May 6, 2023 an Historic Event

Westminster Abbay, London, 6 May 2023. The big day has arrived.

The most awaited event ever has finally taken place, which many of us didn't think we were witnessing, but it happened: Charles III was crowned King. How many of you find it strange to read these words? Personally, I belonged to the category of people who considered Her Majesty Elizabeth II to be eternal (and, perhaps, I have not yet realized that she is no longer with us physically), but since not even Jesus lived forever, we all found ourselves with look at London. In particular, our gaze was directed inside Westminster Abbey in London, where sovereigns have been crowned for centuries. And on May 6th it happened to the eternal heir to the throne, the man who for many would have passed away before his mother and who would never have been able to sit on that long-awaited throne. However, I don't think that becoming king is a good thing: you imagine taking on this position only because your mother (or father) dies, and therefore the throne is vacant. I don't know if I would be able to bear all this. Elizabeth may have been elderly, but she was still Charles's mother, and I dare not imagine the pain one can feel in losing a parent.

But now let's talk about the protagonist of the day: Charles! The new king had already been present at the coronation of his mother, at the age of 4, now more than 70 years ago. Do you remember that little boy with round cheeks who is a little scared and a little curious? Here, I don't, simply because I was born more than 40 years after the coronation of the eternal Elizabeth. I had to settle for photos and videos (thanks Philiph); and, on Saturday, there were 3 children like him who looked at their grandfather, just like he did with his mother.

But let's go in order: the rainy day in London began with the soldiers marching along the streets of the capital, after having tried every single movement for days (and nights), to ensure that everything went in the right direction. Here finally the doors of the imposing Westminster Abbey were opened to guests: just over 2200 people to attend the event of the year, but contrary to the previous coronation, King Charles wanted exponents who have left their mark on society and members of several charities he chairs.

The heads of state and the various international crowned heads also arrived from all over the world and took their seats waiting for the protagonist of the day to enter; but before him, here is his family, together with the family of Queen Camilla enter him. In the meantime, the sovereigns rode through the streets of the cities in carriages, waving to the crowds, followed by the Princes of Wales.

But here we arrive in front of the Westminster door to kick off the event. The Queen descends, the King descends, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, together with their little ones Charlotte and Louis (George was busy maintaining his grandfather's mantle.) A procession, to reach the altar, full of prominent persons , with the symbols of the King and Queen, together with pages and companions, priests and so on and so forth.

I don't want to sit here and bore you with every single step, but I'll tell you about the ones that struck me the most.

The first moment, only in chronological order, that most moved me was undoubtedly the moment of the Anointing with the sacred oil: I greatly appreciated that no one witnessed that moment, an Abbey with 2200, yet in that moment Charles was alone; and this moment somewhat reflects reality: he may also be surrounded by many collaborators, but in the end there is only room for him on the throne.

Let's move on to the sweetest moment of the whole ceremony: the Prince of Wales swearing allegiance to the king, his dad; both visibly moved, an incredibly intimate moment, which demonstrated how strong the understanding is between the King and his eldest son.

The coronation and enthronement: two central moments in which the archbishop finally placed the crown of Saint Edward on the head of the new king, and then, when he was finally seated on the throne of great kings. 

Here, in my opinion, these two moments for Charles III meant a lot: he worked a lot to get to this day, his image was destroyed and rebuilt, he lived 70 years as a supporting actor, loved and hated, his moment it's finally here. In a moment of uncertainty like this post pandemic, Carlo has given his nation the splendor that has always distinguished them.

Once again London has demonstrated that it is a large multi-ethnic capital capable of preserving tradition but keeping up with the times, thanks also to its monarchy and its members.

P.S. In the next article you will find my comments on the looks of this #CoronationWeekend. And as the English say: God save the King (even if I miss the Queen so much).