King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Coronation: Everyone who's performing (and everyone who said no)
Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, and Tom Cruise are among the American celebrities set to appear at a Sunday concert honoring the new king
After roughly eight months (and one Ticketmaster snafu), King Charles III’s and Queen Consort Camilla’s official coronation—and the Katy Perry concert that comes with it—will finally come to pass on Saturday, May 6. The Westminster Abbey ceremony will reportedly gather 2,100 guests, including members of the British Royal family (sans Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, who will remain in California with her kids), foreign heads of state, and representatives from 203 different countries. Ten thousand members of the public—who obtained tickets through a public ballot system—will also be invited to attend.
Beyond a hefty guest list, the weekend festivities will also include a concert hosted by Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville featuring “global music icons” and “contemporary stars.” Artists like Take That—playing their first live show in four years—Paloma Faith, Steve Winwood and Olly Murs will represent the Brits; guitarist Steve Winwood will perform with a Virtual Choir comprised of singers located across 40 different commonwealth countries. North London performer Freya Ridings is also set to sing, accompanied on piano by classical composer Alexis Ffrench; Dame Joan Collins also reportedly has a role in the ceremony. Sir Tom Jones, adventurer Bear Grylls and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse will provide pre-recorded sketches for the concert, while newly-minted Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa will perform excerpts from Shakespeare alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera Chorus, and Royal College of Art are also reportedly collaborating on staging a number from West Side Story.
