TO mark the Coronation of King Charles, the Australian War Memorial will join other national buildings and landmarks in illuminating their facades in royal purple on May 6-7.

The historic ceremony in London will begin at 8pm Saturday and the illuminations mark what AWM director Matt Anderson called “a watershed moment”.

“The Australian War Memorial is honoured to play a part in celebrating this historic occasion for the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth. This moment shows the importance of continuity,” Mr Anderson said.

Celebrations will continue with a 21-gun salute on the forecourt of Australian Parliament House at 3pm on Sunday and a flypast by the Royal Australian Air Force.

The King, the former Prince of Wales, was four at his mother’s Coronation, held in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.

Like many members of the Royal Family, the King has a service background. It began in March 1971 when he flew himself to Royal Air Force Cranwell in Lincolnshire, to train as a jet pilot.

The then Prince embarked on a naval career, like his father, grandfather, great uncle and both great-grandfathers. After completing his studies at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, he served on guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and two frigates.

The Prince qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1974 before joining 845 Naval Air Squadron, which operated from the carrier HMS Hermes. In February 1976, the Prince took command of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington for the remainder of his service in the Royal Navy.

“In honouring his coronation we are also honouring the service he has given his country and the example he has set regarding the importance of the military and the role it can play in a young person’s life,” Mr Anderson said.

The tradition of royal purple illuminations began with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. “Royal purple” is otherwise known as Pantone colour 3515C.