Our new 60-minute masterclasses are designed to help you challenge, inspect and understand the world around you. Each class will feature a respected expert or thought-leader from the realm of science, politics, culture, history, academia or business, poised to share sharp and concise insights with you.

The royal accession of King Charles III is about to take place. Many streets in Britain are lined with coronation flags, with parties organised to celebrate the occasion – while many other people question the role of the monarchy in a 21st-century monarchy.

In the first of our new 60-minute masterclasses, Dr Bob Morris from University College London’s Constitution Unit will offer his expert insights into the forthcoming coronation. With a particular focus on the historical, political and social contexts – both past and present – you will be guided through the purpose of the coronation as a milestone in British history, and will take a critical look at the monarchy in today’s society. With public support for the monarchy at an all time low, this masterclass will present a fascinating study in a crucial aspect of British life.

Course content:

The history of coronations in Britain
What to expect at the coronation of King Charles III
The role – and future of – the monarchy
Q&A

Tutor profile

Dr Bob Morris is one of the UK’s leading constitutional commentators. He is an Honorary Senior Research Associate at the Constitution Unit, University of London, a post he has held since 1998. Prior to this he was a Home Office official who dealt with the Home Secretary’s then constitutional responsibilities which included certain royal and Church of England matters. He has edited two books: Church and State in 21st Century Britain – The Future of Church Establishment (2009), and (with Robert Hazell) The Role of Monarchy in Modern Democracy – European Monarchies Compared (2020).

Course Details

Date: Wednesday 3 May 2023
Time: 1pm-2pm BST

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

1pm BST | 2pm CEST | 5am PDT | 8am EDT

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

We aim to make all Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

60-minute masterclass: An expert guide to the coronation