To mark the Coronation of the King, Charles III, and the Queen Consort, Camilla, on Saturday 6 May, the Australian War Memorial will illuminate its façade in royal purple this weekend.
The coronation in London will begin at 8pm Saturday (AEST), and the illuminations mark what Memorial director Matt Anderson called “a watershed moment”.
The tradition of royal purple illuminations began with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. ‘Royal purple’ is otherwise known as Pantone colour 3515C.
Celebrations will continue with a 21-gun salute on the forecourt of Australian Parliament House on Sunday at 3pm, and a flypast by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“The Australian War Memorial is honoured to play a part in celebrating this historic occasion for the Royal Family, the United Kingdom, and the entire Commonwealth,” Mr Anderson said. “This moment shows the importance of continuity.”
The King, the former Prince of Wales, was four when his mother was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.
“Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia and the Memorial many times, as has the King,” Mr Anderson said. “King Charles, like the late Queen, has committed to a life of service. We can only hope to host Their Majesties when they next travel to Australia.”
Like many members of the Royal Family, the King has a service background. In March 1971, he flew himself to Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell in Lincolnshire, to train as a jet pilot.
The then-Prince embarked on a naval career, like his father, grandfather, great-uncle, and both great-grandfathers. After completing his studies at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, he served on guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and two frigates.
The Prince qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1974, then joined 845 Naval Air Squadron, which operated from the carrier HMS Hermes. In February 1976, the Prince took command of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington for the remainder of his service in the Royal Navy.
“In honouring his coronation, we are also honouring the service he has given his country and the example he has set regarding the importance of the military and the role it can play in a young person’s life,” Mr Anderson said.
He said the King makes commemoration a priority, supports veterans and their families, and maintains the history and heritage of military units and formations throughout the Commonwealth.
