The Coronation of King Charles III

May 8, 2023 May 8, 2023 London, Things to do in London

There are some moments in your life that you’ll never forget – and I expect that the Coronation of King Charles III is one of those.

To be living in London for such a momentous event (and that of the passing of his Mother, HM Queen Elizabeth II) is both a privilege and an honour.

It’s also been an interesting insight into the British worldview.

I popped up to Green Park on the eve of the coronation, mostly just to be nosey – and the avid royal fans had already been settled in for a few days, camping along the Mall. (Note the backpacks on the above ladies). Again, like the funeral, the arrangements for such a large crowd were amazing – they had cordoned off swathes of Green Park, organised pedestrian thorough fares and even had areas set aside for people to calm their nerves in.

I was lucky enough to be going to a friend’s place to watch all the coverage – I was worried about how busy all of the transport would be, but somehow missed all of the really busy waves of tourists – and I’m guessing that all of the Londoners who didn’t want to be bothered by the crowds had already left the city for pastures calmer.

Some of the NZ contingent arriving at Westminster Abbey (though despite being invited by Charles, the Maori King and Queen weren’t on the list?!)

Overall it felt very subdued – there has been a lot of pushback at having this (and it being paid for out of the public purse) in these times of financial stress for so many people.

Enjoying a vegan feast including the official dish of the coronation – quiche, we watched this ancient ceremony as it played out before us. The pomp and circumstance that the English excel at.

The first ever coronation on social media – but not the only one in my lifetime.