Hundreds of millions of people worldwide watched the coronation of King Charles today. Also in the English tea house Tea Time, owned by Bert Boer and Tracey Jackson in Echten, the TV was tuned to the British royalty party. “This is the day that matters. We can’t ignore this”, Bert responds enthusiastically.
Under the watchful eye of world leaders, King Charles and his wife-consort Camilla were officially crowned. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were also among the guests. They watched as 74-year-old Charles took the King’s Oath and was anointed by the Archbishop of Cantebury, before actually being crowned with Saint Edward’s Crown.
It is the first time in 70 years that the British will have a new monarch and that is special, according to Bert: “In the Netherlands it is not like that. We have experienced several coronations, but it is very special for the British. They have almost never a coronation.” He notices it in his two British employees who do not want to miss a moment of the spectacle. “Partly for them, I turned on the TVs. It’s history in the making.”
One of Bert’s British collaborators is Tracey Jackson, from Yorkshire, England. She is glued to the TV. “We have known the same monarch for 70 years. So you can say that this is a very important day for the British. I am a big fan of the British Royal Family. Charles will be very important to the country.”
The 74-year-old Charles will probably not reach the 70-year term, nevertheless Bert is not afraid that a short term of office will be. “They have strong genes. My understanding is that he likes a good cup of tea and a good glass of whiskey from time to time. I think he’ll last a while.