Britain's King Charles III walks behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Westminster Hall for the Queen's lying-in-state in London, Britain, on Sept. 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Han Yan/IANS)
Under the new portrait design launched last year, the King’s image will appear on the front of the banknotes as well as in cameo, in the see-through security window and the reverse side of the notes will remain unchanged…reports Asian Lite News
Britain’s King Charles III was on Tuesday presented with the first set of banknotes bearing his portrait by Bank of England representatives at Buckingham Palace in London.
The 75-year-old monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, was pictured with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier and Executive Director of Banking Sarah John.
It is seen as a historic moment as it is the first time the Bank of England has changed the image of the British monarch on a banknote, as King Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first monarch to appear on a Bank of England note in 1960.
“The King was presented with GBP 5, 10, 20 and 50 notes,” the palace said. “These are the first notes which feature the image of His Majesty. The notes will go into circulation on 5th June 2024,” it noted.
The Bank of England had earlier announced that the polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender and co-circulate alongside the new King Charles III notes. The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn out and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes.
“Our approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change. This means the public will begin to see the new King Charles III notes very gradually,” Bank of England said.
Under the new portrait design launched last year, the King’s image will appear on the front of the banknotes as well as in cameo, in the see-through security window and the reverse side of the notes will remain unchanged.
The King’s palace meeting on Tuesday, which was photographed and filmed for release, is seen as a positive sign in terms of his recovery since his cancer diagnosis was revealed in February.
He took a backseat from most of his public-facing duties and was last seen out and about for an Easter service at the end of last month.
Britain's King Charles III walks behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Westminster Hall for the Queen's lying-in-state in London, Britain, on Sept. 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Han Yan/IANS)
Kate, 42, revealed in a video message to the nation on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving preventative chemotherapy…reports Asian Lite News
The King will stress the importance of extending “the hand of friendship… especially in a time of need” in his first public comments since the Princess of Wales revealed her cancer diagnosis.
The pre-recorded audio will be broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service in Worcester Cathedral on Thursday ahead of the Easter weekend.
The King, who announced in February he was undergoing cancer treatment, will say how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other”, and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.
The 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, will also reamplify his Coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve”.
While the King does not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation’s response to his and Kate’s challenges as they continue cancer treatment.
Kate, 42, revealed in a video message to the nation on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving preventative chemotherapy.
She said planned abdominal surgery in January was successful and it was initially thought her condition was non-cancerous.
But tests after the operation found cancer had been present, she said, adding: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
She added it has “taken time” to explain her diagnosis to her children George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is “appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK”.
Kate’s voice broke with emotion at times during her video message which received a global outpouring of support, including from the King, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, political figures and members of the public.
Her statement followed weeks of global social media speculation and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts after she had not been seen on official engagements since last December.
Meanwhile, the King has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment and the Queen is deputising for him at the ancient Royal Maundy ceremony on Thursday.
However, he is set to attend church on Easter Sunday with Camilla – his most significant public appearance since his diagnosis.
But there will be a reduced number of royals present to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds. The King recorded the message in mid-March at his desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th century room.
The king noted that Jordan will continue to provide humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the people in Gaza, the statement added…reports Asian Lite News
King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned that a continued war in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan could risk expanding the conflict.
King Abdullah made the remarks on Sunday at a meeting in Amman with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during which he called for maximum efforts to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and to protect innocent civilians, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court.
The king noted that Jordan will continue to provide humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the people in Gaza, the statement added.
The king reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to separate the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while urging the continuation of Arab coordination to find a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution.
Abbas, for his part, voiced appreciation for Jordan’s steadfast position on the Hamas-Israel conflict, stressing the need to continue close coordination and consultation between the two sides to serve the Palestinian cause and protect holy sites in the city.
Jordan and Bulgaria Affirm Commitment to Gaza
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has said that the Kingdom would continue to work extensively to ensure adequate aid reaches the Gaza Strip.
Safadi made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference with Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel in Amman, during which he stressed Jordan’s ongoing efforts to ensure sufficient entry of aid into Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.
Safadi added that Gabriel’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen the two countries’ already strong bilateral ties while highlighting a number of areas in which Jordan and Bulgaria’s cooperation could be enhanced, particularly in the fields of education and tourism, the state-run Al Mamlaka TV reported.
During the press conference, Safadi also emphasized the urgent need to halt the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.
The two sides discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the efforts to coordinate the delivery of aid to the Palestinian enclave, according to the report.
Safadi reiterated that Jordan and Bulgaria share the belief that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve security, peace, and stability in the region.
Gabriel voiced her support for Jordan in formulating a peace plan, stressing Bulgaria’s concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its support for allowing access for humanitarian workers as well as the implementation of the two-state solution.
She said that her visit to Jordan was a message to strengthen political dialogue between the two countries, expand strategic cooperation, and coordinate efforts to provide solutions to regional and global challenges.
Feijoo said he had the support of Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre…reports Asian Lite News
The Spanish King Felipe has nominated the right-wing Peoples’ Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo as the candidate to try and form a government, following consultation with the main party leaders.
King Felipe made the decision after meeting earlier on Tuesday with both Feijoo and acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also the Socialist Party (PSOE) leader, Xinhua news agency reported.
This is the second day of consultations between the King and main party leaders after the general election on July 23 failed to produce a candidate to form a new government.
The Spanish Constitution merely states that the Monarch has to name a candidate to try and win an investiture vote in Congress, but it does not specify whether this should be the leader of the party that has won the most votes, or the party leader who can gather the most parliamentary support.
“I will get in contact with the candidate to be Prime Minister to learn their opinion over the best opportunity to carry out the investiture debate and take a decision,” Congress Speaker Francina Armengol told the press on Tuesday evening.
In the wake of the King’s decision, Feijoo posted on social media: “I am grateful to His Majesty the King for his decision to name me as candidate to be Prime Minister. We will give a voice to the over 11 million citizens who want change, stability and moderation with a government that defends the equality of all Spaniards.”
Earlier on Tuesday, both Sanchez and Feijoo said they were willing to try and form a government, with Sanchez highlighting the progressive majority that saw Armengol elected as the Congress Speaker last week.
“There is no alternative other than to reform a progressive government to consolidate the advances of the previous years. Those who questioned the previous government have not received either the votes or the seats to carry out their proposals,” said Sanchez. However, he added that he would respect any decision made by the King.
Meanwhile, Feijoo said he had the support of Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre.
The PP leader will have two chances to become Prime Minister when the investiture vote is held. In the first vote he needs to win an overall majority of 176 seats in Congress. Otherwise, a simple majority (i.e. more votes in favor than against) would suffice in a second vote 48 hours later.
If he loses both votes, Sanchez would then have the chance to form a government, but if nobody is able to win the necessary support within two months, Congress would be dissolved and a new general election called 47 days later.
The flags were traditionally described as “Colors” because they displayed the uniform colors and insignia worn by soldiers of different units…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles III rode on horseback Saturday to take part in his first Trooping the Color ceremony as U.K. monarch, inspecting hundreds of soldiers and horses in a spectacular annual military display at central London’s Horse Guards Parade.
Charles, 74, the colonel in chief, received the royal salute and watched as the most prestigious regiments in the U.K. army paraded to mark his official birthday.
It was the first time in more than 30 years that a U.K. monarch has taken part in the pomp-filled ceremony on horseback.
Earlier, Charles’ eldest son, Prince William, and the king’s siblings, Prince Edward and Princess Anne, also rode on horseback in procession from Buckingham Palace. All the royals were dressed in red and gold tunics and tall black bearskin hats, matching the uniforms worn by many of the 1,400 soldiers taking part.
Others in the royal family, including Queen Camilla, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and her three young children, rode in horse-drawn carriages as thousands of people thronged the Mall, the grand avenue outside Buckingham Palace, to watch the pageantry.
Birthday parade
Trooping the Color is essentially a grand birthday parade to honor the reigning monarch. The annual ceremony is a tradition that dates back more than 260 years.
Huge crowds turn out each June to watch the display, which begins with a procession involving horses, musicians and hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial uniform from Buckingham Palace. The monarch then inspects their troops, including both foot guards and horse guards. Gun salutes and a crowd-pleasing military flyby over the palace typically round out the celebrations.
Charles’ actual birthday is November 14, 1948. But U.K. monarchs have traditionally celebrated two birthdays — their real one and an official one — to ensure that public celebrations can take place in warm summer weather.
Charles’ late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, always held the Trooping the Color birthday parade in June, while she celebrated her actual April birthday privately with family.
The Color
The central part of the parade features a battle flag — or the “Color” — being displayed and marched past troops and the monarch.
This is a ceremonial reenactment of the way regimental flags were once displayed for soldiers on the battlefield to provide a crucial rallying point if they became disoriented or separated from their unit.
The flags were traditionally described as “Colors” because they displayed the uniform colors and insignia worn by soldiers of different units.
A different flag is trooped each year. This year the “Color” was the King’s Color of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
King on horseback
Saturday was the first time a monarch has ridden on horseback at the event since Elizabeth did so in 1986. The queen rode her favorite horse, called Burmese, to 18 Trooping the Color ceremonies until the black mare retired in 1986. After that she decided to use a carriage for the event instead.
Charles also rode on horseback for the spectacle last year, when as heir to the throne he inspected the troops on behalf of his mother. Elizabeth died last September at the age of 96.
Today over 1400 troops, 200 horses and 400 musicians from across the Household Division marked The King's official birthday.
Bringing celebrations to a close, a flypast of 70 aircraft from all three services took to the skies, flying over Buckingham Palace.#TroopingtheColourpic.twitter.com/ailpN1Fgq2
The birthday parade typically reaches its climax when, at the end of the military procession, the royal family lines up on Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch a spectacular flyby.
The Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, usually wows the crowds as they fly in formation leaving plumes of red, white and blue vapor trails.
This year, the flyby was even more impressive, because a similar display on Charles’ coronation day in May had to be scaled back because of bad weather. Around 70 aircraft took part Saturday, including Spitfire and Hurricane fighters from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Eighteen Typhoon fighter jets flying in precise formation spelt out “CR” — “Charles Rex” — in the sky as the royal family and thousands of spectators cheered.
The King then sank the spade into the earth, used his foot to lift a lump of turf out, raised the spade aloft and jammed it into the ground, leaving it standing…reports Asian Lite News
The King has undertaken his first official engagement since his coronation by breaking ground for a new laboratory aimed at speeding up the development of net zero aviation.
The 74-year-old toured Cambridge University’s Whittle Laboratory, which recently secured funding to develop a new £58m lab.
Walking to perform the ceremonial breaking of the ground, where a lump of mud was already visible on the grass, The King joked: “I don’t suppose it’s already been done?”
He added: “It’s very unfair. I was rather looking forward to doing a bit of gardening.”
Breaking ground on the new Whittle Lab! 🌱
The @Cambridge_Uni new laboratory has been designed to bring together global experts from research and industry in net zero aviation and energy. pic.twitter.com/sdKZUJwts5
The King then sank the spade into the earth, used his foot to lift a lump of turf out, raised the spade aloft and jammed it into the ground, leaving it standing.
He then walked to the stage to give a short speech, saying: “I really wanted just to express my enormous admiration of what (director of the Whittle Laboratory) Rob Miller is doing here with the Whittle and his remarkable team.
“And of course the key exercise of all this is to keep the team in being and expand it, but not lose all these remarkable people who have the innovative capacity and the engineering skills to help lead what we need so badly and so urgently in order to save this planet from increasing catastrophe.
He also met leaders from the aviation industry and from government, including Energy Secretary Grant Shapps and science minister George Freeman.
The new Whittle Laboratory is designed to become the leading global centre for innovation in net zero aviation and energy by halving the time it takes to develop key net zero technologies, which can typically take six to eight years to reach the point of being considered for commercial use.
The service, rich in tradition and pageantry, was held at London’s Westminster Abbey – the nation’s coronation church since 1066…reports Asian Lite News
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have shared their “most sincere and heartfelt thanks” in a new message from the monarch released by Buckingham Palace on Monday, as the coronation long weekend comes to an end.
The newly-crowned sovereign wrote that he and his wife wanted in particular to pay tribute to those who helped make events in London, Windsor and beyond “as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.”
“To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one,” King Charles wrote. “To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”
In addition to the King’s message of gratitude, the palace released four new official photographs of the King, Queen and members of the royal family taken after Saturday’s historic coronation service. All were taken by renowned British photographer Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace.
One portrait shows the King photographed in the palace’s Throne Room dressed in the full regalia – the Robe of Estate and the Imperial State Crown while holding the Sovereign’s Orb and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
He is seated on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs that were built for use at King Edward VII’s coronation by future King George V and Queen Mary.
In a separate portrait, Queen Camilla was photographed wearing Queen Mary’s Crown and Robe of Estate in the Green Drawing Room.
Britain’s Queen Camilla poses for a photo in The Green Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, London.
The King and Queen also sat for a portrait together in the Throne Room.
Finally a fourth photograph was released of the King and Queen flanked by “working royals” – members of the family who carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch.
London-based Burnand has long held close ties to the royal family, having previously taken the official photos for both Charles and Camilla’s wedding in 2005, and William and Kate’s wedding in 2011. He’s also been privately taking photographs of Charles and Camilla for over two decades.
Burnand also took several photos of the King and Queen released by the palace ahead of the coronation.
The coronation of King Charles III on Saturday was a once-in-a-generation royal occasion, with thousands turning out in the streets of London to watch history in the making despite gloomy and wet weather conditions.
The service, rich in tradition and pageantry, was held at London’s Westminster Abbey – the nation’s coronation church since 1066.
Music underpinned the entire celebration, in keeping with history. Each stage was marked by either a grand choral work, an ethereal motet, an extravagant organ composition or an evocative melody, all performed by some of the most accomplished singers and musicians in the world.
The Duke of Sussex flew back to the UK for his father’s big day, sitting in the third row, wearing a morning suit with his military medals. He arrived alongside his uncles, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, and two of his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
He did not appear later on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the customary appearance, instead catching a commercial flight back to Los Angeles to join the fourth birthday celebrations of his son, Prince Archie.
The occasion marked the first time the prince had publicly reunited with members of his family since the release of his controversial memoir, “Spare.”
The rest of the holiday weekend saw the sunshine return once more as thousands across the country took part in street parties and community lunches in celebration of the newly-crowned King. Others attended a jubilant coronation concert held in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Meanwhile on Monday, Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, conducted his first royal engagement at the age of five, as part of the Big Help Out – a nationwide volunteering initiative marking the end of the coronation weekend.
The youngster, who is fourth in line to the throne, joined his parents and siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in helping to renovate a scout hut.
Buckingham Palace spokesman says that their Majesties were deeply touched by the events and profoundly grateful to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion…reports Asian Lite News
The King and Queen are “deeply touched” by the nation’s celebration of their historic coronation, Buckingham Palace has said.
A spokesman said: “Their Majesties were deeply touched by the events of yesterday and profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support in such numbers in London and further afield.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned in a historic ceremony yesterday at Westminster Abbey, watched by 100 heads of state, royals from around the world, celebrities, everyday heroes, and millions around the globe.
It was the fulfillment of Charles’ destiny, but followed the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after a 70-year reign.
Camilla asked for her coronation bouquet of English spring flowers to be placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in the coronation church, Westminster Abbey.
The simple posy, including auriculas, the late Queen’s favourite lily of the valley, and one of Charles’s favourites hellebores, by the King and Queen’s go-to florist, Shane Connolly, was laid at the memorial.
Royal brides traditionally send their bouquets to be placed there the day after their weddings in a tradition started by the Queen Mother. Camilla did not carry the flowers on Saturday as it was a coronation not a wedding, the Palace said.
And the celebrations continue, with big lunches taking place around the UK as well as a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle this evening.
The King and Queen will join around 20,000 members of the public at the coronation concert where, along with other family members, they will see performances by Take That, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.
The official Instagram account for the Prince and Princess of Wales posted behind-the-scenes footage of getting Prince William preparing for this evening.
In it, the Prince can be seen preparing to give a speech – a voice can be heard saying: “OK, Prince of Wales, it’s time for your rehearsal” before William strides out towards the microphone.
The show in Windsor, hosted by Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, will see Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls and singer Sir Tom Jones appear via video message.
Meanwhile, guests – including Jill Biden – had lunch with the Prime Minister outside Downing Street and his wife.
There was a hum of excited chatter as those invited – including volunteers, Ukrainian refugees, and youth group members – sipped fruit drinks and took photos in front of the famous Number 10 door as they awaited the arrival of Rishi and Akshata Murty.
The weather stayed dry as Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden arrived at the event shortly before 2pm.
The Prime Minister and First Lady laughed and joked as they met, giving each other a kiss on both cheeks. Biden, who wore a long white embroidered dress for the outside event, arrived wearing sunglasses and was met by Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty.
Also present at the event were Sunak’s two daughters, Anoushka and Krishna, and the family dog, Nova – who sported a union flag bandana.
The street was bedecked in Union flag bunting and music was being played by the RAF Northolt brass quintet. Guests tucked into dishes including coronation quiches, coronation chicken, sausage rolls, and smoked salmon.
The food was sourced from across the UK, including beef from Gloucestershire, which was served in Yorkshire puddings, Scottish Loch Duart salmon, Northern Irish soda bread, and ice cream from Wales.
The crockery was donated by Emma Bridgewater, a pottery with strong royal connections.
But the weekend has not been without its controversies, with police arresting a number of protesters from groups including Republic and Just Stop Oil.
More than 50 anti-monarchy demonstrators were arrested during yesterday’s events – including 13 people to “prevent a breach of the peace”, and a man with an unused megaphone, who police said could “scare the horses”.
Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic, said in his statement following his arrest that the detentions “destroyed whatever trust might have existed” between protest groups and the police.
Thousands gather in London for King Charles III's Coronation
Around 2,300 people are inside the abbey for the service, with Prince Harry arriving alongside his cousins…reports Asian Lite News
The King’s Coronation, the first in the UK for 70 years, is under way at the Westminster Abbey.
A military band played the national anthem as the King and Queen Consort set off from Buckingham Palace, as crowds erupted into thunderous cheers, BBC reported.
As the couple arrived at the abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, the King was seen smiling and waving.
Around 2,300 people are inside the abbey for the service, with Prince Harry arriving alongside his cousins.
Celebrity guests are also in place — including actress Emma Thompson and US singer Katy Perry.
US First Lady Jill Biden, and her granddaughter Finnegan, arrived in a three-car motorcade. US President Joe Biden is not in the UK.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska are also in the abbey.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with leaders of the Commonwealth countries, entered with their respective flag bearers. The service, which began at 11:00 BST, will last for around two hours, the BBC reported.
A key theme of the Coronation for King Charles will be service — and in his first prayer when he reaches the Abbey, he will say: “I come not to be served, but to serve.”
Following the ceremony, the King Charles III and Queen Camilla will return to the Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, arrived from the US on Friday on a commercial flight, and was seen entering the abbey with his cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
It is the first time since he has been in public with his brother, Prince William, since his memoir, Spare, was released.
It is thought Prince Harry may fly back to the US just hours after the ceremony to rejoin his wife Meghan, as their son Archie is celebrating his fourth birthday.
On the procession route, umbrellas started to pop up as the rain arrives.
But despite the very English weather, there has been a celebratory atmosphere on The Mall, with periodic Mexican waves and police officers and security guards being cheered.
Among the spectators is Alexandra Hornyak, 57, from Montreal, Canada who will be watching from Green Park.
“I’ve known for years that I would want to attend this day, and the day that it was announced, I was driving to the office, and my husband just called me and said ‘May 6’,” she told the BBC.
“I knew exactly what it was. And I jumped on the phone to get a hotel reservation and we went from there.”
Karen Daly, 54, from Birmingham, said, “We could have done this at home, but the atmosphere is so good and everyone’s really happy.”
“When the Queen died, we couldn’t make it because we all couldn’t get out of work. So we booked off as soon as we knew about the coronation.”
Charles became King of the UK and 14 other realms in September, when his mother Elizabeth died after 70 years on the throne, the BBC reported.
Months of intense planning have gone into the coronation celebrations — the 40th to take place at Westminster Abbey since 1066.
Unlike the procession route, there were no crowds outside the abbey, as it was closed to the public ahead of the service.
The service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will be assisted by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
“There have been wall-to-wall rehearsals this week, and indeed last week,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“None of us have done this for a very long time, so working out the choreography has been complex.”
The high point of the ceremony will come when the St Edward’s Crown is placed on the King’s head, a moment that will be marked by the abbey bells and a gun salute in nearby Horse Guards Parade.
Camilla will be crowned alongside Charles — and after the couple’s long and often complicated relationship, she will now be officially described as “Queen Camilla”.
The ceremony will emphasise diversity and inclusion, with more multi-faith elements than any previous coronation, with contributions from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh representatives.
A Bible lesson will be read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is a Hindu, and music will be sung in Welsh and Scottish and Irish Gaelic.
There will be women bishops taking part in the service for the first time in a coronation service that goes back almost a thousand years.
After the service, at around 13:00 BST, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace, in a spectacular mile-long (1.6km) procession, with 4,000 soldiers and 19 military bands.
When they reach the palace, it remains uncertain who will be seen with the King and Queen for the traditional balcony appearance.
There are plans for a flypast when the senior royals are on the palace balcony, but there will be concerns about the weather, with a forecast of cloud and showers.
“Basically, [the palace have] decided to do the safe and sensible thing, to not have a separate debate about the jewels in the crown,” noted Tominey…reports Asian Lite News
Buckingham Palace would have been conscious about the potential for controversy around the colonial era Kohinoor diamond claimed by India and averted it becoming a side story of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation ceremony next month, a royal expert has said.
Camilla Tominey is the Associate Editor of ‘The Daily Telegraph’ and has an inside track to the British royal family as the newspaper’s royal expert.
In an interview, she reflected upon the significance of Camilla choosing to forgo the traditional crown used for the monarch’s partner as the “consort crown” due to it being embedded with the Kohinoor – also known as Koh-i-Noor. Among the crown jewels unveiled by the palace for the Coronation ceremony on May 6, it was confirmed that Queen Mary’s Crown has been chosen by Camilla.
“I think the palace were conscious about the Koh-i-Noor perhaps being controversial and therefore have decided that they don’t want there to be a side story about the provenance of these diamonds,” said Tominey.
“Basically, [the palace have] decided to do the safe and sensible thing, to not have a separate debate about the jewels in the crown,” noted Tominey.
Earlier this month, the palace said that minor changes and additions to Queen Mary’s Crown are being undertaken, such as the inclusion of the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds which were part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewellery collection for many years. The design has been inspired by Queen Alexandra’s Crown of 1902 – which was originally encrusted with the Kohinoor, which now sits in the crown of the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, since 1937.
Last month, Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages Britain’s palaces, said that the infamous diamond will instead be part of a new Jewel House exhibition at the Tower of London classed as a “symbol of conquest” for the first time. According to its assessment, the diamond probably originated from the Golconda mines in southern India and weighs 105.6 carats. It was once much larger but was re-cut in 1852 to improve its brilliance and conform to contemporary European tastes.
Kohinoor, which means mountain of light in Persian, came into Queen Victoria’s possession from the treasury of Maharaja Ranjit Singh a few years before she was to be crowned empress of India in the wake of the 1857 Revolt and has played a starring role in British coronations of the past until its conspicuous absence in next month’s ceremony.
Camilla’s choice of Queen Mary’s Crown also marks the first instance in modern times of an existing crown being used for the Coronation of the monarch’s consort, with all past crowns being specially made for a new consort. It is among a series of departures from tradition made by Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75, in an attempt to strike a more sustainable tone that resonates with the times and also incorporate modern elements into the ceremony.
Another key modern aspect of the largely Christian religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London for the Coronation on May 6 are reports of the King’s plans to reflect some multi-faith elements that connect with the wider British public, as well as the Indian diaspora. According to reports, House of Lords peers of Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh faiths will carry key pieces of Coronation regalia on the day at the Abbey.
