The Coronation of King Charles III.

Pomp and circumstance and gold and jewels and swords and scepters and orbs and Golden Coaches…..the Coronation of King Charles III did not disappoint.  Whether you are a royalist or a protester of the monarchy or an impartial American just there for the party, the Coronation had something for everyone!  I was in London on a work trip and extended by a few days to attend the Coronation.  I couldn’t miss out on such a historic event.  Sadly, my personal invitation to Westminster Abbey must have been lost in the mail, so I was relegated to the streets to mix with the masses.

            It was a gray, rainy day, typical of May in London.  Apparently, it also rained 70 years ago for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation and also for her father’s.  The weather did not keep the crowds away.  Many people camped out along the procession route overnight, so there was no hope of getting a good spot if you didn’t turn up until Saturday morning.  I wandered the streets with my umbrella and my selfie stick, watching the Coronation on big screens around the city and on my phone.  I made friends with people from all over the world, including a Queen Elizabeth look-a-like and her royal pooch. 

            Although King Charles III stated that he wanted his ceremony to be simpler (only 2 hours instead of 3) and his outfit to be less posh, it was definitely the most royal and lavish ceremony I have ever witnessed!  Perhaps the old-timers who were there for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation would disagree, but I think the British still do pomp and circumstance with an excess of flair!

            Prince William and lovely Kate were in attendance with their three adorable children.  (Have I mentioned that I met Prince William in a pub once????). I wonder if Will was thinking ahead to his own ceremony in the future?  And what about Prince Harry?  He was there without Megan because she was “celebrating  their son’s Bday” in California.  (or was she just not invited???) Harry was relegated to the third row of seats and although I haven’t read his scathing account of the Royal Family in his book “The Spare”, I’m sure his third row seat experience would make a nice Epilogue.

            I was thrilled to be a part of the pomp and circumstance, even as a distant observer.  Now, when people talk about Coronations, I can chime in with “I was there for King Charles III Coronation in London.  It was lovely!”  :)