At our meeting on 20th February, Martin Hudson, one of our members, gave an account of his attendance at King Charles’ Coronation in May 2023. An email from The Cabinet Office inviting him to be a guest, took him by surprise. On checking that this was not a practical joke or a scam, he learned that he was one of 400 holders of the British Empire Medal who had been invited to attend the Coronation in Westminster Abbey. The King had specifically decided that “ordinary” citizens rather than people from the upper tiers of the establishment should have the opportunity to witness the Ceremony. When the official invitation arrived in the post, it was a beautifully decorated document containing the coats of arms of both Charles and Camilla, with small animals, wild-flowers and fruits decorating the margins.
Martin described the day in detail: guests assembled in a huge marquee in Westminster Gardens for security checks and bearing in mind the length of the Ceremony they were about to witness, there were sufficient toilet facilities! The guests then moved to Westminster Abbey along a route lined by boy scouts and girl guides. Martin had arrived early and was surprised there were no reserved seats but he was able to find a seat near the front of the Nave, where he had a good view of the proceedings. The view of the whole ceremony was shown on large TV monitors on the pillars in the Nave. There was time to talk to other guests while listening to music performed by the orchestra, organ, and choirs. Photography and the use of mobile phones was strictly prohibited. Everyone was given a booklet listing details of the VIPs and containing the order of service.
The principal guests, about two hundred of them, then processed to their seats in the Chancel. Martin spotted Boris Johnston, with his tousled hair, and Prince Harry, looking as if he would rather be somewhere else! Martin was impressed by the dignity and poise shown by Penny Mordaunt who led the Procession, carrying the 8lbs 17th century Sword of State. Then followed the procession of faith leaders, (all faiths were represented) and representatives of “His Majesty’s Realms”. Finally, Charles and Camilla processed to their places. The dignified and impressive Ceremony continued with the presenting of the Holy Bible, and the Coronation Oaths and then reached its climax with the Anointing of the King, the Investiture and the Crowning of the King and the Queen.
Martin, a lover of classical music, was particularly impressed with the music throughout the Ceremony which ended with a thrilling sound of the National Anthem performed by the Coronation Orchestra, the Organ and several Trumpeters. It was a wonderful and moving occasion, one which Martin had been proud and honoured to attend. He will cherish the memory for years to come.
Phil Jefferson (Chairman) Tetbury Probus ([email protected])