Royal events: rituals, innovations, meanings (1st)

Royal events such as coronations and jubilees encompass a wide spectrum of planned events involving monarchs and their families that are strategically designed to reinforce the role of royalty within social and political structures.

Royal events may have a long heritage, but often involve traditions that are invented, revived or undergoing major innovations in response to changing times or to meet different purposes.

The change from absolutism towards constitutional monarchies has seen a shift towards using royal events to promote national identity, community and inclusiveness.

While the function and meaning of royal ritual and ceremony is a product of its particular political, economic and cultural context, conversely, royal events are often an influence on the broader milieu.