King Charles’ Coronation ceremony sees key roles given to diversity trailblazers
Important ceremonial roles at the coronation will be played by a wide range of people from public life, including an actor from the Queen Consort’s favorite radio show and former TV presenter and racial equality campaigner Floella Benjamin.
All major faith groups in the UK will be represented, alongside representatives from each realm, members of the armed forces and descendants of the country’s most ancient families.
The ancient duties, steeped in history and ceremony, are said to have been “reinterpreted” for modern times.
Among other things, they carry the king and queen’s regalia during the procession, such as the ‘Jeweled Sword of Offering’, which will be carried for the first time by a female naval officer.
Buckingham Palace announced the full list of those elected, saying: “Those who fill these historic roles in the service have been chosen to recognize, thank and represent the nation for their important service.”
All major faith groups in the UK will be represented, alongside representatives from each realm, members of the armed forces and descendants of the country’s most ancient families (pictured: King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at a ceremony to present new standards and colors to the Royal Navy, the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The King’s Company of the Grenadier Guards and The King’s Color Squadron of the Royal Air Force today)
The ancient duties, steeped in history and ceremony, are said to have been “reinterpreted” for modern times
Among other things, they will carry the regalia of the King and Queen during the procession, such as the ‘Jeweled Sword of Offering’, which will be carried for the first time by a female Navy NCO
The first processions to Westminster Abbey will feature leaders of the faith, followed by dignitaries from His Majesty’s realm.
Flags of each realm will be carried by national representatives, accompanied by the governors-general and prime ministers of those countries.
Carrying the British flag for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata will be Cadet Warrant Officer Elliott Tyson-Lee, 19, of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, who yesterday described it as a ‘great and incredible honour’.
The King and Queen’s procession will be led by members of the aristocracy, including the Marquess of Anglesey and the Duke of Westminster – newly engaged Hugh Grosvenor, 32.
Baroness Floella Benjamin, the former children’s TV presenter, and now an author and peer, who chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee, will hold the scepter of Charles, traditionally known as the Rod Of Equity And Mercy, representing his spiritual role .
She said: “I am honored and privileged to be a part of the historic coronation ceremony.
“Being selected to carry the Sovereign Scepter with Dove, which stands for spirituality, equality and mercy, is very symbolic to me as it is all I stand for and it sends a clear message that diversity and inclusion are embraced.”
Francis Dymoke, whose family has held the title of king or queen champion since medieval times and has been present at every coronation since 1066, will carry the royal standard.
Fortunately, champions no longer have to ride horseback into the coronation banquet and challenge anyone who questions the King or Queen’s right to the throne.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defense Staff, will also join the procession, acting as Lord High Constable of England, a position held for that day only. The Earl of Erroll will act as Lord High Constable of Scotland.
The first processions to Westminster Abbey will feature leaders of the faith, followed by dignitaries from His Majesty’s realm. Flags of each realm will be carried by national representatives, accompanied by the governors-general and prime ministers of those countries
Baroness Floella Benjamin (pictured), the former children’s TV presenter, and now an author and peer, who chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee, will carry the scepter of Charles, traditionally known as the Rod Of Equity And Mercy, which will be his spiritual role
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (left), Chief of the Defense Staff, will also join the procession, acting as Lord High Constable of England, an office held for the day only
The King and Queen’s procession will be led by members of the aristocracy, including the Marquess of Anglesey and the Duke of Westminster – newly engaged Hugh Grosvenor (pictured), 32
His Majesty’s regalia will be worn by notables including General Sir Gordon Messenger (pictured), Constable of the Tower of London
Baroness Valerie Amos (pictured) is the first black female cabinet minister
Queen Camilla’s regalia will be carried down the aisle by a group including eminent human rights lawyer Baroness Kennedy, holding the Queen Consort’s Rod, and the Duke of Wellington, holding the Queen Mary’s Crown.
His Majesty’s regalia will be worn by notables including General Sir Gordon Messenger, Constable of the Tower of London.
As Lord High Steward of England, another title held only for the day, he will be the most senior officer of state for the coronation and will wear the St. Edward’s Crown, which will be used to crown the king.
Old duties reinterpreted
Baroness Benjamin, pictured, who was made a member of the Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II before she died, will hold the scepter with Dove and said her inclusion brought a “message of diversity.”
Petty Officer Amy Taylor will be the first woman to wear the Sword of Sacrifice, one of the historic crown jewels.
Lord Hastings, an actor who starred in Radio 4’s The Archers, and the Earl of Loudoun will each wear one of the monarch’s Spurs. Although The Archers is the Queen Consort’s favorite radio show, she had nothing to say about it.
Baroness Amos, the first black woman to serve as a cabinet minister, will participate in an important part of the service, the recognition of His Majesty.