It is clear that the coronation (and associated buildup) attracted more positive feelings from those children responding to this poll than even the question of monarchy itself. There are many potential reasons for this, but it seems that more exposure to ideas, to the event itself and to the history around the crowning of kings and queens may be possible factors in this marked approval, a sign perhaps that from a monarchical stand-point a coronation is an important element in maintaining the interest, imagination, and support of those in school education.
Dr George Gross, Visiting Research Fellow
23 September 2026
Children see royal Coronation as part of British identity
Primary school children see the Coronation as closely connected to British identity, with more than half associating the ceremony with the Commonwealth, according to new research from King’s Department of Theology & Religious Studies.
New findings from Dr George Gross explore how children aged 6-12 understand the meaning of a British Coronation, including what it represents about the country, its people and national identity.
In a nationwide survey of primary school children, pupils were asked which words came to mind when they thought about a British Coronation, including ‘British’, ‘Commonwealth’, ‘English’, ‘Northern Irish’, ‘Scottish’ and ‘Welsh’. ‘British’ was the most commonly associated identity. The Commonwealth was also strongly associated with the Coronation, with 51.6% of children selecting it.
The findings by the British Coronations Project suggest that for many children, the Coronation is understood not simply as a royal ceremony, but as an event connected to ideas about the wider national community and what it means to be British. The findings are published in Dr Gross' new book, Crown and People: The History of British Coronations, which brings together historical research into Coronations with nationwide surveys exploring the views of primary school children.
The research also provides a more detailed picture of children's attitudes towards the monarchy. While around 65% of primary-aged children said they felt proud or happy about having a monarchy, around one in five said they felt confused or indifferent.
The survey also asked children about the meaning of objects used during a Coronation. When asked what the coronation ring represents, 51% said “A union or contract between the King or Queen and the country“ compared to 28% who said it was a marriage of the King or Queen to the country and only 8% said it meant the King or Queen is very rich and can afford a ring.
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Visiting Research Fellow