King Charles is celebrating his 74th birthday today (picture: Jane Barlow via Getty)
King Charles III is celebrating his 74th birthday today and his expected to mark the day privately.
This will be his first birthday as King and his first birthday without his mother, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Charles ascended the throne at the moment of his mother’s passing, however, he will not be coronated until May 2023.
So why exactly is the King’s coronation happening so long after his accession?
Here’s all you need to know.
When is King Charles III’s coronation?
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on May 6, 2023 – a whole eight months after he became King, on September 8, 2022 and almost a year after Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee.
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on May 6, 2023 (picture: AFP)
Queen Consort Camilla will also be coronated at the same time, in a smaller and simpler ceremony than her husbands.
Britons have been granted a Bank Holiday to celebrate the occasion, which will take place on Monday, May 8, two days after the service at Westminster Abbey.
Few details have so far been revealed about the coronation but it is thought that the ceremony will be less grand than the King’s mother’s was, in light of the cost of living crisis.
More: Royal Family
Why is the King’s coronation happening so long after his accession?
One reason that the coronation of a Monarch happens so long after their accession is because the King or Queen needs time to mourn the loss of their mother or father.
Queen Elizabeth II was coronated on June 2, 1953, 15 months after her father King George VI died at the age of 56.
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Another reason for the delayed coronation is because an event of this scale requires a lot of planning.
Operation Golden Orb is the codename for the coronation plans, which will set out the blueprint and the pageantry surrounding it.
The Duke of Norfolk, who organised the Queen’s funeral, also has the job of planning the coronation.
It is thought that the heir to the throne, Prince William, will also play a key role in planning the ceremony.
MORE : Why is Camilla Queen Consort and what does the royal title mean?
MORE : Royal Family wishes King Charles a very happy birthday
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Charles III’s coronation will take place six months after he became King.
