Despite previous claims of King Charles III promising a ‘less expensive’ coronation, it would seem the Monarch has had a change of heart.
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Once-in-a-lifetime-spectacle
According to The Telegraph, Buckingham Palace and government aides have seen how much international coverage the Queen’s death and funeral generated for the UK and, therefore, wish to emulate the phenomenon for King Charles' coronation next year.
The publication reports that Operation London Bridge and Spring Tide, which was the period of mourning between the Queen’s death and the funeral, turned out to be a significant ‘advertisement’ for the UK.
Lord Roberts of Belgravia, a historian and broadcaster, said:
We feared that after the Queen’s funeral, no one would take any notice of us for some time, but that's not true. In May, we will have the world’s attention upon us.
It is now believed the King wants to capitalise on this once-in-a-lifetime event to flaunt ‘UK plc’ on the global stage. Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said the coronation was a ‘unique moment for the country’, and the Cabinet believed it was the opportunity to ‘showcase the very best of the United Kingdom’.
Pomp, pageantry, and economic hardship
According to Palace aides, the only elements of the King’s coronation that are to be removed are those considered ‘outdated and cumbersome’. But that doesn't mean the King wanted a 'cut-price' coronation.
King Charles, who is said to be ‘deeply conscious of the cost-of-living crisis’, understands that his coronation will take place during a time of economic hardship and accepts that there will be much scrutiny over how and how much money will be spent.
Organisers believe investing in the King’s coronation will reap significant financial and maybe diplomatic rewards.
The historian also notes that King George VI’s coronation took place under threat of Nazi domination and in 1953, there was still rationing and austerity when the Queen was coronated. On both occasions, the events served as a reminder of the UK values and optimism in the face of crisis.
Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was held in the Abbey on 2 June 1953. During the service, she took a solemn oath to rule according to law, to exercise justice with mercy, and to maintain the Church of England – promises she kept faithfully throughout her life. pic.twitter.com/jXXqKlsx77
— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) September 8, 2022
Thus, Lord Roberts of Belgravia believes:
The Government should be applauded for taking the brave decision to host a much-needed celebration properly next year.
Everybody involved in the historic occasion wants to brandish ‘the best traditions of 1,000 years of history’.
Sources used:
The Telegraph: The King rejects cut-price coronation in favour of ‘glorious’ pomp and pageantry
