Skip Navigation Links
SEARCH  



 
Bookmark and Share
Britain’s Coronation Ceremony Has Begun
The resplendent coronation ceremony for Britain’s King Charles III has begun in Westminster Abbey. It is the first British coronation spectacular in 70 years. Queen Elizabeth II was the last British monarch to be crowned. The 74-year-old Charles became king the moment his mother died in September. Thousands of people wearing red, white and blue, the colors of the British flag and others with paper crowns atop their heads lined the streets of London Saturday to cheer Charles and the Queen Consort Camilla as they made their way to the coronation in the modern Diamond Jubilee Coach. However, not everyone is happy about the lavish display of wealth of the coronation.  There is growing grumbling, especially among Britain’s younger citizens, that the monarchy has outgrown its usefulness and relevancy.  Some people in the cheering crowd were no doubt jeering the occasion. All the British monarchs have been crowned in Westminster since 1066.  Other royals, politicians, dignitaries, entertainers and artists from around the world were invited to the coronation. U.S. first lady Jill Biden walked into Westminster with the first lady of Ukraine. Sweeping television coverage of the abbey before the ceremony began showed some guests in a variety of dress, including caftans and kilts. The ceremony at Westminster Abbey is a combination of the old traditions and new innovations. Handel’s Zadok the Priest, sung at every coronation since 1727, will be sung Saturday.  New music from famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber will also be part of the program, and a gospel choir will perform. After Charles is anointed with holy oil consecrated in Jerusalem, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will crown the king. Then, his son Prince William will kneel before the king and pledge his loyalty. Charles’ other son, Harry, does not have an official role in Saturday’s ceremony.  Harry has been on tense terms with the royal family after giving revealing television interviews and writing a book about the royal family’s interactions and concerns.  For many people, Harry’s public revelations about the family harken back to revelations that his mother, Princess Diana, made about her marriage and Charles’ ongoing relationship with Camilla, following Diana’s marriage to Charles. After the ceremony, Charles and Camilla will return to Buckingham Palace and the couple will make a traditional balcony appearance. British police say that 11,000 officers will be on duty throughout the day.  

Full "Voice of America:News" article




Disclaimer | Terms Of Use And Privacy Statement


© Metals News. All rights reserved.