King Charles reveals his biggest Coronation complaint and what he'd do differently

King Charles and Queen Camilla at their Coronation

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Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 20/10/2023

- 20:31

The King and Queen were crowned in May

King Charles had one major complaint about his Coronation Concert in May, and that was where he was seated.

The King has admitted he was so far away from the stage that he could not see the performers very well.


The monarch, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, attended a reception at Buckingham Palace on Thursday to thank those involved in putting together Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and the Coronation.

The monarch spent time talking to volunteers who helped organise the concert, which took place at Windsor Castle on May 7, the day after the Coronation.

WATCH: Commentators discuss the Coronation Concert

Neil Walter, who was in charge of parking, said the King told him he was seated so far from the stage that he could not see what was happening.

Walter commented: “He said next time he would like to be closer – or bring his binoculars.”

The King and Queen were seated alongside Princess Kate, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in the Royal Box.

This was constructed within a tiered stand towards the back of the venue, which helps explain why King Charles struggled to see the performers.

King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla at Coronation concert

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Despite this, the King appeared to be in his element during the concert and was videoed on his feet, dancing alongside Camilla and waving Union Jack flags.

Singers including Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Take That performed.

King Charles also got speaking to TV host Clare Balding at the Buckingham Palace reception on Thursday.

Balding attended the reception because she led the commentary for the BBC Coronation coverage.

Royal Family

King Charles couldn't see well from the royal box

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King Charles and Queen Camilla

​King Charles and Queen Camilla waving Union Jacks

PA

King Charles asked the 52-year-old what role she played in the Coronation, without any knowledge of this.

Balding said: "There was no reason why they would know that because of course they weren’t watching the television.

"But he said they did manage to watch it afterwards."

Queen Camilla also attended the reception, along with Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

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