It was in a ceremony steeped in tradition, but also with a modern twist, that Charles III became the 40th English monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey. In the UK’s first coronation in 70 years, Archbishop of Cornwall Justin Welby was responsible for placing the crown of St Edward, which weighed more than two kilograms, on the 74-year-old king’s head. Shortly afterwards, he also crowned 75-year-old Queen Camilla with the crown of Queen Mary.
“I did not come to be served, but to serve” promised Charles III. Various historical objects, from scepters to the orb, through the sword or the ring, symbols of monarchy power and religion, played a central role in the coronation. But there were also novelties: not only the participation of female bishops – something that did not yet exist in 1953 when Elizabeth II was crowned – but also the involvement of other Christian denominations and the presence of elements from other religions. There was also the participation of a gospel choir.
There were 2,300 guests inside the abbey, but the ceremony was followed by thousands in the streets and by millions on television and social media (it was the first coronation of the internet age). But not everyone supports the monarchy. There were also Republican protests, with at least six organizers detained by police.
Among the guests at the coronation, heads of state and government and hundreds of representatives of charitable organizations, as well as members of the royal family – Prince Harry (who returned to the US shortly after the ceremony) and Uncle Andrew took their seats in the third row (after all the controversy) .
Taking an active role, the Prince of Wales, pledging his loyalty and allegiance to the King, knelt down before him, touched the crown (which he will one day also wear) and kissed his father on the cheek. “Thank you, William,” Carlos told him in an emotional moment. The second in line of succession, Prince George, son of William and Kate, was one of the pages responsible for wearing the king’s mantle.
After the coronation, including the anointing (sacred and private moment that took place behind a screen), the kings returned to Buckingham Palace in the uncomfortable Gold State Coach. Four thousand soldiers took part in the parade of just over two kilometers.
From the palace balcony, the kings and the royal family greeted the crowd. The rain forced the air show plans to change, allowing only the helicopters and the Red Arrows (the Air Force’s aerobatics team) to take part, which brought the colors of the British flag to the gray skies of London
Source: DN
