‘I watched every second of King Charles's Coronation and I’m still in awe about one thing’
Despite family heartache behind the scenes, King Charles bravely ascended the throne in a ceremony that showed impressive pageantry with distinct touches.
Exactly one year ago today, we all witnessed dignitaries, leaders and monarchs from around the world gather at Westminster Abbey to celebrate King Charles III Coronation. But beneath the surface of ritual, celebration, and show-stopping garments, I thought the occasion was also marked by delicate family dynamics.
Family grievances threatened to overshadow the King’s commitment to service and duty to the crown – traits he had embodied throughout his whole life.
For me, the Coronation was more than just a 'pompous' ceremony broadcast to millions across the globe. It was a showcase of a monarchy that is an anchor to the past and a beacon to the future – inspiring unity for future generations.
So as cameras panned to Prince Harry nervously arriving alone at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, not as a working royal, but as a private citizen, I could sense the heartbreak of the nation watching, who really felt for him and the Royal Family.
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As the son of the monarch, Harry needed to be at the Coronation of his father, but his non-royal status presented unique challenges.
Because of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s open revelations about their experiences living with the Royal Family (through TV interviews and a bombshell book) every move and interaction with them since has been under intense scrutiny – which I think was magnified during the ceremony as it was broadcast all around the globe.
Forgetting the ceremonial accession for a second, my mind focused on Harry’s every move – 'Is he nervous and fiddling with his jacket? What is he saying to Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank? Can he even see his father behind Princess Anne’s red feather?'
The Princess Royal had reportedly raised concerns the feather on her headpiece made for "quite a decent-sized hat" with Coronation organisers but that hadn't stopped it from instantly becoming a meme on the social media platform, X.
From worrying about Harry’s third-row position in the Abbey, my mind quickly snapped back to the main purpose - King Charles’s leadership, a long-awaited chance to lead and shine, despite his personal family challenges at the time.
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Palpable family tensions aside, I was in awe of the attention to detail of such a meticulously planned and 'once in a lifetime' event.
Processional routes were timed to the minute, making sure they matched with the ceremonial music. Several pieces of music were commissioned especially by the King with there being representation from different religions and languages spoken. Invitations were sent out well in advance with seating arrangements planned. And, the massive security operation meant thousands of police officers and emergency services were on high alert on the day.
The regalia, the uniforms, the military displays, and the overall visuals of the coronation provide memorable images that will last me and many others a lifetime.
Looking back at the beautiful ceremony and how far King Charles has come in his first year as King, I feel his pledge in his first address to the nation to serve the country "with loyalty, respect and love" continues to shine, one year on from his Coronation on May 6, 2023.
