The big coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced thanks to Prince Philip - but King Charles never will

There's a coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced but King Charles was never destined to enjoy it at his own ceremony

The coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced that King Charles won't. Seen here are the two royals side-by-side
(Image credit: Future//Image 1:Photo by Jordan Pettitt - WPA Pool/ Getty Images//Image 2:Photo by Paul Hackett - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

There’s a huge coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced thanks to Prince Philip but their son King Charles won't get to enjoy at his ceremony in May.


Plenty of King Charles’ coronation details will honor centuries-old royal traditions, from the use of St Edward’s Crown to crown His Majesty to the planned procession to Buckingham Palace for an iconic balcony appearance. However, not every aspect will be mirroring those of the late Queen Elizabeth’s big day or the coronations of previous monarchs. There’s actually a major coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced thanks a lot to Prince Philip’s encouragement. And it’s one that King Charles won’t get to enjoy in the same way on May 8 for a very simple reason. 

Queen Elizabeth II after her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey

(Image credit: Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Known for being a history-maker as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 was a breakthrough moment as it was the first to be televised. According to the Royal Family website, “27 million people in the UK (out of the 36 million population watched the ceremony” on TV. A further 11 million reportedly listened on the radio as Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II.

The excitement surrounding it was immense and given that this was a royal first, this unprecedented moment could never be captured again by King Charles, whose coronation will now be the second ever televized. In the seven decades that have passed since the Queen’s big day, broadcasting royal events has become much more commonplace and to be expected.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace

(Image credit: Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

From Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding to the Queen’s funeral and a Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip, people across the world are now accustomed to tuning into the Royal Family’s most joyful and most poignant occasions alike. This means that although King Charles’ coronation will be televised in May, the anticipation surrounding the broadcast will never be quite the same as the huge coronation moment Queen Elizabeth experienced. 

The live broadcast of the Queen’s coronation is understood to have been something that Prince Philip took a big part in convincing her to approve. He was Chair of the Coronation Commission in charge of the arrangements for the day. As revealed by the Royal Collection Trust Prince Philip “particularly encouraged the live television broadcast of parts of the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey”.

King Charles III visits Colchester Castle on March 7, 2023

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, The Guardian has previously claimed that following the broadcast of the Queen’s coronation was a “royal ratings hit” and allegedly led to an increase in the number of TV sets in the UK. For those wondering how to watch King Charles’ coronation it’s believed that there will be multiple platforms and channels in the UK and US with commentary from experts and hosts.

Although King Charles won’t get to experience the magnificence of a coronation being aired live for the first time in history, his ceremony will likely be the first British coronation many people have ever seen.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!