ADF support for King’s Coronation in London and Australia

Australian Defence Force personnel will join military representatives from across the Commonwealth to undertake important ceremonial duties for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort to be held in London on 6 May.

FILE PHOTO: The Commonwealth contingent during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II state funeral. Photo by Corporal John Solomon.

Approximately 40 personnel from Australia’s Federation Guard, representing all three Defence services, will travel to the United Kingdom and undertake duties including participating in The Coronation Procession.

In Australia, Defence will also support events marking the occasion including a National 21 Gun Salute on the forecourt of Parliament House followed by a flypast by the Royal Australian Air Force.

 

Summary of ADF support:

• The ADF contingent of approximately 40 personnel from Australia’s Federation Guard, will undertake ceremonial duties at the Coronation in London and join in the marching procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. ADF personnel will march alongside United Kingdom, Realm and Commonwealth representatives.

• On Sunday 7 May at 3.00pm, the ADF will fire a National 21 Gun Salute from the forecourt of Australian Parliament House. Weather permitting, the Royal Australian Air Force will then conduct a flypast over the nation’s capital. Further details of the flypast will be released in due course.

• On 6 and 7 May, a number of significant buildings and monuments around Australia will be illuminated in Royal purple to celebrate the Coronation. Defence will join the illuminations by lighting Defence HQ at Russell Offices in Royal purple after dark.

• States and territories may undertake their own celebrations for the Coronation. State and local requests for Defence support are dependent on operational commitments.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort signified the unerring obligation of Their Majesties to the Commonwealth, dedicating their lives to serving.

“The bestowal of the Crown and the investiture of regal power exemplifies the pledge of Their Majesties to a life of total dedication, duty and sacrifice,” Mr Marles said.

“In line with The King and The Queen Consort’s ongoing faithful service to the Commonwealth, the Australian Defence Force’s representation at the Coronation demonstrates its tireless commitment to the Crown, the Government and the nation.”

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