The 6th of May 2023 marks the Coronation of King Charles III. The importance of Coronation Day cannot be underestimated as the Commonwealth celebrates both its partnership and prosperity. While a significant day in British history, this landmark occasion will also be celebrated around the world, from Australia and South Africa to Singapore and Cyprus.
As such, everyone will mark the occasion differently. Some will host tea parties or dinners with friends and family. Others will be glued to their screens watching the live coverage. Some people may even be embarking on travel throughout the Commonwealth that has been inspired by the King!
Commonwealth travel destinations
Whilst savouring the King's Coronation Quiche on King’s Coronation Day, you may be inspired by the King's extensive travel to plan your own Commonwealth member country holiday. From visiting the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in South Africa to skiing in Whistler, Canada, the below list mixes historical reverence with some once-in-a-lifetime activities.
1. Canada
Visiting Canada more than any other member of the Royal Family except for the late Queen, King Charles has visited this Commonwealth member country 18 times over the last fifty years.
From staying at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto and skiing in Whistler with Prince William and Prince Harry to visiting Montreal and Quebec with the now Queen Consort, Camilla, Charles has experienced the very best of Canada.
To plan the best trip possible for yourself, consider visiting between June and September for great weather. This way, you can enjoy everything from skiing the Rocky Mountains to taking in the landscape of Lake Louise.
For a connection to the Commonwealth, look to visit the Peace Tower in Ottawa as this memorialises Canada’s commitment to peace and the Commonwealth. Parliament Hill is also in Ottawa and is symbolic of Canada’s democratic government and ties to the Commonwealth
2. Cyprus
Journeying to Cyprus in November of 1986, King Charles III embraced the rich history of this Commonwealth member country by paying a visit to the third Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.
As a popular tourist destination, it’s recommended for travellers to visit Cyprus between April and June. This way, you get the best of both worlds - comfortable weather conditions and minimal tourists.
For the best views, adventure to the Troodos Mountains and bask in the good weather on the beaches of Ayia Napa (pictured).
To delve into Cyprus' storied past and connection to the Commonwealth, plan a trip to the Kyrenia Gate, Nicosia. This historic gate dates back to the 16th century and was used by the British colonial administration. To further honour the past, visit the Tomb of the Kings, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Singapore
To promote the United Kingdom’s partnership with Commonwealth countries, both the King and the Queen Consort have visited Singapore multiple times, attending state dinners and meeting with local leaders.
In fact, the King has such strong ties to Singapore as the Prince’s Trust International that he founded works with local partners to help young people overcome barriers to both employment and education.
Ideal for visiting between the months of February and April, Singapore uniquely blends modern architecture with a reverence to past history.
You can spend your days at the Kranji War Memorial which honours the men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the line of duty during WWII and at night, stroll along the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
4. New Zealand
As one of the original founding members of the modern Commonwealth, the Royal Family, including King Charles have visited New Zealand many times. From family trips with his parents the then Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, to visits with William and the Queen Consort.
During his time in New Zealand, the King has opened Parliament and travelled to spots such as Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. In Wellington, both the King and his wife participated in a traditional Maori welcome ceremony to honour New Zealand’s deep heritage.
For the best trip to New Zealand, visit between December and February. This way, warm temperatures that are perfect for exploring the great outdoors can be enjoyed.
In terms of activities, the options are broad. Think about a visit to the Hobbiton movie set or adrenaline inducing activities like bungee jumping and hiking. To honour New Zealand’s connection to the Commonwealth and therefore, King Charles, you can also visit the site of his conservation initiatives centred around re-establishing native bush in key areas.
5. South Africa
South Africa and the Royal Family are deeply linked. From the late Queen’s enduring relationship with Nelson Mandela to the King’s first state visit with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the connection is undeniable.
One of the great ways that travellers can honour this connection is by visiting natural sites such as the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and Rietvlei Nature Reserve. As the King is synonymous with his love of the environment, being amongst nature is a fitting tribute.
Another key site to visit is the Cape Town Memorial. Commissioned by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the memorial will honour South Africans who gave their lives in WWI.
Travelling to South Africa between May and October is ideal. This way, you can experience everything that this great Commonwealth member country has to offer.
6. Australia
Australia and the Royal Family have a long and mutually beneficial relationship. As such, the Royal Family has made regular appearances across the country, with the King even visiting Down Under 16 times.
Whether visiting the country to attend school at Geelong Grammar in Melbourne, swim in Bondi Beach or open the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the King has always been welcomed with open arms.
To see the sites central to the relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom, plan a trip to Parliament House in Canberra or the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, which honours Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch when Australia became a federation in 1901.
March to May and September to November are great times to travel to Australia whether you want to visit the Great Barrier Reef like the King or climb the Harbour Bridge like Prince Harry.
