King Charles III was crowned on Saturday in Britain’s biggest ceremonial event in seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years.
In front of a congregation of around 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old crown of St Edward on Charles’ head as he sat on a 14th century Throne in Westminster Abbey.
The historic and solemn event dates back to the time of William the Conqueror’s 74-year-old predecessor in 1066.
Charles’ second wife, Camilla, 75, will be crowned queen during the two-hour ceremony, which while rooted in history, is also an attempt to present a forward-thinking monarchy, with those involved in the service reflecting a more diverse Britain and leaders. of all religions.
For a nation struggling to find its way in the political maelstrom after its departure from the European Union and maintain its position in a new world order, supporters say the royal family provides international appeal, a vital diplomatic tool and a means to stay on the world stage.
“No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies and the street parties,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
Despite Sunak’s enthusiasm, the coronation takes place amid a cost-of-living crisis and public skepticism, particularly among young people, about the role and relevance of the monarchy.
Saturday’s event was smaller in scale than the one staged for Queen Elizabeth in 1953, but it still sought to be spectacular, with an array of historical regalia, from golden orbs and jeweled swords to a scepter holding the world’s largest colorless cut diamond. world.
Carlos automatically succeeded his mother as king upon her death last September, and the coronation is not essential, but is seen as a means to publicly legitimize the monarch.
The King and Queen set off from Buckingham Palace for the abbey in the modern black Diamond State Jubilee carriage, accompanied by cavalrymen in glittering breastplates and plumed helmets.
Hundreds of soldiers in scarlet uniforms and black bearskin hats lined the route along The Mall, the grand boulevard to Buckingham Palace. Tens of thousands ignored the light rain to gather in crowds of more than 20 in some places to watch what some saw as a historic moment.
“The split second of seeing the king is really important, but I think the whole day too… the idea of the nation coming together.
“You feel the pride of the nation so much,” Mark Strasshine said after the royal carriage passed.
Not everyone was there to cheer for Charles though, hundreds of Republicans booing and waving banners reading “Not My King”.
More than 11,000 police officers were deployed to crack down on any attempts at disruption, and the Republic campaign group said its leader Graham Smith had been arrested along with five other protesters.
“It’s an unequal and outdated system because you have a hereditary billionaire individual born into wealth and privilege who basically symbolizes the inequality of wealth and power in our society,” said lawmaker Clive Lewis, who was among the anti-monarchists. protesters
Inside the abbey, festooned with flowers and flags, politicians and representatives of Commonwealth nations took seats alongside charity workers and celebrities, including actors Emma Thompson, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and American singer Katy Perry.
Much of the ceremony featured items that would be recognized by Charles’s ancestors as far back as King Edgar in 973, authorities said. Handel’s coronation hymn “Zadok The Priest” was sung as it has been at every coronation since 1727.
But there were also novelties, including a hymn composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, famous for his West End and Broadway stage shows, and a gospel choir.
Charles’ grandson Prince George and Camilla’s grandchildren acted as pages, and although it is a Christian service, there will be an “unprecedented” greeting from religious leaders at the end.
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However, there was no formal role for either Charles’ youngest son, Prince Harry, after his high-profile falling out with his family, or his brother, Prince Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal duties. due to his friendship with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein. , a convicted sex offender.
They sat in the third row behind the working members of the royal family.
Charles looked serious as he swore to rule justly and uphold the Church of England, of which he is titular head, before the holiest part of the ceremony when Archbishop of Canterbury Justin anointed his hands, head and chest. Welby with consecrated holy oil in Jerusalem.
After being presented with symbolic regalia, Welby placed St Edward’s crown on his head and the congregation chanted “God save the king”.
After the service, Charles and Camilla will depart in the four-ton Gold State Coach built for George III, the last king of Britain’s American colonies, and travel to Buckingham Palace in a mile-long procession of 4,000 servicemen from 39 nations. .
It will be the biggest show of its kind in Britain since the coronation of Charles’s mother.
“When you see everyone dressed up and participating, it’s just fantastic. It makes you very proud,” said teacher Andy Mitchell, 63, who left his house in the early morning to reach London.
“My big concern is that young people are losing interest in all of this and it won’t be the same in the future.” (Reuters/NAN)