First look at King Charles III's official Coronation invitation
The official invitation for King Charles III's Coronation has been released by Buckingham Palace.
Designed by heraldic artist Andrew Jamieson, the original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache. It features the motif of the Green Man – an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth – to celebrate the new reign. Crowned in natural foliage, the Green Man is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, a British wildflower meadow borders the invitation, featuring lily of the valley (Queen Elizabeth II's favourite flower), cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance. The border also includes a bee, butterfly, ladybird, wren and robin to celebrate the King's love of nature.
Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name. A lion, unicorn and boar – taken from the coats of arms of the Monarch and Her Majesty's father, Major Bruce Shand – can be seen amongst the flowers.
The invitation, which will be issued in due course to over 2,000 guests who will form the congregation in Westminster Abbey, has been made on recycled card with gold foil detailing.
Referring to Camilla as Queen for the first time, the invitations say: "The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla - By Command of the King the Earl Marshall is directed to invite... to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on the 6th day of May 2023."
The Coronation will be held on Saturday 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. The ceremony will "reflect the monarch's role today", according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. It also said the Coronation will "look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry".
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