More Coronation Countdown
What to watch for tomorrow during King Charles III’s historic coronation (and some behind-the-scenes vignettes)
I arrived in London at dawn on Tuesday and have been going ninety ever since (with momentary episodes of jet lag). That night, my husband and I attended an elegant black-tie dinner in honor of the new King.
In between I’ve been working with CNN—amid a blizzard of emails!-- for the commentary they’ve asked me to do on Saturday. I’ll be with a panel of other CNN contributors at the CNN London bureau, and between now and then will pop up with commentary from their location in front of Buckingham Palace as well as the bureau.
I was also honored to be included in the special coronation supplement published by The Times today. Here are two of the five articles I wrote…
Strolling the streets of London, I’ve sensed the growing excitement about the rare event many millions will be witnessing around the world.
I also ducked into the Hatchard bookshop on Piccadilly to sign some copies of the British edition of George VI and Elizabeth. If you click on the cover, you can order a copy!
And here are a few vignettes : Someone who attended the coronation rehearsal in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday told me (with more than a little amusement), that to protect the ancient Cosmati Pavement in the Sacrarium where much of the coronation will take place, everyone (except the King) had to wear the sort of blue booties used by workmen! All the regalia sat on the High Altar, and it was dazzling to see up close, especially the astonishing Cullinan One Diamond in the sceptre. There will evidently be no elaborate Royal Gallery as in coronations past, but rather chairs arranged behind the Chairs of Estate in which the King and Queen will sit before the anointing and crowning take place.
All eight of the pages were on hand (four to carry the King’s crimson velvet Robe of State (last used by his grandfather, King George VI) and four to carry the Queen’s similar Robe of State (made for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953). Nine-year old Prince George, who will be prominent among the pages carrying his grandfather’s robe, was suitably attentive and well behaved at the rehearsal! Still no final word on tiaras…..but if any of the women are wearing them, I’ll try to do a count.
I would advise those watching on TV to notice the innovative elements of the thousand-year-old service (which will maintain, with a few minor variations, the traditional five elements: The Recognition, The Oath, The Anointing, The Investiture and Crowning, and The Enthronement and Homage).
Among the innovations will be the involvement of members of different faiths at various stages of the ceremony, the use of other languages from the United Kingdom-Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, and the various roles of women in conducting the service. The King’s two robes of State (red velvet on entering the Abbey, purple silk velvet on departure), the Colobium Sindonis, (the white tunic he wears before being invested in elaborate garments), the Coronation Sword Belt and Coronation Glove were all worn by King George VI—in the interests of sustainability and as an homage to the grandfather who died when Charles was only three.
Instead of reporting to you on Saturday, I’ll write my next newsletter on Sunday so I can share my impressions of the coronation on Saturday. Please watch and take in all the splendor, solemnity, and joy of this wonderful ceremony!