The upcoming BBC documentary, “Charles III: The Coronation Year,” gives viewers behind-the-scenes access to the preparations leading up to King Charles’ coronation. The footage reveals a playful and affectionate relationship between the King and his son, Prince William. During one rehearsal, King Charles joked with his son about his struggles to fasten a Coronation robe. Other scenes show the Archbishop of Canterbury forgetting his lines and teasing between clergymen, causing King Charles to dissolve into giggles.
The documentary features the King immersed in the complex preparations for his crowning, including practicing in a replica of Westminster Abbey built inside Buckingham Palace. Cameras capture Prince William supporting his father during one of the final rehearsal practices. The film also has private access to follow the first year of the King’s reign, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Anne speaks in an interview about the “serendipity” of being in Balmoral when her mother was dying.
The documentary, written by royal author Robert Hardman, is the biggest television project of the new reign, with glimpses of the intricate craft skills involved in preparations for the coronation. The footage also shows King Charles sending a message to Ukraine, expressing his support for their troops training for war against Russia’s invasion. The documentary gives viewers a warm and sympathetic account of the new reign, portraying King Charles and Queen Camilla as a couple strengthened by each other, starting a busy new stage in their lives.
“Charles III: The Coronation Year” airs on BBC One on Boxing Day, and it will also be available on BBC iPlayer. The film highlights the King’s daily working life, including going through government documents in his red boxes, which he does every day except for Christmas Day and Easter Monday. While the documentary shows a positive account of the King’s first year of reign, it does not delve into any of the difficult headlines from the year, such as Prince Harry and Prince Andrew’s controversies or a palace race row
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