London’s iconic Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is illuminated with special royal imagery this week, leading up to the highly anticipated coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on May 7. Starting Thursday and continuing till Sunday, the clock tower will display a colourful projection inspired by the Coronation emblem of the UK's national flowers. The flowers will seem to grow around the clock tower, in the colours of the Union Flag, before the words of the country's National Anthem, "God Save The King," appear across the building.
The projection culminates with the display of the Coronation emblem, which was designed by Sir Jony Ive. The emblem symbolizes King Charles III’s love for the environment and nature.
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“The gentle modesty of these natural forms combine to define an emblem that acknowledges both the joyful and profound importance of this occasion,” Ive said.
In 2012, the clock tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, who is King Charles III's mother.
The Coronation emblem has been dubbed one of the central images for the long celebratory Coronation weekend in the UK. It will be prominently featured throughout the Coronation celebrations in May, including the service at Westminster Abbey in London and the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, as well as in nationwide events, street parties, and community gatherings.
Moreover, the emblem will be used for all official merchandise commemorating the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, as well as in digital and social media.
The display is expected to attract visitors and locals alike, as the tower remains one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The royal imagery projection is set to start at sunset and continue until midnight.