The King is Crowned! Long Live the King!

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – With the entire world watching, King Charles III officially became the King of the United Kingdom, in the first Coronation ceremony in some 70 years. 

The last time the world saw such a ceremony for the United Kingdom was when King Charles’ mother, Elizabeth R. became queen at the age of 25. Charles had to wait a bit longer. He is 74.

Charles prepared for this role his entire life. Imagine that! He was destined to become King and he knew, more than likely at some point in his life, he was going to have the crown rested on his head. 

I was tickled pink (well brown, actually) when some people were hoping that King Charles would be skipped over for the throne and his son, Prince William, would receive the Kingship. I knew Charles or the engine that drives the Monarchy, would never agree to that. Charles was to be King after his mother was Queen and that was that. I should have bet on it. 

I was at work clad in “morning attire” (yes I had on a fascinator) watching the Coronation with my colleagues including my boss, John Gomez. We enjoyed the delightful church music with trumpets and choirs to boot. And, we also enjoyed the pomp and pageantry of it all. 

The ceremony which included the anointing of King Charles was a sacred one and for a few minutes, I felt moved – greatly moved, even. 

“Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown” – King Charles will now know what this quote means. Once the pomp and pageantry wear off, he will have to face all the trials and tribulations that his mother faced for 70 years. This Monarchy thing is not only African jewels and African gold. 

I am not really a fan of King Charles III and DEFINITELY not a fan of his wife whose name I will NEVER call in this column. However, I found myself taking in the seriousness of the Coronation ceremony and feeling slight compassion for Charles. From what I saw of his expression, Charles also took it very seriously. It brought to mind the priest’s remarks at my wedding, “…these things should never be taken on casually.” 

I am polite with my thoughts of King Charles III and his “plus one”, but many around the world have expressed apathy and outright disdain for the duo who seemed intent on being together, even at the emotional expense of others. As I am passionate about that situation, I will leave that subject alone for “tea” time. 

The funniest moment for me was when a British network decided to play a documentary on Charles and the world’s princess, Diana, the night before the Coronation. I thought it was “bloody cheeky” of the network and I applaud the gutsy action. 

As much as I love pomp and pageantry and a nice cup of fever grass tea in a Wedgewood teacup, I wonder how necessary the Monarchy really is. I am sure I am not alone. Well, that’s how I see it, anyway.