x
Breaking News
More () »

VERIFY | Yes, King Charles' coronation is the same day as his grandson's birthday

Palace intrigue about the coronation ceremony abounds, but multiple factors determine the date picked for the event

WASHINGTON — While a coronation ceremony is a uniquely royal, historic affair, families worldwide celebrate something that happens on the same day every year: a child’s birthday. Is the British Royal Family doing both?

QUESTION

Is the coronation of King Charles III the same day as his grandson Archie's birthday?

SOURCES

Buckingham Palace

The U.K. House of Commons

ANSWER

   

This is true.

Yes, the coronation of King Charles III is the same day as his grandson's birthday.

WHAT WE FOUND

Archie, the eldest son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, was born at 5:26 the morning of May 6, 2019, according to the official announcement.

The couple formally resigned from their Royal Duties in February of 2021 and has since spilled a lot of tea in interviews, books, and a television series–so their presence at palace events has become the subject of intrigue.

On April 12, the Royal Family announced that Prince Harry sent his official official notice of RSVP: "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex –that’s Harry–will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex–Meghan–will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."

So, yes, we can verify that King Charles' coronation ceremony will coincide with Archie's 4th birthday.

A briefing from the Parliament’s House Of Commons Library states that the date of a formal coronation ceremony is generally determined by the Cabinet and the Royal Household, with consideration of input from other countries where the King is head of state – and when there is likely to be good weather.

So before you blame King Charles for double-scheduling, the decision it is not entirely his. Any reason why he did not object to the date – and why Meghan and the kids are staying home beyond birthday celebrations – is royal gossip.

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out