2023 will see the first coronation of a British monarch for 70 years. Only those now in their 70s or above will remember the last one. The UK is the only country in Europe still to carry out a coronation, a ceremony that has its roots in traditions over a thousand years old. Whether you are a royalist or a republican or something in between, this is an historic year in British history and one that might be a turning-point for other nations’ relationship with the UK.

Interesting facts about coronations in history

• All coronations in England are descended from King Edgar’s coronation in Bath in 973 AD.
• William the Conqueror’s coronation was on 25 December 1066 at Westminster Abbey. It was a mix of Saxon and Norman rites – including the annointing which was a tradition used by French kings. The knights guarding the coronation mistook the cries from the crowd for a threat, and so they set fire to the buildings around the Abbey...