buckingham Palace has announced the latest details of the Coronation, which will take place Saturday 6 Mayin Westminster Abbey. A historical ceremonial that King Charles wanted, however, to organize in the name of diversity and modernity in order to reflect the diverse social make-up of contemporary Britain. Starting with the most important official roles, assigned somewhat surprisingly to people who once would not have even been taken into consideration.
Charles and Camilla attend a Coronation ceremony, Buckingham Palace, April 27, 2023 (Getty Images)
Everything (or almost) changes for the Coronation of King Charles
The processions that will accompany the King and Queen upon arriving at and leaving Westminster Abbey they will be composed for the first time of representatives of every religious faith, including non-Christian ones. Representing the youngest will be a 19-year-old boythe cadet of the RAF Elliott Tyson-Lee, who will carry the British flag. And to support the Archbishop of Canterbury in the first part of the ceremonial will be the Baroness Valerie Amos, first black minister in the British government.
King Charles entrusts his jeweled sword to a woman
The Jeweled Offering Swordwhich during the ceremony will be given to Carlo during his dressing, will be carried for the first time by a woman. The chosen one is called Amy Taylor and it’s official of the British Navy – a decisive presence to pay homage to Charles’ albeit brief military career. The precious sword was made in 1820 and is now part of the historic Crown Jewels, normally kept in the Tower of London.
A black campaigner for King Charles’ sacred scepter
Foella Benjamin And a much loved character in Britain. Former Children’s TV Host, Bestselling Author, and now Baroness in theHouse of Lords of Westminster, she is close friends with the Royal Family. But Carlo chose her because Benjamin and also an activist who has been fighting for racial equality and equality for years. She will be entrusted with the scepter which represents the spiritual role of the monarch and his principles of equality and mercy.
Carlo with Floella Benjamin at St James’s Palace, London, March 2014 (Getty Images)
The choices of Queen Camilla
The reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, black woman and Bishop of Dover, will give Camilla the scepter with doveafter receiving it from the Baroness Helena Kennedy, famous international human rights lawyer. The Duke of Wellington has the task of carrying Queen Mary’s crown instead.
Camilla’s favorite actor will wear the golden spurs
She will be happy Camilla, a fan of one particular radio show for decades BBCthe series The Archers. Just to one of the actors of him, Delaval Astley – now Baron of Hastings (title inherited from his father) – was entrusted with carrying one of the golden spurs. Dating back to 1661, during the ceremonial they will represent gallantry and honor, other princes dear to Charles.
Coronation stamps
In the meantime they have been issued Coronation commemorative stamps. But Carlo has decided not to lend his face to historical and collectible images, opting instead for representations of causes and principles that are closest to his heart – the environment, the Commonwealth, community spirit and diversity.
Before Charles, the Royal Mail, British postal company, had issued stamps for only two other coronations, that of George VI and that of Queen Elizabeth.
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