The Coronation of King Charles III: What You Need to Know

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles the Third and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is set to take place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey, London. This significant event will mark almost 70 years since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953.

The King acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, automatically upon the death of the previous Sovereign. The Coronation will centre on a long-observed traditional religious ceremony that dates back over a thousand years.

Flag Protocols for the Coronation

To honour the occasion, the Commonwealth Flag Officer has issued a notice that in accordance with flag protocol, all Australian Government departments and associated portfolio agencies should fly or display the Australian National Flag all day on Saturday 6 May 2023 and Sunday 7 May 2023. The Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag should be flown on additional flagpoles, where available, near the Australian National Flag. Other organisations are welcome to participate in this display of national pride.

It's important to follow flag etiquette to ensure the flag is treated respectfully. The flag should be raised briskly and ceremoniously and lowered slowly and with respect. It should not touch the ground or any other object while being raised or lowered. If you are displaying multiple flags, ensure they are all the same size and that are hung at the same height. Flags should be well-lit if flown at night.

Australia’s Representation 

Australia will be represented at The Coronation by the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, the Prime Minister, and Ms Jodie Haydon, and by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, along with State Governors and a number of other notable Australians. According to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, a selection of Australians has been chosen to represent the best of our values: caring for others, serving community, and championing progress.

On home soil, significant buildings and monuments around Australia will illuminate in Royal purple on Saturday 6 May and Sunday 7 May 2023. On Sunday 7 May 2023, a National 21 Gun Salute will be conducted by Australia’s Federation Guard on the forecourt of Parliament House in Canberra, followed by a flypast by the Royal Australian Air Force, weather permitting.

Portrait of The King

An official Australian portrait of The King has not yet been released. Once it is announced and distributed, the portrait will be available through Federal MPs and Senators, and from us at Carroll & Richardson Flagworld. In the meantime, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet have advised that the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II may continue to be displayed.

Royal Titles

The King’s formal Royal style and title in Australia is: King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth. However, it is also correct to refer to The King as:

• His Majesty King Charles III
• His Majesty The King
• The King
• His Majesty

The Queen Consort is currently referred to as such to distinguish from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Following the Coronation, The Queen Consort will be referred to as Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

His Majesty and Australia

The King has visited Australia 16 times, including 15 official visits and his attendance at Geelong Grammar School in 1966 at the age of 17. His first official visit to Australia was as the Queen's representative at the memorial service of Prime Minister Harold Holt in 1967. He last visited in 2018 to open the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The King is the Head of State of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Australia. There are 56 members of the Commonwealth today.

King Charles III was the longest serving heir apparent in British history, having become so at the age of three on the death of his grandfather, King George VI.

References and further reading:

Coronation Details: https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/coronation 

Coronation FAQs: https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/coronation/frequently-asked-questions 

Commonwealth Flag Notice: https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-flag/flag-network/2023-05-07 

National Flag Protocols: https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-flag 

Royal Website Coronation Information: https://www.royal.uk/coronation 

Coronation Emblem: https://www.royal.uk/coronation-emblem 

100 Facts about the Coronation: https://www.royal.uk/100-coronation-facts 

History of the Coronation Ceremony: https://www.royal.uk/the-coronation-history-and-ceremonial

Coronation Regalia Guide: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/05/03/king-charles-coronation-crown-jewels-regalia-guide/