By Gabriel Princewill-
Behind-the-scenes footage of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s private Coronation rehearsals has been released as part of a BBC documentary to be shown on boxing day.
It offers a rare glimpse into the personal moments leading up to this historic event.
The 90-minute documentary, set to air on Boxing Day, promises to unveil intimate moments that were shielded from the public eye.
The cameras captured the nervous energy during rehearsals, the emotional presence of friends and family, and the light-hearted exchanges between the King and Queen as they prepared for the monumental Coronation Day.
In a particularly candid moment, King Charles is seen holding up his robes like wings during a practice run at Buckingham Palace, expressing a touch of humor by exclaiming, “I can fly.”
The King and Queen can also be seen joking and laughing during dress rehearsals.
The exclusive footage also reveals Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, who served as a “Queen’s Companion” during the Coronation. A poignant moment showcases Annabel looking tearful as she watches her sister make her way to Westminster Abbey for the crowning ceremony.
Reflecting on the surreal experience, Annabel expresses: “When I thought back to being two years old and watching the Queen’s Coronation on a tiny black and white television and there goes this golden coach with my sister in it.
I can’t explain the feeling because it’s so surreal. This cannot be happening. It was quite a moment.”
The documentary captures the Queen in her Coronation gown at Buckingham Palace, meticulously preparing to depart for the Abbey. Viewers witness the Queen reminding herself to walk slowly, cautioning the pages not to step on her dress, and affectionately referring to them as the “lads.”
Fiona, Marchioness of Landsdowne, one of the Queen’s closest friends and a “Queen’s Companion” on Coronation Day, shares her sentiments about the unique experience.
She describes the emotional moment when the entourage, including bridesmaids, finally came together for the first time, likening it to the anticipation of a wedding.
“It wasn’t until we were all ready that we actually all came together to see each other for the first time. It was a very special moment. That was when it was like a wedding. The bridesmaids going to see the bride,” Fiona said.
One clip shows King Charles laughs as Archbishop of Justin Welby, forgot the words to his blessing during one of the final rehearsals for the King’s Coronation earlier this year.
The release comes on the same day Prince Harry won a massive pay out in his case against The Mirror Group over phone hacking Allegations.
King Charles and his son, Prince Harry, are not believed to be on good terms over longstanding family issues, though is said to have reached out to his son on a number of occasions to make amends.
Harry is resentful over the withdrawal of his public funding security detail after giving up his official status as a working member of the royal family, and moving to the U.S with his family. He has recently been challenging this decision in court.
However, the upcoming documentary promises to provide not only a historical account of the Coronation, but also a personal narrative, capturing the essence of the King and Queen as they navigated the emotions, laughter, and camaraderie behind the regal façade.