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King Charles III was officially crowned in the largest and historic coronation ceremony in England. Photo/REUTERS
LONDON – Raja Charles III were crowned on Saturday (6/5/2023) in Britain’s biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a lavish pageantry display dating back 1,000 years.
In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and millions of television viewers, the Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual head of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown on Charles’ head as he sat on a 14th-century throne at Westminster Abbey.
Gun salutes were fired at the Tower of London and across the capital, the nation, in Gibraltar, Bermuda and on ships at sea.
“God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the king live forever,” said the congregation at the monastery after a fanfare of trumpets, as quoted by Reuters.
During the historic and solemn two hour service, which began at the time of William the Conqueror in 1066, Charles’ second wife, Camilla, was also crowned queen.
While rooted in history, the ceremony, which was televised for the second time, was also an attempt to present a forward-looking monarchy, with those involved reflecting a more diverse country and all its religions.
With the nation struggling to find its way in the political vortex after leaving the European Union and maintaining its position in the new world order, monarchy supporters say the royal family provides the international lottery, an important diplomatic tool and a means of keeping Britain on the world stage.
“No other country can put on such dazzling spectacles—processions, processions, ceremonies and street parties,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Despite Sunak’s enthusiasm, the coronation took place amid a cost-of-living crisis and public skepticism, especially among young people, about the role and relevance of the monarchy.
