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Cunard ships to host celebrations marking King Charles III’s coronation

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Festivities will take place on board the three Cunard vessels to mark the coronation of the King and Queen Consort
A range of coronation-themed activities are planned for Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria to mark the coronation of King Charles III in the UK on May 6.

From street parties in the Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, passengers on board the three ships will be able to join the regal festivities. 

Coronation dinner menu 

A coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of May 6, inspired by King Charles’ love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of what Cunard describes as Charles’ favourite ingredients. 

Specially designed cocktails will also be available to toast the King and Queen Consort, including a Coronation Oath made with Prosecco, white vermouth, grapefruit and cardamom bitters and a Monarch Martini using Cunard’s 3 Queens Gin.

Live broadcast of the ceremony 

All three ships will be at sea for the occasion and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships’ Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. 

Queen Elizabeth will be starting its nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting Miyakojima and Hualien, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands. 

A brand-new ‘Coronation Celebration’ voyage will see Queen Mary 2 sail round-trip from Southampton to Liverpool on May 2.

Royal commentator joining insights programme 

Cunard’s Insights programme across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Deck walk May 8

Each ship will host a deck walk in honour of The Big Help Out – an initiative to raise awareness of volunteering throughout the UK  – on May 8 to raise money for youth charity The Prince’s Trust. The Prince’s Trust helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future through employment, education and enterprise. It has been a partner of Cunard’s for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007, and Cunard has raised over £2.7m for the charity so far. The milestone will be celebrated on a British Isles voyage in August.

Royal connections

Cunard’s royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard’s Arabia. More recently, members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its fleet.