This volume investigates the definitive orchestral structure and historical context of William Walton's two most prominent coronation marches. Editor David Lloyd-Jones provides a scholarly framework for these works, utilizing the authoritative Walton Edition to present corrected scores that reflect the composer's final intentions. The text serves as both a performance resource and a historical record of the musical requirements for British royal ceremonies in the mid-twentieth century.

Musicologists and conductors frequently cite this edition as the standard reference for these specific works due to the meticulous editorial process. Experts highlight the clarity of the score layout as a significant improvement over previous iterations for modern orchestral use.