Charles’s Coronation rehearsals enlivened by Prince Louis’s visit, Mordaunt says
King Charles was said to have become bored during lengthy dress rehearsals for his Coronation, but his mood lifted when his grandson Prince Louis visited. The anecdote was shared by Penny Mordaunt at Cheltenham Literature Festival, revealing a behind-the-scenes moment from the ceremonial preparations. Mordaunt, who served as Lord President of the Privy Council, said Charles "suddenly sprung to life" when the then five-year-old arrived, even pausing the rehearsal to show Louis the Crown Jewels.
The Coronation took place on 6 May 2023, following two weeks of dress rehearsals that had left the 77-year-old King feeling fatigued with the process. Mordaunt, 53, a former Conservative defence secretary, also discussed her own role in the ceremony, becoming the first woman in British history to carry the Sword of State, a 3.6kg, 1.2-metre ceremonial sword. She revealed behind-the-scenes details including her decision to wear a teal Safiyaa dress rather than traditional black and gold, and her humorous concern about remembering to change from her "fluffy slippers" into heels before walking down the aisle.
- King Charles revived by grandson's visit during tedious Coronation rehearsals.
- Penny Mordaunt made history as first woman to carry Coronation Sword of State.
- Behind-the-scenes tale reveals lighter moment during extensive ceremonial preparations.
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King Charles III's Coronation took place on 6 May 2023, following Queen Elizabeth II's death. A Coronation is Britain's formal ceremonial event marking the official accession of a new monarch. The ceremony required two weeks of dress rehearsals involving numerous participants.
Penny Mordaunt, a former Conservative politician, made history by becoming the first woman ever to carry the Sword of State during the ceremony. She served as Lord President of the Privy Council at the time. Prince Louis, King Charles's then five-year-old grandson, was among the younger members of the Royal Family present for this significant state ceremony.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “King Charles was ‘bored out of his mind’ during Coronation rehearsals but sprung to life once Prince Louis came to visit, says Penny Mordaunt”.