King Charles III, the newly proclaimed British head of state, is planning to slim down the number of working royals and wants a “less expensive” Coronation amid the cost-of-living crisis, a royal source has said. 

The new King, who succeeded Queen Elizabeth II, is looking to make his coronation “shorter, smaller and less expensive” than his mother’s in 1953. 

The source told The Mirror: “The King is very aware of the struggles felt by modern Britons so will see his wishes carried through that although his coronation ceremony should stay right and true to the long-held traditions of the past, it should also be representative of a monarchy in a modern world.” 


King Charles III: The life and time of our new monarch


When is King Charles III's Coronation Ceremony?

The date for King Charles's III Coronation Ceremony is yet to be decided but could take place in May or June 2023. 

Charles has “long been an advocate of a streamlined or slimmed down monarchy” and may reduce the number of working royals, according to the royal source. 

READ MORE: How much is Queen Elizabeth II's crown worth and will King Charles II wear it after funeral?

READ MORE: Why did the Queen have two birthdays and will King Charles III continue the tradition?

“He has already spoken of his wish to continue his mother’s legacy and this includes continuing to recognise what the people are experiencing day by day,” the source adds. 

Bournemouth Echo: PA Royal Family celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum JubileePA Royal Family celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee (Image: PA)

A move to slim down the Royal Family has strong public support with one poll by the Daily Express finding 65% of people in favour of such a shakeup. 

It has also been reported that Charles could reduce the number of working royals to 7, with a focus on the King, Queen Consort, William and Kate, Princess Ann, and Edward and Sophie. 

The Queen recently passed away at the age of 96 in her country estate of Balmoral and was laid to rest with her late husband, Prince Philip. 

In the days following the news of the late Queen’s death, Charles was proclaimed King and a state funeral was held for Elizabeth II. 

Charles is expected to carry out his first diplomatic trip as King and will focus on relations with Europe according to reports.