With King Charles III’s coronation ceremony just days away, the royal family is busier than ever — and even the youngest members of the brigade are taking part in the preparations.
On Wednesday morning, three days ahead of the historic service, Prince William, 40, and Kate Middleton, 41, were spotted with all three of their children — Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5 — at Westminster Abbey for a coronation rehearsal. King Charles, 74, and Queen Consort Camilla, 75, were also in attendance, along with the monarch’s sister, Princess Anne, 72.
Charles was seen arriving at Westminster Abbey, where he’ll be crowned as king on Saturday, with a beaming smile on his face. Anne arrived shortly after her eldest brother, followed by Camilla, then the Wales family.
William and Kate’s arrival with their brood coincided with a changeover in classes at the nearby Westminster School, and the students excitedly waved at the royals as they passed by. Princess Charlotte, who just celebrated her 8th birthday on May 2, was spotted waving back with a grin on her face. A bystander also remarked that Kate seemed “relaxed and happy” — the special occasion appears to have the entire UK-based family in high spirits!
Coronation Roles
As the next two heirs to the throne, both Prince William and Prince George have special roles in the coronation ceremony.
After King Charles is crowned, William will kneel before him and pledge his allegiance. He will state, “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Prince George will occupy the role of Page of Honor — the young prince will join three other boys in attending to the King during the service. According to The Telegraph, his status as a Page will make history, as he will be the youngest future king to participate in a coronation ceremony with an official role.
After the Crowning
Once the coronation service is over, Prince George is expected to ride back to Buckingham Palace with his parents and siblings in a horse-drawn carriage as part of the Coronation Procession. The newly-crowned King and Queen Consort will leave Westminster Abbey first in the 260-year-old Golden State Coach.
The day’s events will conclude with an official appearance by the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as a show of a new era for the monarchy.
William & Kate’s Take on George’s Role
While William and Kate’s feelings on their son’s role in the coronation ceremony were reportedly lukewarm at first due to his young age and the pressure he may feel by being saddled with such a responsibility, a spokesperson for the Prince and Princess assured the public that the royal couple is elated for their son.
“His parents are very excited and delighted that he is a page,” the Wales’ representative told PEOPLE. “It’s something that his parents have thought long and hard about and are very much looking forward to — and I’m sure George is, too,” they added.
Several more practice runs are expected to take place for the royals in the final days leading up to the historic event on Saturday. With all three future kings involved in the coronation, it’s sure to be a memorable occasion.
Leave a Comment