Despite the modesty initially promised, the event will be large-scale: more than 2.2 thousand guests will arrive at the official ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Charles III and his wife Camilla will host a reception at Buckingham Palace on the eve of the coronation for those who were not on the guest lists for the main event. According to the Daily Mail newspaper, such a “pre-party” was last held at the court of George IV in 1821 and is remembered for its special significance. The monarch’s guests were then fed by 23 kitchens, and the count-marshal maintained order at the reception, touring the room on horseback. The “party” cost the royal treasury a pretty penny, and since then it has not taken place. But Charles III with Camilla invited more than a thousand guests to the reception.
Meanwhile, the British Parliament is indignant: deputies received only 80 invitations to the coronation, while almost 1.5 thousand officials of the House of Lords and the House of Commons sit in the Palace of Westminster. As a result, politicians are forced to gamble the coveted “tickets” in the lottery, Sky News informs. And deputies were ordered to leave their wives, children and other relatives at home. Only Albion Prime Minister Rishi Sunak received an invitation with the “plus one” option – he will go to the coronation arm in arm with his wife Akshata Murthy.
Meanwhile, fans of the august family are already looking for a place to watch the solemn procession. The citizens set up tents along the fences and intend to live in the open air to attend the event. The face of the newly created monarch literally haunts Britons around every corner. One of the capital’s cinemas even renamed its bar to the “Royal Gallery”, and the cocktail – to the “Monarch” mojito. Other companies are offering all Carls and Camilles in Britain free coffee, a two-day luxury holiday and other perks.
However, members of the anti-monarchist movements have not been impressed by attempts to appease their subjects with expensive gifts: according to local media, the groups Respublika and Just Stop the Oil are planning a series of provocations. During the procession, they want to scare the horses so that the animals rush all over the place directly at the spectators in the crowd.
In an attempt to prevent unrest, the Albion Home Office sent notices to activists regarding increased criminal penalties for rioting and new police powers. Security on the streets of London on Coronation Day will be provided by more than 11,000 law enforcement officers. In addition, the police will use the facial recognition system to monitor criminals.
Meanwhile, not only opponents of the monarchy can surprise at the ceremony. Recently, a historic relic called the Stone of Destiny, or the Skoon Stone, was delivered to London from Edinburgh. According to tradition, it will be installed at the foot of the former throne of Saint Edward, on which Charles III will sit during the coronation. According to one of the legends, the stone is able to distinguish the real monarch from the impostor and even shout loudly about it.
In the meantime
Six countries that recognize the British monarch as their head of state would like to break their subordinate link with the UK and become republics. According to a poll by the Daily Mail newspaper, residents of Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Bahamas, Solomon Islands and Antigua and Barbuda favor system change because “loyalty to the monarchy is seen by Republicans in these countries as an anachronism.” In Canada and Australia, it is seen as incompatible with ideas of equality, and in the Caribbean, the kingdom is associated with slavery and colonialism.
The most notable difference between support for the republic and the monarchy is seen in Canada – 47% of respondents versus 23%, similar sentiments in Jamaica and the Bahamas. In five other British Commonwealth countries, supporters of one system or another were found to be almost evenly divided.
Prepared by Yuri Kogalov
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