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17.05.2023

A Spectacular Coronation
Celebration at Westminster Abbey

 

Royal Salute’s most majestic event to date.

As a whisky created to honour the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Royal Salute’s heritage is deeply connected to the tradition of the Coronation Ceremony. So naturally, the coronation of our new monarch, King Charles III, was an occasion demanding a celebration of the highest order — a spectacular new blended scotch whisky accompanied by a launch event unlike any other.

Hosted in the historic grounds of Westminster Abbey, the setting for every British coronation since 1066, the venue for the evening’s celebrations could not have been more fitting. On arrival, guests were immediately treated to a money-can’t-buy experience; an after-hours private tour of Westminster Abbey Church, where they walked the path that our new King would take just weeks later on his coronation – an unforgettable moment that set the tone for the remarkable evening ahead.

The striking gothic architecture of The Cloisters provided a dramatic backdrop for the cocktail reception, during which guests received a speech from the Cannon of the Abbey about its rich history and role in the Coronation Ceremony. The rousing sounds of a military band accompanied the guests as they made their way to dinner, situated in a breathtaking glass marquee, styled and lit to emulate a modern-day cathedral.

From intricate table settings to extravagant floral displays to the exquisite locally-sourced three-course menu, every inch of the dinner service was immaculate and intrinsically linked to the Coronation of King Charles III – including serving the King’s favourite dish as the main course. As well as being in line with the King’s personal tastes, sustainability was at the heart of the menu, which used seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Each course was accompanied by a specially paired whisky cocktail or neat dram, providing guests with a taste of three Royal Salute whiskies over the duration of the meal.

In tribute to His Majesty’s passion for the environment and love of wildflowers, the room was filled with elegant displays featuring flowers from Scotland and Wales – which were donated to a local children’s hospital after the event. Impressive, hand-crafted paper castles from all regions of the United Kingdom made striking centre pieces, alongside paper-cut menus featuring the silhouette of the Abbey.

The culmination of the dinner service was a special guided tasting of the Coronation of King Charles III Edition whisky by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop. The rich, complex blend provided the perfect crescendo to the culinary extravaganza. A dazzling performance by the London Contemporary Voice choir, as well as a string quartet playing music from the Coronation Ceremony, concluded the evening – reflecting The King’s love of classical music.

Finally, guests were invited to continue the celebrations at the afterparty at The Common Decency bar of the Nomad Hotel in Mayfair. A truly remarkable experience from start to finish, this was Royal Salute’s most majestic event to date – one sure to live on in the memory of guests for years to come.

Every inch of the dinner service was immaculate and intrinsically linked to the Coronation of King Charles III.

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