Article text, by Victoria Ward, Royal Correspondent:
The King has rejected the idea of a cut-price coronation and wishes to use the event to showcase “UK plc”, The Telegraph understands.
The event will be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of “glorious” pomp and pageantry after Buckingham Palace and government aides took heed of the enormous international coverage generated in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
One of the “key learnings” from Operation London Bridge and Spring Tide – the period of mourning between the late Queen’s death and her funeral, along with the new monarch’s tour of the UK – was that it proved to be a great advertisement for Britain.
While it was always expected to be an event of great national significance, the global effect had not been fully considered. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral reminded people of the international impact of major royal events Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral reminded people of the international impact of major royal events Credit: AP/Vadim Ghirda
As such, organisers are determined to invest in the coronation, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6, recognising that the rewards will be unrivalled.
The coronation is expected to be shorter than the late Queen’s, with fewer attendees, better reflecting the modern monarchy.
Reports of a shorter, simpler service prompted fears of a “cut-price” ceremony that would send the wrong message to the world.
However, aides insisted that the only elements to be removed from the ceremony would be those now considered outdated and cumbersome.
Palace insiders and politicians are said to agree that any attempt to reduce the occasion would be a missed opportunity to showcase “UK plc” on the global stage.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, this week described the coronation as a “unique moment for the country”, as the Cabinet discussed the chance to “showcase the very best of the United Kingdom”.
The King is deeply conscious of the cost of living crisis and there is clear acknowledgment that the ceremony will take place at a time of economic hardship, meaning that every penny must be accounted for and justified.
However, through recent events, organisers have learnt that a grand royal spectacle is the most powerful way to promote Britain’s international standing.
All involved, from the palace to the relevant government departments and the military, are said to be in lockstep in their determination to deliver a festival “in the best traditions of 1,000 years of history”.
Lord Roberts of Belgravia, a historian and broadcaster, said: “We feared that after the Queen’s funeral, no one would take any notice of us for some time, but that’s not true. In May, we will have the world’s attention upon us.
“The monarchy does exert great soft power and this is the equivalent of an aircraft carrier when it comes to international relations.”
He noted that the 1937 coronation took place under the threat of Nazi domination of Europe, while in 1953 there was still rationing and severe austerity.
He said: “They were both occasions when we could remind ourselves of our values and the sense of optimism that saw us through those terrible crises. The Government should be applauded for taking the brave decision to host a much-needed celebration properly next year.”
The ceremonial elements and religious traditions will remain, with the service expected to run between one and two hours rather than three.
The King will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be crowned with St Edward’s Crown, which was made for Charles II in 1661.
It is thought likely to be attended by around 2,000 people, rather than the 8,000 who crammed into the Abbey in 1953 – four times its normal capacity.
The Queen Consort will be crowned alongside the King, who is expected to recognise that he serves all religious faiths and not just the Church of England.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be invited, despite their recent public criticism of the Royal family.
The coronation is being organised by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, who organised the late Queen’s funeral.
I see the sub is wanking itself silly over the UK today.
He is in his mid 70s. I think for most of us it will not be a once in a life time event.
Maybe really time the English have a good long think about this whole king/queen in the 21st century story, maybe getting rid of them and by association the tabloid media that feeds off it might be a positive move #justsaying
There’s absolutely no point in having a monarchy if you can’t break the baubles out.
You might, perfectly validly, say that there shouldn’t be a monarchy at all, but ultimately if you’re going to have one you should do it properly.
If they spend all that money within the UK, then it can and probably will effectively work as a small Marshall Plan – boosting the economy.
Ofc if they buy foreign stuff, like a Rolls, a Bentley, an Aston Martin or a Mercedes Benz, that’s not helping the UK much. So hopefully, Charlie will be showing up in a Rover.
It would be worth all the deaths from people dying laughing, I’m sure.
It’s what Mummy would have wanted.
If you’re gonna have a monarchy for show, might as well do it right.
You read the title and it comes across as him being out of touch, you read the article and although it can easily be disagreed with there is some truth in what they say. Presenting their best in May when people will be watching makes a lot of sense, and could be seen as an investment rather than a simple waste of money.
Why not… he’s had to wait long enough!
With OP having a “The Netherlands” flair, for a moment I thought this headline referred to the Dutch king.
I was quite confused why he decided to do a second coronation out of nowhere.
Good.
The title is wrong from an european perspective. There are multiple kings in eurioe so “The King” has no sense. Which King?
Then let royal family pay for it.
C’mon, the whole point of the monarchial institution _is_ ceremony and tradition, the “pomp and pageantry”, the dignitas. If you’re going to crown him, might as well go big
You silly peasants, what’s the point of being a king if you don’t get some glorious pomp at least once?
22 comments
Article text, by Victoria Ward, Royal Correspondent:
The King has rejected the idea of a cut-price coronation and wishes to use the event to showcase “UK plc”, The Telegraph understands.
The event will be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of “glorious” pomp and pageantry after Buckingham Palace and government aides took heed of the enormous international coverage generated in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
One of the “key learnings” from Operation London Bridge and Spring Tide – the period of mourning between the late Queen’s death and her funeral, along with the new monarch’s tour of the UK – was that it proved to be a great advertisement for Britain.
While it was always expected to be an event of great national significance, the global effect had not been fully considered. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral reminded people of the international impact of major royal events Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral reminded people of the international impact of major royal events Credit: AP/Vadim Ghirda
As such, organisers are determined to invest in the coronation, which will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6, recognising that the rewards will be unrivalled.
The coronation is expected to be shorter than the late Queen’s, with fewer attendees, better reflecting the modern monarchy.
Reports of a shorter, simpler service prompted fears of a “cut-price” ceremony that would send the wrong message to the world.
However, aides insisted that the only elements to be removed from the ceremony would be those now considered outdated and cumbersome.
Palace insiders and politicians are said to agree that any attempt to reduce the occasion would be a missed opportunity to showcase “UK plc” on the global stage.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, this week described the coronation as a “unique moment for the country”, as the Cabinet discussed the chance to “showcase the very best of the United Kingdom”.
The King is deeply conscious of the cost of living crisis and there is clear acknowledgment that the ceremony will take place at a time of economic hardship, meaning that every penny must be accounted for and justified.
However, through recent events, organisers have learnt that a grand royal spectacle is the most powerful way to promote Britain’s international standing.
All involved, from the palace to the relevant government departments and the military, are said to be in lockstep in their determination to deliver a festival “in the best traditions of 1,000 years of history”.
Lord Roberts of Belgravia, a historian and broadcaster, said: “We feared that after the Queen’s funeral, no one would take any notice of us for some time, but that’s not true. In May, we will have the world’s attention upon us.
“The monarchy does exert great soft power and this is the equivalent of an aircraft carrier when it comes to international relations.”
He noted that the 1937 coronation took place under the threat of Nazi domination of Europe, while in 1953 there was still rationing and severe austerity.
He said: “They were both occasions when we could remind ourselves of our values and the sense of optimism that saw us through those terrible crises. The Government should be applauded for taking the brave decision to host a much-needed celebration properly next year.”
The ceremonial elements and religious traditions will remain, with the service expected to run between one and two hours rather than three.
The King will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be crowned with St Edward’s Crown, which was made for Charles II in 1661.
It is thought likely to be attended by around 2,000 people, rather than the 8,000 who crammed into the Abbey in 1953 – four times its normal capacity.
The Queen Consort will be crowned alongside the King, who is expected to recognise that he serves all religious faiths and not just the Church of England.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be invited, despite their recent public criticism of the Royal family.
The coronation is being organised by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, who organised the late Queen’s funeral.
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“It’s good to be the king”
The world’s oldest baby.
I see the sub is wanking itself silly over the UK today.
He is in his mid 70s. I think for most of us it will not be a once in a life time event.
Maybe really time the English have a good long think about this whole king/queen in the 21st century story, maybe getting rid of them and by association the tabloid media that feeds off it might be a positive move #justsaying
There’s absolutely no point in having a monarchy if you can’t break the baubles out.
You might, perfectly validly, say that there shouldn’t be a monarchy at all, but ultimately if you’re going to have one you should do it properly.
If they spend all that money within the UK, then it can and probably will effectively work as a small Marshall Plan – boosting the economy.
Ofc if they buy foreign stuff, like a Rolls, a Bentley, an Aston Martin or a Mercedes Benz, that’s not helping the UK much. So hopefully, Charlie will be showing up in a Rover.
It would be worth all the deaths from people dying laughing, I’m sure.
It’s what Mummy would have wanted.
If you’re gonna have a monarchy for show, might as well do it right.
You read the title and it comes across as him being out of touch, you read the article and although it can easily be disagreed with there is some truth in what they say. Presenting their best in May when people will be watching makes a lot of sense, and could be seen as an investment rather than a simple waste of money.
Why not… he’s had to wait long enough!
With OP having a “The Netherlands” flair, for a moment I thought this headline referred to the Dutch king.
I was quite confused why he decided to do a second coronation out of nowhere.
Good.
The title is wrong from an european perspective. There are multiple kings in eurioe so “The King” has no sense. Which King?
Then let royal family pay for it.
C’mon, the whole point of the monarchial institution _is_ ceremony and tradition, the “pomp and pageantry”, the dignitas. If you’re going to crown him, might as well go big
You silly peasants, what’s the point of being a king if you don’t get some glorious pomp at least once?
Rev up the guillotines fellas
Charlie’s in the fokin house now!!
So the kibg’s a cunt. We knew that already.