Coronation Celebrations in Florence

 

 

Friday, 5 and Saturday, 6: EVENTS FOR THE CORONATION OF CHARLES III 

The coronation of Charles III is fast approaching, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 6. The Royal Family has always occupied a central place in British life and news about their public and private lives (recently increasingly indistinguishable) is commonly front-page news.

For those who do want to engage in the King’s coronation while here, there are a number of events which have been planned by British organisations in Florence to celebrate the occasion in grand style.

On Friday, May 5 the British Institute Library is hosting a royal tea with Bona Marchi Frescobaldi (Lungarno Guicciardini 9, 4:30 pm).  Starting at 5 pm, the Marchesa will talk with Simon Gammell about her family’s history and ties with the British monarchy. This is a particularly exciting event as the Frescobaldis, Bona and her husband Vittorio Frescobaldi, are personally linked to the new King by a 37-year friendship, established in 1985 when Charles and Diana visited Florence on her first official trip. Following this trip, Charles returned their hospitality and Bona and Vittorio have been regularly received at Buckingham Palace and were guests at William and Kate’s wedding.  Admission costs €15, registration at bif@britishinstitute.it.

Also on Friday, May 5 at 7:30 pm St. Mark’s English Church on via Maggio is organising a UK Trivia quiz; participants are invited to bring snacks and drinks. On 5 pm on Saturday, May 6 there will be a Crowns and Gowns concert in the church, featuring music by British composers with free admission.  The pieces, including piano and violin duos, organ and piano solos in addition to opera arias, will be performed by an adult choir alternating with a children’s choir.  There is free entrance to both the quiz and the concert.

There are plans to live stream the coronation ceremony on May 6 at the British Institute Library (Lungarno Guicciardini 9) starting at 11:30 am.  There is free admission but space is limited to 100 guests.  Those who arrive first will find seats.  (eve perraudin)