PBBM ATTENDS CORONATION OF UNITED KINGDOM’S KING CHARLES III

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., along with First Lady Liza Araneta- Marcos, were among the thousands who witnessed the coronation of United Kingdom (UK)’s King Charles III last May 6, 2023. A royal reception was held the night before at Buckingham Palace, which Marcos also attended with his wife. Other heads of state and country representatives from over 200 countries were also present at the royal event. “We underscore the thriving relationship between the
Philippines and the United Kingdom, which has been promising in increasing trade, investment, and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people,” Marcos said in his statement, adding that he is “deeply honored” to be a part of the pre-coronation event. The following day, both Marcos and the First Lady were
present at the Coronation ceremony, which was held at Westminster Abbey in London. The activities began with a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey at 10:20 AM, and the ceremony began as soon as they arrived.

King Charles III ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022. The heir to the throne chose to follow the tradition set by his mother, who was also crowned at a much later time after a period of national mourning for her father, King George VI.

Aside from King Charles III’s coronation, his wife Camilla was also crowned as Queen Consort, upon the declaration of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 that the former Duchess of Cornwall take this title when Charles is crowned King. More than 2,000 guests were invited to the ceremony, including members of the United Kingdom’s royal family, royalties from around the world, representatives from the House of Parliament and Church of England, and politicians or heads of state. In 1953, more than 8,000 people attended Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ceremony. Marcos, in his statement, congratulated His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort on their coronation. “It was as grand and magnificent a ceremony as could have been, full of symbolism and weighted by history. It was a great honor for me to represent the Philippines on such a historic occasion,” he said.

“Filipinos wish His Majesty King Charles III a long and happy reign. May his Coronation signify the start of
a new chapter of peace, progress, and prosperity for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.” Following his visit to the United States, Marcos flew to London on May 5, arriving at the London Gatwick
Airport. He and his delegation were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro
Locsin, Jr. and a representative of the UK Palace. Marcos shared that the group toured the airport, hoping to learn best practices which could be applied to improve the Philippines’ tourism industry. “We made
most of our time at Gatwick Airport, meeting with its executives and taking a comprehensive tour,” he said.