Meghan, the fattest mess of Charles III at his coronation

Highlights: The Coronation of Charles III has become a race against time plagued by delays, tensions and a general sense of "chaos" King Charles wanted an austere ceremony, in keeping with the times and with his purpose of modernizing the monarchy. But tradition and pomp have prevailed in the end and the British are preparing for a "remake" of the pageantry that accompanied Elizabeth II in her farewell. Initial plans for the 90-minute service have been extended to two hours including the "procession" back and forth from Buckingham to Westminster Abbey.

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All that glitters in the so-called Operation Golden Orb, as the Coronation ofCharles III is code-called, is not gold. Despite several years in the making, the May 6 ceremony has become a veritable race against time plagued by delays, tensions and a general sense of "chaos", as The Daily Mirror revealed this week.

King Charles wanted an austere ceremony, in keeping with the times and with his purpose of modernizing the monarchy. But tradition and pomp have prevailed in the end and the British are preparing for a "remake" of the pageantry that accompanied Elizabeth II in her farewell. With Prince Harry ready to claim his status as "spoilers" and with resounding absences, not only that of Meghan...

Delays

April 3 was the "cut" for the allocation of seats, but everything was delayed by the indecision of Enrique, who did not confirm his attendance until the 12th. Preparations and press credentials have also been delayed by two weeks, which can seriously affect the broadcast of the event. Initial plans for the 90-minute service have been extended to two hours (from eleven in the morning to one in the afternoon) including the "procession" back and forth from Buckingham to Westminster Abbey.

The "seedlings"

The rudeness of Joe Biden and Meghan Markle has also altered the plans. Biden will be represented by his wife, Jill, and has justified his absence by citing the "tradition" of American presidents. Meghan will stay in California with Archie and Lilibet. Among the 2,000 guests (compared to the 8,000 who attended the coronation of Isabel II) will be King Felipe and Queen Letizia. Juan Carlos I and Sofia, who attended the funeral of Isabel II, will not go this time.

The nuisance of "Harry"

Once the invitation was accepted, the problem that arose was what to do with Prince Henry. His public appearances will be limited to the day of the Coronation. The Duke of Sussex will occupy a seat away from the Prince and Princess of Wales. He will not even return to Buckingham with his father already "crowned".

Andrew's Garter

Prince Andrew put his brother in a dilemma with his claim to attend the ceremony dressed in the robe that accredits himas a member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. It seems that Andrés will finally have to abide by the prohibition and dress in a more discreet way, in tune with his role as a "royal" come to less. Sarah Ferguson has not even been invited, despite her return to the foreground after taking charge of the Queen's "corgies".

Rey's ramp

Concerns that Charles III, at 74, might stumble over the multiple robes worn during protocol has forced a ramp to be installed so he can worry-free access to the Coronation chair (which has been worn by all British monarchs since 1626). Apparently, Charles himself expressed his fear when checking the weight of the robes and the added difficulties of the rest of the royal paraphernalia.

King Charles III in military uniformGTRES

Camila's crown

Charles' own decision that his wife Camilla will also be crowned as Queen, leaving behind the "consort" trim, has added complexity to the ceremony. Camila will pick up the baton to the QueenMother in 1937, although she will not wear her platinum crown and 2,800 diamonds (somewhat excessive for the times) but the most discreet used in times by Queen Mary.

The tiaras of the guests

The delays have also created confusion about the dress code at Westminster Abbey, and more specifically about the wearing of tiaras among the guests, who have finally received the relevant instructions this week.

The floats

Charles and Camilla will use not one but two floats on the route between Buckingham and Westminster. On the way out you will travel in the modern carriage, with electric windows and air conditioning, made in Australia for the 60th anniversary of the reign of Elizabeth II. On the lap they will use the legendary gold-plated Gold State Coach premiered by George III in 1762.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia greeting Carlos III and CamillaEFE

The procession

For economic and practical reasons, the procession has been shortened to just over a kilometer along the "mall", which has caused some complaints about the scarce interaction that the monarchs will have with their followers. The return will be slower, at the pace of a walk on foot, precisely to "lengthen" the exposure to the public of the monarchs.

The Republicans

Graham Smith, head of the Republic group, has criticized the expense of the Coronation and the estimated expenses between 60 and 110 million euros (including nine million in the distribution of official portraits of the royal couple in schools, hospitals and public buildings). "In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, it doesn't make sense to spend a pound on this," Smith concludes. Republican activists threw eggs at the passage of Charles and Camilla through York and Luton and do not rule out actions sounded in the month of May.

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