The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort
People across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events on 6–8 May 2023.
The Coronation of a new Sovereign takes place in the months after their accession, following a period of mourning. In a similar but simpler ceremony the Queen Consort will also be crowned alongside His Majesty The King as part of the service on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
In 2003 Oakham Castle had the great honour of receiving a visit from the then HRH The Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness presented a ceremonial horseshoe with his Prince of Wales feathers bearing the German motto ‘ICH DIEN’: ‘I serve’.
In 2014 we were also delighted to receive a visit from the then Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who presented her own horseshoe. The Prince of Wales accompanied Her Royal Highness and was able to see his wife’s horseshoe in place, next to the one which he had presented 11 years earlier.
The horseshoe donated by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continues to occupy the centre of the West Wall of the Great Hall. We have two horseshoes from the father of Her late Majesty, who presented once as Duke of York in 1921 and again as His Majesty King George VI in 1944. There is therefore a precedent, should His Majesty King Charles III visit the Castle again, for a new horseshoe to be donated.
Do pop in to view the two horseshoes, which hang on the west wall together with many other horseshoes presented by other members of the Royal Family over the years.
Coronation Celebrations
at Oakham Castle
Coronation Crowns
Using the St. Edward’s Coronation Crown as inspiration, have a go at our ‘Crown Hunt’ around the Great Hall. If you find them all, you’ll receive a special Coronation emblem sticker.
Also drop into the Castle and pick up your own St. Edward’s Crown to colour in and decorate at home.
Free and all available from Saturday 29th April – Saturday 13th May.
Oakham Castle Floral Horseshoe
For over fifty years, The Prince of Wales has used his unique position to champion action for a sustainable future. However, there is no single official definition of sustainability in the flower industry. Being a sustainable florist means making choices that protect the health of the earth, the environment, and the people touched in all aspects of the short life of a cut flower. With this in mind the florist aimed to have the flowers sourced and collated via www.britishflowersdirect.com.
The floral horseshoe has been created taking inspiration from the invitation that was designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator.
Central to the design is the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign. The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.
The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation features lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, together with wildlife including a bee, a butterfly, a ladybird, a wren and a robin. Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name.
Rutland Heritage Shop
A selection of Coronation souvenirs is available from the Rutland Heritage Shop at Oakham Castle and Rutland County Museum.
Jute shopper bags, tea towels, pin badges, flags and much more...
Also in Rutland....
Service of Thanksgiving
A special service of Thanksgiving will be held at All Saints Church in Oakham to celebrate the Coronation on Sunday 7 May.
Party in the Park
Following the service on Sunday 7 May, a Party in the Park will be held at Cutts Close, with the permission of Oakham Town Council, where people can gather to enjoy activities and entertainment.
