Westfield has had a right Royal day today – the flags are flying and the bunting is up; we’ve been celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III which takes place tomorrow on 6^th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey!

We couldn’t let the opportunity pass by because this is such an historic event – it is our first Coronation, the last one was 70 years ago!

We kick-started our day with a rather special whole school assembly. What did you notice everyone was wearing? Thank you for the effort you all went to – you all matched the colours on our Union Flag.

Mrs Leeson helped us understand what the Coronation is; it’s a time for crowning the Monarch. King Charles III has been King since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in September last year. The Coronation is a formal and official time to crown His Majesty. We also found out that his wife Camilla will also be crowned Queen Consort.

So what can we expect to see at a Coronation?

The Coronation Procession – with Their Majesties travelling in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach (commissioned for the Queen to mark her 60 year reign) and parade of uniforms on display.

Interestingly, we were told that on the way back from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach, a wooden coach covered in a thin layer of gold leaf. Can you remember how many horses are needed to pull this?

We looked at the Coronation Chair – where King Charles III will be crowned. This is called the Investiture. Do you remember what happens to the St. Edward’s Crown once the Coronation is over? This Crown weighs the same as 5 bags of sugar because it is made from solid gold and includes many precious jewels; rubies, sapphires and amethysts. The next time we will see this Crown will be when the next King is crowned. Who is the next heir?

King Charles III will exit Westminster Abbey wearing the Imperial State Crown, a crown he will wear for opening Parliament. The Crown Jewels are only some pieces of the Coronation Regalia. We were shown the Sovereign’s Orb, Sceptres, Rings and a special Golden Spoon used for the most sacred part of the ceremony – the Anointing. Can you remember what is poured onto it and placed on the Monarch’s head?

We were upstanding and in good voice as we sang the National Anthem with Makaton signs.

We found out that Sunday is the day when many people will be joining in with The Big Lunch; a time for families, friends and communities to hold street parties – have you got your bunting and flags ready?!

Monday is a day off AND an opportunity to volunteer in your local community. It’s called The Big Help Out. Maybe you are doing something with your Rainbow or Beavers clubs?

Mrs Leeson told us to keep our eyes peeled for the King’s head appearing on coins and stamps and we learnt what the new cipher meant.

Prizes were awarded to the best crown design in each class. Thank you to everyone who entered – you all received a certificate. Well done everyone!

Our Coronation lunch was amazing – burgers and chips and then ice-cream to follow. Everything was packaged beautifully to mark this special day. Did you spot the Coronation logo? Huge thanks to everyone in the Kitchen and Mrs Worthington and Mrs Babic.

Throughout the day, we’ve been completing different activities – making crowns fit for a King, flags and even taking part in a scavenger hunt!

Everyone has taken home a goody bag with a special Coronation cup cake or biscuit, commemorative bookmark and a balloon. Thank you all for a memorable day!

We wish all our Westfield families a wonderful Coronation weekend!