May 6th marked King Charles III's historic coronation – the first British crowning in 70 years. The main events, including a royal procession and flypast, took place on Saturday; however, celebrations began on Friday – in the world's most famous royal residence: Buckingham Palace.
The palace was an apt choice for such a lavish celebration – featuring a series of rooms, including The Ballroom (below), dressed for diplomats and international royalty.
According to the Royal Collection Trust, The Ballroom is the largest of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace – completed in 1855 (under the reign of Queen Victoria). Inspired by the beauty and opulence of Italian Renaissance design, the interior decoration was supervised by Ludwig Gruner.
Since its completion, it has served as a Concert Room and a musicians’ gallery. Today, the Ballroom is used for official functions, including Investitures, State Banquets and parties – much like the one last Friday.
The King, Prince William, and Princess Catherine opened the palace to world leaders, including First Lady Jill Biden and Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine.
President Biden's absence at the coronation is said to be a result of a tradition dating back to the birth of the US – stating that the President should not attend coronations as a mark of independence from the UK.
'Headed to the UK for the Coronation of King Charles III – the first in 70 years!' Jill Biden tweeted before her flight to London. 'It's an honor to represent the United States for this historic moment and celebrate the special relationship between our countries.'
Catherine, Princess of Wales speaking with First Lady Jill Biden and her grand daughter Finnegan Biden
Some 100 heads of state are in the British capital for the weekend, many of whom attended last night's palace reception, including Queen Letizia of Spain, Crown Princess of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco and Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
King Charles III speaks to guests, during a reception at Buckingham Palace
In a post, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared that the event was a chance to welcome 'friends from across the Commonwealth and around the world' ahead of the coronation day. And we could think of no more perfect setting.
And, while it was the first time in seven decades that the palace welcomed world leaders before a coronation, it was certainly not the first party of the week. Buckingham Palace Gardens also made headlines this week when King Charles hosted his first Garden party – marking a century-old tradition from Queen Victoria's reign.
The coronation itself may be underway, but it's not too late to celebrate in a similar style (almost) at home. We're beginning with these top picks below.
Fortnum & Mason have a well-established relationship with the royal family, so it's no surprise they have a special coronation collection. This includes Fortnum's iconic hamper, filled with their limited edition Coronation range.
Penhaligon’s have been the monarch's perfume makers for generations and have a Royal Warrant to prove it. Inspired by King Charles III’s gardens at his country estate, Highgrove Bouquet is a delicate fragrance.
Darlington Crystal’s tribute to the coronation features a selection of fine glassware, made in Britain. Beautiful and delicate, this pair of flutes are engraved with the Royal Cyphers.
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