Coronation of Charles III: modernity and inclusion, the key words chosen for a new royal narrative

The royal monogram of Charles III. via REUTERS - POOL

Text by: Emeline Vin Follow

3 min

King Charles III will be crowned on Saturday, May 6, 2023. This is the first coronation ceremony since that of Elizabeth II. And in 70 years, the country has changed a lot.

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From our correspondent in London,

Charles wants to be the king of modernity and has made several changes to the ceremony. The coronations follow a centuries-old pattern. Charles wanted to make some adjustments. For the first time, women archbishops will be present – it is even a woman of color who will present her scepter to the king. Whereas until now, coronations were the business of the Church of England, of which the king is the leader. All religions or almost will be represented, the ceremony will be opened by a procession of Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist but also Jainist or Zoroastrian leaders.

>> Also listen: "Charles III will not only be a transitional king"

In order to preserve the sensitivities of everyone in the country, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will officiate on Saturday, May 6, will invite the members of the congregation to recite the Lord's Prayer in the language of their choice, not necessarily English. An anthem will be sung in the three languages of the kingdom's constituent nations, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.

A lot of protocols, a lot of symbolism not necessarily accessible to all.

The most important moment of the coronation is the sacred anointing with holy oil which signals that the monarch has been chosen by God. An unfilmed moment that takes place behind the anointing screen. The screen - which represents the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth - was designed by iconographer Aidan Hart. REUTERS - POOL

In the street, flags are more and more present in the windows, especially the shop windows are adorned with the colors of the Union Jack. Some have royalty more enthusiastic than others.

A massive commercial operation too

All supermarkets have launched their "range" "coronation weekend". In store, there are decorations, pennants, plastic hats, but also cakes with icing in British colors, lamb flavored chips with mint, English gastronomy obliges. We do not forget of course the souvenirs of more or less good taste, the mugs with the photo of the king, the tea towels and the metal boxes. Everything is done so that everyone enjoys, and remembers, this weekend.

Mugs with the portrait of Charles and the mention The Coronation of His Majesty, "The coronation of his majesty", cost 6 pounds (6.7 euros). REUTERS - MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA

Yet the latest polls do not show an overflowing interest in the monarchy. The British who do not support the monarchy are more indifferent than violently opposed. The number of people who consider the monarchy not or not very important, or even to be abolished, has increased significantly: 45% against 35% only a year ago, according to a poll published Friday, April 28. It should be noted, however, that the numbers tend to increase after major events.

It must be said that the coronation comes in a particular context, that of a very strong economic crisis, with double-digit inflation, food banks have recorded a 37% increase in beneficiaries in one year. And even though Buckingham Palace has limited spending, some Britons question the legitimacy of such a ceremony.

>> READ ALSO: The finances of the British royal family, one of the best kept secrets of the United Kingdom

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• Charles III
• United Kingdom
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