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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Will Maule

King's 'cut-price' Coronation plans in light of cost of living crisis slammed

Plans for a 'slimmed down' Coronation have been met with some criticism from commentators who believe the occasion must be harnessed to showcase the best of the British monarchy.

King Charles III is said to be advocating for a cut-down ceremony to set the tone for a modern monarchy that is in tune with the public's current financial challenges.

The occasion's guest list has reportedly been slashed from 8,000 to 2,000 and much of the pomp and ceremony has been scrapped.

However, commentators warn that the plans could send the wrong message to the world and scupper an opportunity to endear the royals to the rest of the world.

Queen Elizabeth II took part in a four-mile Coronation procession through London during her 1953 Coronation (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Historian Andrew Roberts told the Daily Mail that the Coronation should serve as a celebration following a winter marked by the cost of living crisis and the conflict in Ukraine.

"Coronations come once in a generation," he said. "If this is seen as a cut-price Coronation it will backfire. This is a chance to represent the people and the nation on a global stage. It would be very sad if that was wasted."

The Duke of Norfolk - who played a key role in planning the Queen's funeral - has been tasked with arranging a slimmed-down Coronation on the King's orders.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Mather, who started the ball rolling on the King's coronation plans, said that the dress code would also be less formal. "No Coronation robes. Give them to a museum where they belong," he said. "It's not going to be a tweed jacket and pair of jeans – but morning suit or lounge suit."

Insiders say that King Charles is trying to set the tone for a modernised monarchy (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Roberts lamented the cost-cutting approach, saying "Britain can only exert its soft power effectively if occasions like this are done well".

"A great pageant like a coronation is a chance to draw the attention of the world to Britain," he added.

"It could advertise Britain wonderfully."

Plans for the occasion - set to take place next year - will differ from Queen Elizabeth II's three-hour Coronation service in 1953, which was televised for the very first time and watched by millions.

Following the service, the Queen took part in a four-mile Coronation procession through London designed so that she could be seen by as many people as possible. A total of 8,251 guests attended her Coronation service at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen travelled in the Gold State Coach during her Coronation (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

One small but important detail which will be scrapped from King Charles III's procession due to the current economic climate is the traditional presentation of gold to the monarch. Velvet chairs will also be replaced with regular seating.

However, despite wanting a change in tone from the expected pomp and ceremony, the 1762 Gold State Coach - refurbished at great cost for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - is due to be part of the Coronation procession.

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