SUMMARY

• King Charles III's coronation ignites a weekend of quintessentially British festivities.
• The royal event comes with an uncertain price tag, raising questions amidst the UK's economic challenges.
• Government insists the coronation will boost retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

London is about to be lit up with some royal vibes as King Charles III gets crowned at the iconic Westminster Abbey, kicking off an unforgettable weekend of celebration, British style.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will lead the coronation on Saturday, May 6th, and the festivities will continue through to May 8th, when the UK will enjoy a public holiday to revel in the historical event.

It's been a whopping 70 years since a coronation like this took place, with King Charles ascending to the throne back in September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. But while millions are stoked to witness this majestic moment, there's no denying the UK's economic challenges, leading some to question the cost of the whole shebang.

So, what's the price tag for a royal coronation? It's hard to say for sure, as Buckingham Palace keeps those figures under wraps. However, King Charles is apparently all about a more low-key, affordable event, trimming the guest list and shortening the ceremony as part of his vision for a leaner monarchy.

But even with a scaled-back celebration, the weekend's events – including a King's procession and a star-studded concert in Windsor Gardens – could cost anywhere between £50-100 million ($63-125 million). That's a hefty sum, especially when you consider the UK's economic struggles and the £1.36 billion in lost productivity due to the public holiday. The government, though, insists the event will bring in a pretty penny for businesses, especially those in retail, tourism, and hospitality.

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