
 | Which queen (reign 1558-1603) was known as 'The Virgin Queen', because she produced no heir? Was there any relationship between her and our late queen? |
 | On 5th November 1605 which king were Catholic conspirators of the 'Gunpowder Plot' including Guido Fawkes trying to assassinate? |
 | Which King hid in an oak tree after the Battle Of Worcester in 1651, before fleeing to France until his restoration to the throne in 1660? (Hence many pubs are called 'The Royal Oak'.) |
 | Which King's horse did Emily Dickinson throw herself under in the 1913 Derby? What as a Suffragette was she fighting for? |
Royal Residences
Name the boat?
Name the Royal residence? Which English county is it in?
Name the castle? Which year was part of it destroyed by fire? (The Queen called this year her "Annus Horribilis")
Name the Scottish Castle?
Name the main London residence? What road does it sit at the end of?
Name this royal residence where William and Kate live?
Which flag flies when the King is at home?
This statue of Princess Diana was unveiled in the gardens of Kensington Palace on 1st July 2021. Where is her final resting place?
When and why did Harry and Meghan leave the royal family?
What is the name of his new memoir?
Royal Honours
What occasion is this?
What do these initials of the 'Queen's Honours' stand for?
- MBE
- OBE
- CBE
- DBE (or KBE)
On which two occasions does the Queen send cards for (if requested)?
Name these Knights Of The British Empire?
Clues:
- "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!"
- "Hannibal The Cannibal"
- "Rocket Man"
- A 'Rolling Stone'
- One of the 'Fab Four'
- Gandalf
Name these Dames Of The British Empire?
Clues:
- 'Great British Bake Off'
- 'Mary Poppins'
- 'Dynasty'
- "Twiggy"
- "Mrs Overall"
- 'Downton Abbey'
Other Royal Duties
What is this political occasion?
At which Royal event does the Queen's horse ride each year?
Where does the Queen lay a wreath of poppies each year & on what date?
What time is the 'King's Christmas Broadcast'?
Name the occasion?
Name the knight and his royal association?
FACTOID. Daniel Craig was rolling around on the floor with the Corgis at one point during the making of this film clip!
As James Bond 007 is 'defender of Queen and country', you might want to look at the 'James Bond Quiz' here - https://www.simondementia.co.uk/single-post/james-bond-music-picture-quiz
Other Massively Positive Contributions
How many nations are in 'The Commonwealth'?
For which award do you have to undertake an expedition?
Which fund provides support to young people to help them find employment?
Which games did Harry establish for injured servicemen and women?
Which prize did William and David Attenborough establish to help save the planet?
Prince Philip's Gaffes
Some of these are culturally insensitive and politically incorrect, so you might want to exclude them?
Some Other Places Associated With Royalty
Carols are broadcast from here every Christmas Eve?
Many royal services have been held here over the years?
This is named after Queen Victoria's husband?
This is named after our late Queen?
Royal Animals
What dogs did our late Queen love?
Which bird does the British monarch own?
What other animals did our late Queen love?
Name this snake?
Name this King of the jungle?
Name this hive leader?
Name this dog?
Name this bird & what does it protect?
Royal Food & Drink
Name the sponge cake?
Name the curry dish?
What was our late Queen's favourite tipple?
What is the new 'Coronation Quiche' filling?
What dish fit for a king would you make?
FACTOID. This piece of Charles & Diana's wedding cake sold recently at auction for £1,850.
(Anyone fancy eating it?)
Some Other 'Royal' Movies
Name the movies +
Who starred in the first movie?
Who starred in the second movie & what was it about?
Who starred in the third movie & what is Siam called these days?
(Trick question) Who starred in this movie & what are her royal connections?
Who starred in this movie?
Who is he holding in his hand?
Name the two characters?
Name the actor?
Name the actors & how many times did they marry?
Name the movie & the actor? ("Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me!")
Some 'Royal' TV Associations
Name the street and the character?
Name the pub and the TV soap opera?
Name the TV sitcom & name the characters?
Name the weatherman?
Name the one off TV charity fundraiser sponsored by the royals?
Name the TV reality show and Diana's former butler?
Name the TV sitcom and the actors?
Some Other Famous Charles
Clues:
- 'Oliver Twist'
- 'The Beagle'
- Silent movies
- French statesman
- Body builder
- Actor
- 'Peanuts'
- 'Rolling Stone'
- 'Carry On'
- "Hello, my darlings!"
- TV detective show
SONG. 'She', Charles Aznavour -
Who covered this song in the 1999 movie 'Notting Hill'?
Some Right Royal Music To Wave Flags With
And Then There Are These
FACTOIDS. HM Queen Elizabeth actually did enjoy dancing to ABBA's 'Dancing Queen'. She once said “I always try to dance when this song comes on, because I am the Queen, and I like to dance.”
Did you know Elvis turned down an invitation to meet HM Queen Elizabeth? Indeed, he reportedly turned down the opportunity to perform at the 1962 'Royal Variety Show', which would have seen him meet Her Majesty The Queen. This was because his manager feared not being allowed back into the USA if he left. So Elvis did in fact 'Return To Sender'. Oops!
And Finally
Practical Activities
You could make bunting ... Or colour in outlines of King Charles Coronation ... Or make crowns. There are lots of guides and templates on the internet.
Or you could enjoy a garden party?
Ask members to list items they would wish to include?
AND NOW FOR SOME ANSWERS
True. The direction in which the head faces should alternate between the coinage of successive monarchs.
Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J.M.W. Turner & Alan Turing
Camilla Parker-Bowles
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor / 25
Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew & Prince Edward
Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Harry, Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet (Which was HM Queen Elizabeth's nickname)
Lady Diana Spencer / August 31st 1997 (aged 36)
What date was the 'Coronation Of Queen Elizabeth 11'? & Where was she holidaying when she heard of the death of her father, King George V1? - 2nd June 1953 / 'Treetops' in Kenya
What date was Prince Charles's 'Investiture' as 'Prince Of Wales'? & Which Welsh castle did it take place in? - 1st July 1969 / Caernarvon Castle
Name these three Royal Weddings? What years were they in? - Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer 29th July 1981, Prince William & Kate Middleton 29th April 2011 & Prince Harry & Meghan Markle 19th May 2018
Name this Royal Funeral? Why is HM Queen Elizabeth sitting alone? - Prince Philip 19th September 2022
What date was HM Queen Elizabeth's funeral? - 19th September 2022
How far did people queue to pay their respects? - 10 miles / 24 hours
How old was she when she died? - 96
How long was her reign? - 70 years and 214 days
Name these objects? - 'The Crown Jewels' / Including the Orb, Sceptre & Crown
What is the most valuable diamond in the world, also featured as part of this collection? - Cullinan I alone is estimated to be 530 carats and worth a staggering £40.9 million.
What sandwich does he keep in his hat and she keep in her handbag? - Marmalade
Name the King and Queen who led us through the Second World War? (1936 - 1952) - King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother)
Name the former Royal couple? (He abdicated in 1936) - King Edward V111 & Mrs Simpson
Name the King from 1910 - 1936? - George V & Queen Mary
Name the King from 1901 - 1910? - Edward V11 & Queen Alexandra
Name the former Queen & what was her husband's name? (1837-1901) - Queen Victoria & Prince Albert
Who is playing the Queen in this comedy clip? - Harry Enfield
Name the six wives of Henry V111? - Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard & Katherine Parr
Which king, in the sixth century, had a round table where he and his knights met? - King Arthur
What was his sword called? - Excalibur
Which king tried to prove a point about the power of kings by pushing back the sea in Southampton circa 1016? - King Canute
What did he vow to never wear again after the waves washed over him? - His crown
Which king was killed in the Norman attack at the Battle of Hastings on October 14th, 1066? - Harold
Which historic tapestry depicts his death? - Bayeux Tapestry
Which king visited Sherwood Forest in 1194 and may have met Robin Hood? - Richard The Lionheart
Who is pictured here playing him? - Sean Connery (In 'Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves', 1991
Which king who had great success against France in the 'Hundred Years War' (reign 1413-1422) did William Shakespeare write about? - King Henry V
Who is pictured here playing him? - Kenneth Branagh (In 'Henry V', 1989)
Which king's remains (reign 1483-1485) were found under a car park in Leicester in 2012? - Richard 111
Which queen (reign 1558-1603) was known as 'The Virgin Queen', because she produced no heir? - Queen Elizabeth 1
Was there any relationship between her and our late queen? - HM Queen Elizabeth 11 was related to Elizabeth I via Henry VII's sister, Queen Margaret of Scotland
On 5th November 1605 which king were Catholic conspirators of the 'Gunpowder Plot' including Guido Fawkes trying to assassinate? - James I of England
Which King hid in an oak tree after the Battle Of Worcester in 1651, before fleeing to France until his restoration to the throne in 1660? (Hence many pubs are called 'The Royal Oak'.) - Charles 11
Which King's horse did Emily Dickinson throw herself under in the 1913 Derby? - George V
What as a Suffragette was she fighting for? - Votes for women
Name the boat? - 'Britannia'
Name the Royal residence? Which English county is it in? - 'Sandringham' / Norfolk
Name the castle? Which year was part of it destroyed by fire? (The Queen called this year her "Annus Horribilis") - 'Windsor'
Name the Scottish Castle? - 'Balmoral'
Name the main London residence? What road does it sit at the end of? - 'Buckingham Palace' / The Mall
Name this royal residence where William and Kate live? - 'Kensington Palace'
Which flag flies when the King is at home? - 'The Royal Standard'
Where is Diana's final resting place? - 'Althorp Estate'
When and why did Harry and Meghan leave the royal family? - 8th January 2020 / Mainly due to harassment from the British Press and a perceived lack of support from the Royal household.
What is the name of his new memoir? - (Heir and) 'Spare'
What occasion is this? - Royal Garden Party
- MBE - 'Member Of The British Empire'
- OBE - 'Order Of The British Empire'
- CBE - 'Commander Of The British Empire'
- DBE (or KBE) - 'Dame' or 'Knight Of The British Empire'
The King sends messages of congratulations for Diamond (60th), 65th and Platinum (70th) wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter. His Majesty also arranges messages for 100th, 105th birthdays and every year thereafter.
- "You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" - Michael Caine
- "Hannibal The Cannibal" - Anthony Hopkins
- "Rocket Man" - Elton John
- A 'Rolling Stone' - Mick Jagger
- One of the 'Fab Four' - Paul McCartney
- Gandalf - Ian McKellen
- 'Great British Bake Off' - Mary Berry
- 'Mary Poppins' - Julie Andrews
- 'Dynasty' - Joan Collins
- "Twiggy" - Lesley Lawson
- "Mrs Overall" - Julie Walters
- 'Downton Abbey' - Maggie Smith
What is this political occasion? - 'State Opening Of Parliament'
At which Royal event does the Queen's horse ride each year? - 'Royal Ascot'
Where does the Queen lay a wreath of poppies each year & on what date? ' The Cenotaph on nearest Sunday to 11th November
What time is the 'King's Christmas Broadcast'? - 3pm on Christmas Day
Name the occasion? - 'Trooping The Colour'
Name the knight and his royal association? - Brian May / Guitarist in the band 'Queen'. He also played on top of Buckingham Palace opening the 'Golden Jubilee Celebrations' in 2002
How many nations are in 'The Commonwealth'? - 54
For which award do you have to undertake an expedition? - 'Duke of Edinburgh Award'
Which fund provides support to young people to help them find employment? - 'Prince's Trust'
Which games did Harry establish for injured servicemen and women? - 'Invictus Games'
Which prize did William and David Attenborough establish to help save the planet? - 'Earthshot Prize'
Carols are broadcast from here every Christmas Eve? - King's College, Cambridge
Many royal services have been held here over the years? - Westminster Abbey
This is named after Queen Victoria's husband? - Royal Albert Hall
This is named after our late Queen? - Elizabeth Tower
What dogs did our late Queen love? - Corgis
Which bird does the British monarch own? - Mute Swans
What other animals did our late Queen love? - Horses
Name this snake? - King Cobra
Name this King of the jungle? - Lion
Name this hive leader? - Queen Bee
Name this dog? - King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
Name this bird & what does it protect? - Raven. If all the ravens leave the 'Tower of London' the monarchy will fall.
Name the sponge cake? - Victoria Sponge
Name the curry dish? - Coronation Chicken
What was our late Queen's favourite tipple? - Gin and IT (Dubonnet)
What is the new 'Coronation Quiche' filling? - Spinach, Broad beans & Tarragon
Who starred in the first movie? - 'The Queen', 2006 / Helen Mirren
Who starred in the second movie & what was it about? - 'The King's Speech', 2010 / Colin Firth / Overcoming Bertie's stammering
Who starred in the third movie & what is Siam called these days? - 'The King And I', 1956 / Yul Byrnner & Deborah Kerr / Thailand
(Trick question) Who starred in this movie & what are her royal connections? - 'Carry On Camping', 1969 - Barbara Windsor / 'The Queen Vic' in Eastenders
Who starred in this movie? - 'The Madness Of King George', 1994 / Nigel Hawthorne
Who is he holding in his hand? - 'King Kong', 1933 / Fay Wray
Name the two characters? - 'The Lion King', 1994 / Simba & Nala
Name the actor? - 'Carry On Henry', 1971 / Sid James
Name the actors & how many times did they marry? - 'Cleopatra', 1963 / Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton / Twice
Name the movie & the actor? ("Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me!") - 'Carry On Cleo', 1964 / Kenneth Williams
Name the street and the character? - 'Coronation Street' / Vera Duckworth
Name the pub and the TV soap opera? - 'Queen Vic' / 'Eastenders'
Name the TV sitcom & name the characters? - 'The Royale Family' / Jim & Barbara, Denise & Dave, Antony & Nana
Name the weatherman? - King Charles
Name the one of TV charity fundraiser sponsored by the royals? - 'It's A Royal Knockout'
Name the TV reality show and Diana's former butler? - 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' / Paul Burrell
Name the TV sitcom and the actors? - 'Blackadder' / Rowan Atkinson & Miranda Richardson
- 'Oliver Twist' - Charles Dickens
- 'The Beagle' - Charles Darwin
- Silent movies - Charlie Chaplin
- French statesman - Charles De Gaulle
- Body builder - Charles Atlas
- Actor - Charles Bronson
- 'Peanuts' - Charles Schultz
- 'Rolling Stone' - Charlie Watts
- 'Carry On' - Charles Hawtry
- "Hello, my darlings!" - Charlie Drake
- TV detective show - 'Charlies Angels'
Elvis Costello covered 'She'
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