From cocktails to canapes and gala balls to sumptuous feasts, Australia's monarchists are preparing to celebrate in style as they mark the coronation of King Charles III.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A series of events have been organised across the country for next weekend as the new king is officially crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey that could cost upwards of $200 million.
At the same time, those advocating for Australia to become a republic say it will be "confronting" to many that Charles will, for now, remain this nation's head of state.
Millions of Australians are expected to watch the televised proceedings which will feature a level of pomp and pageantry most have never witnessed before in their lives.
With the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the British throne occurring 70 years ago, Australian Monarchists League chairman Phillip Benwell said for most people the coronation would be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
"I'm sure that the viewing of the coronation on television will be in huge numbers," Mr Benwell told AAP.
"We know that there are a lot of people who are inviting friends around to their homes to watch.
"Most people would not have seen a coronation or viewed one."
But even for those set to welcome in Australia's new king, the event is not without some controversy.
Monarchists believe declaring the day a public holiday would have been appropriate and remain disappointed that no official government events to mark the occasion have been planned.
"It's very disappointing because the coronation of the king of Australia should be properly celebrated because it's a celebration for all people," Mr Benwell said.
But he also questions whether Anthony Albanese should attend, given his support for Australia becoming a republic.
The prime minister will be among a relatively small contingent of Australians at the coronation as invited guests along with Governor-General David Hurley and all the state governors.
Matildas captain and football star Sam Kerr will act as Australia's flag bearer with other representatives including singer Nick Cave, Aboriginal artist Jasmine Coe, comedian Adam Hills and London-based nurse Emily Regan.
Ms Regan worked in the emergency department of one of the UK's major hospitals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Albanese said he was honoured to represent Australia at the coronation which he described as a historic occasion.
"I am proud to join a group of remarkable Australians who will also attend the coronation, showcasing our truly diverse and dynamic nation," he said.
Australian Republican Movement general executive member Marina Go said the coronation would be starkly "at odds with the values of Australia and where our nation is at the moment".
"It sounds and feels like fiction, but the reality is it's our head of state," she said.
"It should be quite confronting to the people who support a republic. It's not at all reflective of our nation. It's completely the opposite of anything that is our reality."
Ms Go said she had no issue with the monarchy per se, and anybody should "absolutely feel comfortable" watching the ceremony.
The prime minister's attendance was also appropriate as a show of respect to another nation.
But she said where the "rubber hits the road" for those who believe Australia should be a republic was that the newly crowned King would remain its head of state.
"If King Charles wasn't our head of state, then fine, let them do what they do," Ms Go said.
In Sydney there will be coronation cocktails, allowing supporters of the crown to watch the event live. Tickets will cost $120.
In Victoria, a coronation dinner will be held in Melbourne where $120 will buy monarchist league members a three-course meal as they also watch the proceedings live.
In Perth, there will be the King's coronation gala "an evening of light refreshments and canapes" for $45 a head. The venue seems a closely guarded secret though, with details only provided after a ticket is purchased.
In Adelaide, there will be a coronation dinner on the eve of the big event where, at $85 a head, guests will dine on coronation chicken, otherwise known as apricot chicken curry, and enjoy a dessert of strawberry mousse.
While in Brisbane, a $195 ticket will allow entry to the coronation ball, billed as a night of "ritz and royalty" where guests can dine and dance in style at one of the city's most luxurious hotels, joined by Queensland's most distinguished political, judicial, consular and community leaders as they enjoy a "formidable" four-course feast.
In London, the May 6 ceremony is likely to be more modest compared to those of the past, a one to two-hour event with a mere 2000 guests, a far cry from the lavish three-hour ceremony in front of 8000 when the Queen was crowned in 1953.
The royal belt-tightening is considered a reflection of United Kingdom's continuing cost-of-living crisis.
For Australia's monarchists, the coronation will bring a more modern King to the throne, a man Mr Benwell believes will fit into the role very well.
In fact, to those who support Australia remaining a constitutional monarchy, he already has.
Australian Associated Press
