THE Coronation of King Charles III is fast approaching and a variety of rehearsals are taking place throughout the UK in preparation.
As per tradition, the might of the military will be on full display for this Coronation, but who will be there? Read on to find out more.
1
How many military personnel will feature in King Charles’ coronation procession?
The military has always played an important role in the Coronation of a Monarch.
Six thousand military personnel from various military groups will participate in the historic event.
This will be the largest ceremonial military operation in 70 years.
As well as the procession of personnel, there will be a magnificent flypast over the Mall.
Which military personnel will feature in King Charles’ coronation?
The Coronation of the King and Queen Consort will see the presence of the Army, Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
Gun salutes will sound out the moment King Charles is crowned from military bases and deployed ships throughout the country.
As well as active military members, there will be members of military charities taking part in the event.
The Royal British Legion will provide a Guard of Honour of 100 Standard Bearers that will line the procession route.
Will the British Army be at the coronation?
The Army will have thousands of soldiers participating in the Coronation in May 2023.
Many have flown back to the UK from postings all over the world to participate.
The Army will also provide Guardsmen, the Calvary and musicians for the Coronation.
Will the Royal Navy be at the coronation?
Almost 900 Navy and Marine personnel will be a part of the military display at the Coronation.
Rehearsals are happening in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham.
Participating is a big honour for the Navy as King Charles served in the Navy between 1971 and 1976.
Will the Royal Air Force be at the coronation?
The Royal Air Force will play a huge part in the flypast that will soar over Buckingham Palace.
Among the 60 different aircraft that’ll take to the skies on May 6, 2023, you’ll see the Red Arrows and a historic Battle of Britain memorial flight.
Will military forces from the Commonwealth be at the coronation?
Approximately 40 nations will be represented in the Coronation, including troops from 34 Commonwealth countries and six overseas territories.
14 personnel of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment will participate in the Coronation.
10 members from the Falkland Islands Defence Force have been invited to represent the Islands at the Coronation.
Who are the Royal Military Police?
The Royal Military Police is a regulatory body within the Army to provide police support to the Army.
They carry out unique operations that are distinctly different to civilian policing.
They are able to provide policing services required by the Army both in the UK and overseas.
Who are the Red Arrows?
The Red Arrows are an aerobatic display team of highly trained pilots, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
They are world renowned, one of the best aerobatic display teams in the world.
The pilots are all fast jet pilots who have all flown with frontline Royal Air Force Squadrons.
A tour with the Red Arrows is three years, after the tour the pilot usually returns to operational, training or other duties within the RAF.
Who are the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment?
The Household Cavalry is made up of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.
Both regiments share a rich history of gallantry on the battlefield, originally on horseback.
After World War Two, a mounted squadron from both regiments was formed to perform ceremonial duties, now known as the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
They carry out many duties, one of which is providing a Sovereign’s Escort at major state occasions like the Coronation.
Who are The Royal British Legion?
The Royal British Legion is an Armed Forces charity dedicated to providing support to members, veterans of the Armed Forces and their families.
They’re the largest Armed Forces charity in the UK with 180,000 members and 110,000 volunteers.
Who are the Sovereign’s Bodyguard?
The Sovereign’s Bodyguard is the name given to three ceremonial units that are tasked with guarding the sovereign.
It consists of The Gentleman at Arms, The Yeoman of the Guard and The Royal Company of Archers.
Who are the Royal Watermen?
Until the nineteenth century, the Royal Watermen rowed the barges the Sovereign used to travel on the River Thames.
The Sovereign today still has 24 Royal Watermen, continuing one of the most ancient appointments in the Royal Household.