A Day of History
Today, May 6, 2023, was the Coronation Day for King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. It was full of color and pageantry, everything we expect from a royal occasion. Although I have watched television coverage of royal weddings as well as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last year, I had never seen a coronation before. Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was broadcast, but it occurred on June 2, 1953. I wasn’t even two months old then.
As I found out, a coronation is a religious ceremony. It took place in the beautiful and traditional Westminster Abbey in London and was presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Prior to the actual service, there was a procession to the Abbey, with King Charles and Queen Camilla riding in a coach. I heard on the news that this coronation was a bit less formal than prior ones — for example, that women attendees were advised to wear day dresses rather than ones for evening. President Joe Biden did not go to the coronation, but his wife, the First Lady, Jill Biden did. There were a number of royals and dignitaries there. Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, wasn’t there, but Prince Harry was. He was not in military attire since he is no longer a working royal. Princess Catherine and her daughter Princess Charlotte both looked elegant in their attire and coordinating headpieces.
Once the Royal Family had arrived, the service began. There were several parts to the coronation. It featured beautiful music. King Charles read a personal prayer aloud. He was presented with several objects, including swords, an orb, a sceptre, and a ring. All of these objects possessed a certain symbolical importance. Both the King and Queen were anointed with oil, the King’s anointing being done behind private screens during the ceremony. Both of them were crowned and enthroned. The throne used dated back to the 13th century. Charles will receive a new crown. His wife Camilla, Queen Consort, received Queen Mary’s crown.
During part of the day, the King wore a velvet Robe of State that had a long train. He had to have assistance with people helping manage this train. Queen Camilla wore a long white dress.
After the coronation was finished, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, rode in a stunning gold coach in another procession back to Buckingham Palace. Other members of the royal family took another coach in the procession, which also featured thousands of walking military troops. Shortly after their arrival at Buckingham Palace, working members of the Royal Family appeared on the balcony to greet the cheering crowds below. It was a festive day.
My favorite part was seeing Prince William’s children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. They were so adorable and very well-behaved, too. George, who is the eldest child, served as a page for the coronation.
