7 ways to enjoy London’s coronation festivities this May – and beyond

With the upcoming coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on May 6 2023, the streets of London are abuzz. Coronations in the United Kingdom go back nearly a millennium when William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066. While these lavish spectacles have spanned centuries, only 39 monarchs have received the honor of an investiture.

Although much has changed over the course of the English monarchy, one thing remains the same: the coronation of a new sovereign has always been a cause for merrymaking. From Richard II’s first-ever coronation parade in 1377, to the free wine flowing from public fountains at the coronation of Queen Anne Boleyn in 1533, to King Charles’s Coronation Concert on May 7 featuring musical royalty Andrea Bocelli and Katy Perry, the people of London are once again marking the royal occasion.

And even if you’re not in town during the big occasion, London is filled with historic buildings that are famously associated with coronations. Here are some of the highlights that can be enjoyed for the next few months.

1. Westminster Abbey 
Set on the site of a 10th-century monastery, Westminster Abbey was commissioned by King Henry III in the 13th century. This Gothic-style architectural wonder has been the location of every British monarch’s coronation since 1066. The heaven-sweeping nave and priceless stained-glass windows mingle with the aura of history, as the abbey itself is filled with the tombs of 30 kings and queens. The abbey is also home to the famous 700-year-old coronation chair which has borne everyone from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria. Having endured graffiti in the 18th and 19th centuries, a bombing in 1914 and an evacuation to Gloucester Cathedral during WWII, the coronation chair has remained a cornerstone of coronation ceremonies through the ages.

2. Jewel House
The Crown Jewels and the Coronation Regalia are kept on display under the supervision of armed guards within the Jewel House at the Tower of London. Brimming with symbolism, the 23,578 glittering gemstones are used in ceremonies such as coronations and the opening of Parliament and each piece represents authority, leadership and protection. In honor of the coronation year, the Jewel House will unveil a new exhibit featuring the origins of the current jewels and the stories behind the destruction of the originals.

3. The Royal Mews
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace are the stables where all transportation vehicles owned by the monarchs are kept. Up until the 20th century, the mews was home to horses and carriages, but with the invention of the automobile, the mews collection grew to include eight limousines and other state cars. The most famous inhabitant of the Royal Mews is the ornate, 18th-century Gold State Coach which was used in the coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth II. The splendid four-ton vehicle drawn by eight horses and decorated with golden sculptures of cherubs will feature prominently in the Coronation Procession.

4. Crown to Couture
The Crown to Couture fashion exhibition at Kensington Palace showcases 200 items previously donned by royals and celebrities alike. Filled with sparkling jewelry and sumptuous gowns, the exhibition draws parallels between clothes worn by the royal court and those of Hollywood royalty. Visitors can expect to see everything from Beyoncé and Audrey Hepburn’s red carpet looks, to a 360-year-old dress made from silver tissue and Britain’s widest surviving court gown that spans nine feet across. Kensington Palace, through October 29, 2023

5. King Charles III Coronation Bus Tour
The popular afternoon tea bus tours by Brigit’s Bakery have hopped on board the royal theme with their King Charles III Coronation Bus Tour. Curated by The Royal Butler, Grant Harrold, the afternoon tea experience will be dressed to the nines with coronation-themed decorations, allowing guests to sip their Earl Grey in style while passing by many of London’s most recognizable landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park and Big Ben. Official guides from Majesty Magazine will also be onboard to provide information about the royal family. Through May 31, 2023

6. Westminster Abbey Coronation Exhibition
The Westminster Abbey Coronation Exhibition in the abbey’s Chapter House spotlights the historic practices that have made coronations special for nearly a thousand years. The exhibit showcases historic photography, illustrations and objects that bring to life the magic and mystery of British coronations and illuminate the meaning behind the ceremonial aspects of the pageantry. Entry to the special exhibition is included in the price of abbey admission. Through September 30, 2023

7. King’s Coronation Themed Afternoon Tea 
Head over to the storied hotel The Rubens at the Palace for the King’s Coronation Themed Afternoon Tea. This luxurious experience features a menu of King Charles’s favorite treats such as orchard plum confit and wild mushroom quiche, all while overlooking the bustle of the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. The grand hotel itself was once part of the palace grounds, and the kingly tea is a fitting tribute to the property’s royal connections. The Rubens at the Palace, through August 1, 2023

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