For many of us, the Coronation of King Charles III will be the first time we will witness an heir to the throne being crowned. In what has been code-named, ‘Operation Golden Orb’, plans for the much- anticipated coronation weekend are certainly in full swing!
From street parties and big lunches to hosting loved ones for a
meal fit for a king, Scotland4kids has got you covered on all the essential planning and items you might need.
The coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey, London on Saturday 6 May and an additional bank holiday has been announced on Monday 8 May to allow the public time to celebrate. Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’.
Following this, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Sunday will see a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle attended by members of the public and which will be televised for everyone to enjoy. The concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.
Coronation Crafts
CORONATION HANDPRINT WREATH
Firstly cut a large circle from a cardboard box to use as the wreath, next, get the kids to paint their hands using blue and red paint and press onto white card. Leave to dry and then cut out, using glue begin to stick the handprints onto the wreath in the order, red, white and blue. Cut a length of ribbon and tie through the hole on the wreath to hang it up.
THE CROWN JEWELS
Cut out some large rectangle shapes of yellow card and fit them around your child’s head to make sure it fits. Let your child’s imagination run free with sequins, glitter, markers and paint to decorate their crown. Once it has been left to dry, place it around their head before fixing with some tape to secure it in place.
KING’S CORONATION PICTURE FRAME
Pick up some wooden picture frames and let your child decorate them using stickers, glitter and markers. Print out some photos from your coronation day celebrations and let your child pick one to place in the picture frame as a
keepsake of the day.
A Right Royal Knees Up
If you are planning to host your own coronation party at home, there are lots of brilliant and fun ways to give it the royal seal of approval. Get the kids involved with making some decorations, you could create some colourful bunting for inside the home and the garden by using royal colours such as gold, purple, and red. You could incorporate these colours into your table settings too as well as balloons, streamers, napkins and party plates and cups.
Food Fit for A King
There are plenty of ideas to make your coronation event really stand out when it comes to what food to serve, if you’re hosting, or to bring to a gathering. Coronation chicken is a tasty chicken dish made from an Indian inspired creamy curry sauce. Why not serve it as a salad or use it to fill sandwiches?
Homemade scones with jam and cream are a firm favourite for special occasions like this one and are perfect served with some English Breakfast Tea in a dainty China cup. Picnic food such as Scotch eggs, beef Wellington bites, cheese straws and finger sandwiches always go down a treat. And finally, no coronation event will be complete without The Coronation Quiche, personally chosen by the King and Camilla, the Queen Consort. The dish which includes spinach, broad beans, cheese and tarragon can be served hot or cold with a green leafy salad and boiled new potatoes.
Regal Cocktails
A jolly good non-alcoholic tipple is a must-have to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. We have put together some regal cocktails that are sure to keep the celebrations flowing.
THE CORONATION FIZZ – a red, white and blue mocktail consisting of 300ml coconut water, 50g blueberries, 50g raspberries, 550ml lemonade. Method
– Place raspberries, blueberries and strawberries in an ice cube tray and fill the tray with coconut water, freeze until frozen solid and then add ice cubes to glasses, pour the lemonade into each of the glasses and serve.
BUCKINGHAM BREEZE – 50ml cranberry juice, 50ml apple juice, 15ml lime juice. Shake the ingredients with ice, strain into a glass and top with soda.
ROYAL MINT – 10 fresh mint leaves, 25ml lime juice, 25ml apple juice, dash of sugar syrup. Place the mint in base of shaker, add rest of the ingredients, shake hard and fine strain into glass and finally top it off with lemonade.
Children’s Books to Celebrate the King’s Coronation
Reading is a fun and educational way to teach your child all about the coronation. And to mark the historic milestone, Macmillan Children’s Books has recently published a selection of amazing titles including, ‘Busy Royal Family’, ‘The King’s Coronation Sticker Book’, ‘The Queen’s Wardrobe’ plus several other titles.
Busy Royal Family – Get to know the Busy Royal Family and meet the new king! Push, pull and slide the tabs to help the King choose his outfit, enjoy a day at the races and go on a fun carriage ride. £6.99, recommended for ages 2+
The King’s Coronation Sticker Book illustrated by Marion Billet – A perfect gift for tiny tourists. Pre-schoolers can use the stickers to decorate street parties, finish the procession and even place the royal crown upon the new King’s head! With spot the differences, colouring-in and more than 400 stickers, there is plenty to keep little ones busy. £7.99, recommended for ages 3+
The Queen’s Wardrobe by Julia and Kate Hindley – A gorgeously illustrated book showcasing the clothes of Queen Elizabeth II alongside fascinating stories throughout her extraordinary life. £9.99, recommended for ages 6+