Defence set to honour Coronation of the King and Queen Consort

Australian Defence Force (ADF) 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.

Approximately 40 personnel from all Services, represented by Australia’s Federation Guard, will travel to the United Kingdom and undertake duties including participating in The Coronation Procession for Their Majesties during the Coronation ceremony.

In Australia, Defence will 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.

The summary of ADF support is as follows:

• 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 the Russell Offices 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.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort signifies the unerring obligation of Their Majesties to the Commonwealth, dedicating their lives to serve the nation.

“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.

“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.”

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery of events in the UK and Australia here.

Media can access vision of events in the UK and Australia here.

For further information about the Coronation, please visit www.royal.uk