King Charles III made history in May 2023 when he became the oldest monarch ever crowned in Britain. He ascended the throne at the age of 74, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022. Her passing ended the longest reign in British history and marked a major transition for the monarchy.
The coronation also stood out because it was the first such ceremony held in nearly 70 years. The last coronation took place in 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned. As a result, the event carried immense historical weight and drew global attention. While the ceremony was mostly orderly, it unfolded against a backdrop of family tension and public scrutiny.
A Modern Coronation Marked by Subtle Tensions
King Charles’ coronation came at a time of strained relations within the royal family. The feud involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remained unresolved. Prince Harry attended the ceremony alone, without his wife. He sat in the third row, away from senior royals.
Observers noted that he had no visible interaction with King Charles or Prince William. Although the ceremony featured moments of unity and tradition, these quiet tensions were impossible to ignore. Still, the event avoided major disruption and followed centuries-old customs.
Despite some awkward moments, historians agree that the ceremony remained dignified. However, royal experts say it pales in comparison to one of the most scandalous coronations in British history.
The Coronation of King George IV: Chaos at Westminster Abbey
According to award-winning London guide David Harry, the worst coronation ever held at Westminster Abbey occurred in 1821. Westminster Abbey has hosted every British coronation since 1066. Yet none matched the disorder seen during King George IV’s crowning.
George IV was infamous for excess. He was known for heavy eating, constant drinking, and numerous affairs. Because of this lifestyle, his coronation reflected extravagance rather than restraint. David Harry described the event as “ostentatious, unseemly, and chaotic.”
The ceremony cost £240,000 at the time. That figure equals roughly £21 million today. Despite the enormous expense, the service descended into confusion. Guests struggled to find their seats. Protocol broke down. The event shocked even 19th-century observers.
Personal Scandal Overshadowed Royal Tradition
Much of the chaos stemmed from George IV’s personal life. He had secretly married a Catholic widow, Maria Fitzherbert. British law deemed the marriage illegal. He also maintained several mistresses and reportedly had children outside marriage.
Political pressure later forced him to marry Caroline of Brunswick. Their relationship was openly hostile. Although they had a daughter together, she died as a teenager. The tragedy further deepened their animosity.
When George IV’s coronation took place, Queen Caroline was banned from attending. Guards reportedly blocked her entry at Westminster Abbey. David Harry compared the exclusion to a hypothetical situation in which King Charles might have barred Princess Diana had she been alive.
A Lasting Legacy from a Disastrous Event
Despite the scandal, one unusual legacy survived. The 27-foot red velvet cloth used during the ceremony was later sold to Madame Tussauds. It was eventually rediscovered. Since 1911, the same fabric has been reused in every British coronation.
Today, King Charles’ coronation stands as a symbol of continuity. In contrast, George IV’s ceremony remains a cautionary tale. Together, they highlight how royal history blends tradition, controversy, and enduring symbolism.
