King Charles is going to pay homage to his late father Prince Philip at his coronation.
The king’s crowning is set to take place on May 6, a date that’s rapidly approaching, and as time ticks we’re getting more insight as to what it’s actually going to be like. We last heard Adele and Ed Sheeran apparently turned down requests to play at the big ceremony, but it hasn’t put a hitch in King Charles’ plans. The newest update from Buckingham Palace is all about the music they’re planning to play (spoiler alert, it’s not Someone Like You)!
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The statement, which was published over the weekend, says the king plans to make a tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh with his music selections:
“His Majesty The King has personally commissioned the new music and shaped and selected the musical programme for the Service. At the request of His Majesty, in tribute to his late father His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Greek Orthodox music will also feature in the Service performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.”
This is a very personal request to honor the memory of Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh was born in Greece and baptized in the Greek Orthodox church, and although he did convert religions to marry Queen Elizabeth II, playing Greek Orthodox music in honor of his father is a big deal for King Charles and the “modern era”.
That’s not the only type of music King Charles is planning on getting down to, though! According to the statement, he’s commissioned 12 new pieces of music to be played at his crowning — including a brand new coronation anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Yes, the same composer who brought us the fantastic music from stage plays like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Super exciting for us Broadway fans!
Andrew said of the song he composed in a public statement:
“I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for The Coronation. My anthem includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98. I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”
The official lineup of the Coronation Concert has yet to be announced, but they’re keeping the hype by teasing some big stars and iconic musicians!
Previously, we heard about how the palace plans to honor traditions when crowning King Charles and Queen Camila, but also how they want to bring the religious ritual to the present times. Late last year, Buckingham Palace said in another statement:
“The Coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”
Looks like this coronation is shaping up to be one for the books! Especially with all the family drama circulating…
If you wanna watch, the concert will also be broadcast live from Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7.
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[Image via MEGA/WENN.com]
