In the biggest ceremonial event of Britain in several decades, King Charles III has been coronated on Saturday by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The coronation was witnessed by more than a hundred world leaders. The ceremony also crowned Camilla, the second wife of King Charles III as the queen.
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Crown and Throne
The St Edward’s Crown was first made 360 years ago. King Charles III was coronated with this crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is also the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church.
Source: Reuters
The monarchical throne belongs to the 14th century on which the King took his seat in Westminster Abbey. Charles III is now the monarchical head of the UK, Canada, Australia and other 12 realms.
The Coronation
Military parades, gun salutes and aerial demonstrations were evident on the scene. The king and the queen waved to the thousands of audience who had gathered to witness the event on Mall Boulevard. It was also the second coronation ceremony to be telecasted on TV, allowing popular supporters to view the coronation. The event was attended by tens of thousands of people despite the rain.
Source: Reuters
Charles III stated, “I come not to be served but to serve”. According to sources, the much-publicized event will help Britain to stay on the world stage, amid the decline of the UK economy and its exit from the European Union. In the words of an enthusiastic Prime Minister of the UK Rishi Sunak, “No other nation would have been able to put on such a dazzling display”.
Criticism
Coronation, which was a grand event, took place at a time when there was an upshoot in the cost of living. The young people also questioned the relevance of monarchy with scepticism. Charles III succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth who died the previous September. The event has also brought up internal controversies between the late Princess Diana and Camilla as well as between Charles III and his son Prince Harry.
Source: Reuters
Opposers of coronation, especially the Republicans waved the banners which read “Not My King”. This led to over 52 people being detained by the police. According to the sources, the leader of the Republican campaign had also been arrested, despite their peaceful demonstration and protest.
Famous personalities to attend the coronation were Jill Biden, the first lady of the US and actors like Emma Thompson, Judi Dench and Katy Perry.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. Although the king is the titular head, he holds a prestigious position in the country. His eldest son, Prince William knelt before the king solemnly pledging his loyalty to the king. There was no formal role for Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, the younger sons of King Charles.
Sources: Reuters
The declaration as the queen to Camilla will seal her otherwise infamous image. Charles divorced Princess Diana in order to marry Camilla which led to popular discontent. The princess died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were seen seated in the third row, behind the royal staff. They also did not participate in the public display from the balcony of the royal palace.
The UK has witnessed some recent grand events like the high-profile fallout of Prince Harry from the royal family and his controversial book Spare which came out this year. Other events include the death of Queen Elizabeth which also received large media attention. According to the supporters, events like these are like festivals which allow people to come together and celebrate.
