King Charles’coronationguest list will include royals from around the world — and even foreign monarchs, breaking usual tradition.
Several royal houses from around the world confirmed their attendance at the May 6 crowning ceremony of King Charles and Queen Camilla at London’s Westminster Abbey. Several foreign monarchs will be at the historic event, marking a change in past coronation guest lists. Foreign monarchs typically did not attend a British king or queen’s crowning ceremony — instead, they would usually send heirs, consorts or other family members to represent them.
Denmark
Sweden
From Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf will attend with his eldest daughter and heir,Crown Princess Victoria.
Princess Estelle, King Carl Gustaf and Princess Victoria.JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty
Spain
Japan
Japan’s government confirmed that Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko will travel to the U.K. for the historic ceremony.
Bhutan
King Jigme Kesar and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan will attend King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation. The royal couple were in the U.K. to attendQueen Elizabeth’s funeral last year.
Norway
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will attend the coronation on behalf of Norway.
Monaco
Prince Albertof Monaco previously told PEOPLE that he looks forward to attending King Charles' May 6 coronation with his wife,Princess Charlene.
“I’m certain that it’s going to be an incredible ceremony and a very moving one,” Prince Albert, 65, said. “We’ve maintained contact since His Majesty became King, but I haven’t talked to him personally since the Queen’s funeral.”
“I’m certain His Majesty will add his own ‘personal touches’ to the ceremonies,” added Albert. “But what those will be, I’m sure I don’t know.”
The reigning royal added that he willbring back a present from Londonfor his 8-year-old twins,Prince JacquesandPrincess Gabriella.
“I’ll bring them any little ‘trinket’ I can put my hands on,” he said.
Prince Charles and Prince Albert in 2006.POOL/Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty
The Netherlands
While King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation ceremony on May 6, two other Dutch royals will attend the Buckingham Palace reception on Friday evening. There, former queen Princess Beatrix and future queen Princess Catharina-Amalia will represent the country.
Luxembourg
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg confirmed they’ll be at Westminster Abbey for the crowning.
Belgium
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will attend the first coronation of a British monarch since 1953.
Queen Camilla and King Charles.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
King Charles' ceremony will be more modest than his mother’s crowning 70 years ago. An estimated 2,000 guests will pour into Westminster Abbey’s pews on May 6, while 8,251 people attendedQueen Elizabeth’s ceremony. And the service has been cut down to 60 minutes — a third of the Queen’s three-hour coronation in 1953.
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“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6thMay. The Duchess of Sussex willremain in Californiawith Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet,” the palace said in the statement.
Prince Harry, 38, wanted to be at the service to support his father at this important moment in his life, a friend tells PEOPLE.
May 6 is alsoPrince Archie’sfourth birthday, and Meghan, 41, will spend the weekend celebrating with him and his sister, 22-month-oldPrincess Lilibet, PEOPLE understands.
Coronation preparations are in full swing, withdecorationsfeaturing a graphic of King Charles wearing a crown going up around London.
The palace also unveiled the officialcoronation invitationand revealed the special rolePrince George, 9, will play during the church service. Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, will serve as aPage of Honorto his grandfather.
source: people.com
