On May 6, 2023, the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla will take place. This historic event is the first coronation of a Canadian Head of State and Monarch in seven decades!

Starting this week, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor will mark the Coronation with public celebrations, community visits, and special events honouring the themes and focus of His Majesty King Charles III.

The coronation ceremony is an occasion for pageantry and celebration, a remarkable ceremony that has remained essentially the same over a thousand years. While for the last 900 years, the ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey in London, British Columbians will have the opportunity to join the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and representative of His Majesty King Charles III in the province, in celebrations closer to home.

On Friday, May 5, the Lieutenant Governor will host a reception for her honorary patronages (by invitation), including a performance from the Victoria Children’s Choir and the raising of the Coronation banner. That evening, she’ll attend a gala concert presentation of Handel’s “Coronation Anthems” at Christ Church Cathedral (open to the public; find tickets here).

On May 6 and 7, Government House will be illuminated in the colours of the Coronation, along with the BC Parliament Buildings, with landmarks across the country also participating.

This summer, several Coronation-inspired events will take place.

The Government House Garden Festival will be an outdoor, family-friendly celebration, free and open to the public, with food and live entertainment. The festival will be Coronation-themed, with a special focus on volunteering, inspired by “the Big Help Out” activities taking place throughout the Commonwealth. The Festival is set to take place in late July.

A new Coronation Pathway will open later this year on the grounds of Government House. This initiative is being led by the Friends of Government House Gardens Society, with support from the Government House Foundation.

Tours of Government House will be held every Saturday, with a special focus on the Coronation and history of King Charles III’s visits to BC. Tours require pre-registration; dates, times and a link for registration can be found here.

Check back on social media and the Government House Public Events page for more detailed information on upcoming summer events and activities.

Long Live The King!