The Coronation

This May, it has to be the King’s Coronation that carries my monthly blog. Last Saturday, friends and I once again hiked off early to be well seated in front of the big screen in St James’s Park but in contrast to last year’s royal celebrations, we didn’t need sunscreen but instead were well prepared with wet weather gear and flasks of hot coffee. The military precision of those marching bands was jaw dropping, the ceremonial music was sublime, the King looked shockingly vulnerable in his simple undershirt and the departing golden coach was truly that of fairy tales.  Whilst the ancient rituals were awesome, none of us were persuaded to accept the invitation to pledge our allegiance to the King and his family. Rather we enjoyed the occasion, sharing our sandwiches and drinks and chatting to other damp neighbours in the crowd who had mostly travelled from outside London and indeed, from outside England. Thank goodness we’re not obliged to swear our loyalty to the Crown, rather it’s the King who seeks the support of all of us as he pledged to serve. And for all of the criticism or plain indifference to the Coronation, I for one am well pleased that we’re not facing the prospect of a President of the UK any time soon.