Just a friendly reminder to all Commonwealth citizens

[Sheilbh]

Incidentally I suspect the palace will view yesterday as a success - initial viewing figures are about 20 million (which is about the level you get for a big sporting event). People turned out, despite the rain.

Today's the day when they're doing the "Coronation Big Lunch" and encouraging communities to have street parties - close the street, cook food to share with your neighbours, let the kids play on the road, have a few drinks etc. Tonight will be the concert and then tomorrow they're encouraging people to sign up for volunteering opportunities in their community.

I live in relatively central South London. It's a diverse area, it's built up and relatively dense. I've just been up and down Walworth Road and walked past two street parties (one with a bouncy castle). I imagine if that's happening here there'll be plenty going on middle England. So, I imagine, mission accomplished for the palace.

Basically it seems to have followed the script of every royal event I can remember.

Edit: I also see viewership in France hit 9 million and six hours of live coverage Maybe they are just waiting for a legitimate Bonaparte restoration I saw a Spanish reporter note that there seemed to be more interest, reporters and coverage by republics (particularly France and the US) than monarchies (like Spain) which is maybe interesting.

Edit: Guardian piece on one of those street parties in Leeds: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/07/everyones-welcome-community-unites-at-coronation-big-lunch-in-leeds As I say for most people it'll be going to things like that, watching it on TV that defines the coronation not the arguably more serious angles.

[Valmy]

I don't know. I checked it out. It was interesting, kind of like watching a historical reenactment. Also watching military parades done by countries allied with mine feels weirdly satisfying. Like hey if we do end up in a war with China maybe some of these people will help out or something.

And I appreciated all the cameos by my Canadian neighbors.

Doesn't mean I have any interest in establishing a Texas monarchy. And if we did everybody would want the king to be Jesus anyway, like Poland or something.

But maybe the big lesson for the UK is the monarchy would never be more popular than after you abolish it.

[The Brain]

Did they read everything from cue cards back in the day? Did they at the previous coronation?

[Valmy]

Did they read everything from cue cards back in the day? Did they at the previous coronation?

I don't know. I just had it on in the background so I don't know if the BBC mentioned they were using the original 16th century cue cards from the coronation of Edward VI or something.

[Sheilbh]

Did they read everything from cue cards back in the day? Did they at the previous coronation?

I imagine they used specially made vellum orders of services back in the day. When I was an altar server as a kid I spent a lot of time holding a book of services for the priest to read prayers out of - I believe these have now largely been replaced by sacred ring-binders.

[Valmy]

I believe these have now largely been replaced by sacred ring-binders.

 

[The Brain]

I mean, I understand the feeling of safety of having cue cards, but have they never been in a school play or similar?

[Sheilbh]

I mean, I understand the feeling of safety of having cue cards, but have they never been in a school play or similar?

I quite enjoyed the Archbishop of Canterbury's "in the name of the *checks notes* Lord". It's very Peter Cook in The Princess Bride.

[Valmy]

A cowonation, that bwessed arrangment. That dweem within a dween.

[Duque de Bragança]

I mean, I understand the feeling of safety of having cue cards, but have they never been in a school play or similar?

I quite enjoyed the Archbishop of Canterbury's "in the name of the *checks notes* Lord". It's very Peter Cook in The Princess Bride.

 

[viper37]

Incidentally I suspect the palace will view yesterday as a success

I can't imagine reading a communique like:
"The crowning was a failure.  Not enough British citizens attended.  As a consequence, Prince Charles the 3rd and all the Royal family will renounce all privileges and pay taxes like everyone else when they work, effective immediately".

[garbon]

Katy Perry using her sing lyrics about the 4th of July at the coronation concert.

[Sheilbh]

I can't imagine reading a communique like:
"The crowning was a failure.  Not enough British citizens attended.  As a consequence, Prince Charles the 3rd and all the Royal family will renounce all privileges and pay taxes like everyone else when they work, effective immediately".

No. But failure would be if people didn't watch, didn't turn up in London or reacted badly - like was happening in the 90s (especially with Diana's death).

So they changed. Started paying their taxes on income, pushed a lot of hangers on off stage, got new media people and a new deal with the media etc. The palace will be watching public response closely because it's ultimately the basis of them existing.

Katy Perry using her sing lyrics about the 4th of July at the coronation concert.

Also I'm never not surprised at how impressive British crowds find a drone display.

[Josquius]

Apparently 9 million French watched it live

[HVC]

France is a republic in search of a king