Will Prince William's Crowning as Prince of Wales Be the Next Royal Event?
Charles was once ceremonially invested as Prince of Wales. Will his son get his own crowning event too?
King Charles III's coronation was one of the most anticipated events of this spring and certainly the most important royal ceremony in British history of the last half-century. Taking place on May 6, the king's crowning was attended by many A-list guests, including national leaders, celebrities, and foreign royalty.
In terms of its organization, Charles III's coronation was revolutionary, as the new king decided to forego certain monarchical traditions and have a more modern ceremony to reflect the multifacetedness of British society. For instance, the princesses did not have to wear regal tiaras, going for simple but exquisite headpieces instead.
Under these circumstances, it is only natural to wonder if the Windsors will maintain other royal rituals like the Prince of Wales' crowning.
Charles was given the title of the Prince of Wales in July 1958 at the age of nine, but his investiture happened only in 1969, when he was almost 21. His mother, late Queen Elizabeth II, laid the crown on his head during the ceremony at Caernarfon Castle, and the event was broadcast on TV. Now that Charles has become the King of the United Kingdom, people are curious if he is going to invest his elder son, William, in the princedom?
From what is known at the moment, it is highly unlikely. According to a royal statement made shortly after Queen Elizabeth's passing and Charles taking on her duties, there are no plans for a formal investiture of Prince William on the table. Moreover, such rituals are utterly unnecessary as the change of titles and roles occurs automatically when a reigning monarch is gone.
Besides, there's been enough talking about King Charles' coronation expenses drastically exceeding the initially announced budget. And now as the whole world and the UK in particular are going through tough times, it would be unseemly and rather unwise to spend money on another posh ceremony.
As King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla were crowned the previous weekend, the Royal family will now return to their usual business. William and his wife Kate Middleton can continue fulfilling their duties as Prince and Princess of Wales without being distracted by yet another royal event.