Local preparations underway for King Charles III coronation

Preparations are underway at local shops as royal followers prepare to watch King Charles III’s coronation.

The historic event officially begins tomorrow at 6 a.m. local time but many have already been getting ready for the big day far in advance. The phone has been ringing off the hook at Tea at the White House in Waterdown as royal fanatics look to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in royal fashion.

READ MORE: St. George Legion holds fundraiser for brain cancer research

Tea shop co-owner Andrew May says that their special coronation afternoon tea is fully booked. “We’re always really excited to celebrate royal events. We celebrated the Platinum Jubilee last year.”

This coronation will be the first since Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago and the first king to be coronated since her father, King George VI in 1937. Many people say this will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for them.

If you’re planning to wake up bright and early to watch the coronation on Saturday, The British Grocer in Burlington will have specialty items available to celebrate the day with a traditional breakfast.

READ MORE: A look inside a Titanic-era ship, the S.S. Keewatin

The British Grocer owner, Chris Keld says that the shelves are stocked with food and memorabilia to help people celebrate the day. “…A lot are getting up at 4:00 so there’s a really good buzz about it at the moment which is very nice.”

Royal historian Justin Vovk says that this coronation will be historic in more ways than one. “This is actually the first time that a coronation will be seen live in real-time, anywhere in the world. During the Queen’s coronation, yes, they broadcasted it in Britain, but here in Canada, for example, people had to wait for the reels to be flown over the Atlantic. Nothing like this has happened before. We’re going to be seeing people watching coronations on their phones.”

When it comes to the Canadian interest here across the pond, Vovk says there is a level of disinterest but overall curiosity. “The monarchy is not present in our daily life here the way it is in Britain so a level of disinterest is kinda to be expected. But it does sound like as the day is getting closer, people are starting to get more interested.”

The province will also be hosting a fun royal fair at Queen’s Park, free of charge, and offering free admission to 10 attractions including the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is sold out.

READ MORE: Things to do in Hamilton this weekend: 2023 Doors Open Hamilton

CHCH and CHCH.com will show the BBC broadcast of the coronation of King Charles III. The live coverage begins at 5 a.m.