Britain rejoices at the coronation of King Charles III as it stages a star-studded concert. (file)
Windsor, United Kingdom:
Britain rejoiced in the coronation of King Charles III on Sunday as it staged a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle watched by 20,000 people and millions across the country and the world.
Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, watched from a royal box on the grounds of the palace, west of London, as Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and British band Take That topped the bill of performers.
Screens across the country broadcast the event – featuring a 70-piece orchestra, choir and a number of unique theatrical performances – to communities, while organizers said it would also be seen in more than 100 countries.
Amid music and video messages from a range of public figures, Prince William took to the stage to pay tribute to his father the day after he formally became king.
Noting his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was “up there, lovingly watching over us”, William said she would be “a very proud mother”.
“For more than 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serving both present and future generations,” said the heir to the throne.
“Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
‘celebrate’
Charles’s coronation on Saturday as monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth countries was the first in Britain in seven decades.
Global royalty and world leaders, as well as hundreds of UK community and charity representatives, attended the glittering Westminster Abbey ceremony, steeped in 1,000 years of tradition and custom.
Thanking everyone involved, Buckingham Palace said Charles and Camilla were “deeply touched” by this.
Monday has been declared a public holiday – meaning people can enjoy Sunday without any encumbrances.
Earlier, street festivals and “big lunch” events brought together thousands of party-goers to bring the communities of modern Britain closer together.
Street parties were a feature of Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation – and a memorable part of her long reign in 1977 and the celebration of her platinum jubilee last year, following the hardships of the Second World War.
“It’s lovely … you need these things to bring the community together,” 67-year-old Annette Cathcart told AFP at a village hall gathering in Ashley Greene in Buckinghamshire, southern England.
“It’s the perfect way to celebrate.”
According to organizer Eden Project Communities, more than 67,000 large lunches were planned, with Coronation Quiches – a baked savory tart featuring spinach, broad beans and tarragon – encouraged.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted one in Downing Street, inviting community volunteers, Ukrainian refugees and dignitaries including US First Lady Jill Biden.
The British leader was joined by his wife, two daughters and family dog Nova, who sported a Confederate flag bandana.
‘Wingman’
Attention soon turned to Windsor, where the evening’s spectacle was reminiscent of the late Queen’s previous royal jubilee.
Guests waved Union flags as members of the royal family — including William, wife Kate, and two of their three children — joined Sunak and other VIPs in the royal box.
Host Hugh Bonneville promised the crowd, “We are delighted and honored to be joined by our newly crowned King Charles III, whose lifelong passion for the arts we will celebrate throughout the show.”
The Downton Abbey and Paddington actor Bonneville quipped, “Of course, he himself is a painter, an artist – the artist formerly known as the Prince.”
An early highlight brought together the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal College of Music and Royal College of Art for a one-off performance.
Lionel Richie lit up the show midway through hits like “Easy Like Sunday Morning” and “All Night Long,” which kept the royals on their feet.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise, actress Joan Collins and singer Tom Jones all appeared via video message.
“You can be my wingman any time”, Cruise told the Emperor.
A series of pre-recorded sketches also aired, which revealed little-known facts about Charles and included moments from The Muppets and beloved literary character Winnie the Pooh.
The evening also featured “Lighting up the Nation”, which illuminated famous places across the UK using projection, laser and drone displays.
Reconstituted pop group Take That – minus former frontman Robbie Williams – closed the show, with audience member Carolyn McDonough describing it as “incredible … a true once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
The 53-year-old, who runs a firm to get the long-term unemployed back into work, told AFP that people were “really enjoying themselves … waving their flags and dancing and singing”. were just really going for it”.
‘It’s boring’
The once-in-a-generation coronation comes with Britain in the grip of its worst living crisis in decades.
The cost of the long weekend – reported to be upwards of 100 million pounds ($126 million) – has led to disquiet with rising bills and a number of clashes with widespread strikes.
And the arrest of the anti-monarchy activist before he had a chance to protest on Saturday prompted criticism from rights groups.
The BBC said more than 14 million people watched the ceremony on its two main terrestrial channels – far fewer than on previous major royal occasions.
And it reportedly wasn’t exactly comfortable for Charles.
According to a lip reader who analyzed footage of the monarch for Sky News, the king grumbled about not being “on time” and said that “it’s boring” as hiccups delayed the start of his coronation.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)