A new documentary offers a rare glimpse into King Charles’s reflections on his coronation and childhood, showcasing his personal anecdotes and the memories that shaped his life.
The film, Coronation Girls, chronicles the journey of 50 young Canadian women who travelLed to witness Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Now in their late 80s, a group of 12 women retraced their steps, returning to London in December 2023, where they were treated to a surprise meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
During the visit, Charles shared heartfelt recollections of the historic event. “I remember my grandmother explaining things to me while we were there,” he said, recalling his experience as a young boy.
“Despite being just four years old, he vividly remembered details, adding with humor, “I can recall what I was wearing and the barber’s work on me beforehand.”
In the 90-minute documentary, the King engaged warmly with each woman, including climate advocate Yvonne Harris and former adoption worker Carol Shipley. He also shared light-hearted remarks about the challenges of wearing the crown, offering a candid and personal perspective on a life steeped in tradition and responsibility.
He added: “I remember it all so well then, because I remember my sister and I had bath time in the evening. My mama used to come up at bath time wearing the crown to practice. You have to get used to how heavy it is. I’ve never forgotten, I can still remember it vividly.”
He added: “It is very important to wear it for a certain amount of time, because you get used to it then. But the big one that you’re crowned with, the St Edward’s Crown, it weighs five pounds.”
King Charles told them: “It is much heavier and taller, so there’s always that feeling of feeling slightly anxious, in case it wobbles. You have to carry it, you have to look straight ahead.”
In May 2023, the King was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the historic 17th-century golden St Edward’s Crown during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
