The great old British weather might not have been on side, but it didn’t appear to dampen our spirits this weekend as we celebrated the coronation.
Watching the pageantry left me in no doubt that the coronation of His Majesty the King marks the start of a new chapter in British history. Opinions may vary, but I enjoyed every moment, especially as King Charles III is an honorary member of ICAEW for his work on accounting for sustainability.
Coronations have been held at Westminster Abbey for more than 900 years. Indeed, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 was considered groundbreaking at the time as it was the first to be televised. As a joyous celebration in the aftermath of World War II, the coronation lifted Britain’s post-war gloom and marked the emergence from wartime austerity.
Fast-forward just one month short of 70 years to the coronation of Charles III and this weekend was a momentous British royal ceremony watched by millions throughout the world. Will it also prove to mark another important moment in time, symbolising the start of the end of the last few difficult years?
Certainly the multicultural and diverse nature of the coronation ceremony brought family, friends and communities together at a time when so many are struggling post-Covid with the cost-of-living crisis and the effects of the war in Ukraine. I know our members at ICAEW will agree it would be good to think that this might be soon behind us.
We are told that King Charles wanted a particular focus on youth, community, diversity and sustainability as a reflection of a modern monarchy. Baroness Floella Benjamin’s role carrying the sceptre with the dove through Westminster Abbey sent a clear message about diversity, and the range of music celebrated many of today’s best artists, including a marvellous performance in Welsh by our very own Sir Bryn Terfel.
It was good to see an element of continuity from his time as the Prince of Wales. A modest 2,000 made the guest list compared to the 8,000 who attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, with King Charles III making it clear that times are changing.
Just like the images of the Prince and Princess of Wales abseiling in Bannau Brycheiniog and delivering pizzas to rescue volunteers at the end of last month, this coronation indicates how the Royal Family are continuing to evolve with a different style of leadership that is more reflective of our changing society.
Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable icon of female leadership but King Charles III (and Prince William) know that the monarchy’s real power is only as strong as the trust and belief of the people. Change is happening and the monarchy certainly looks and feels very different than it did when the late Queen began her reign in 1952.
While rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, this coronation has given us an opportunity to look to the future and move forward with respect for all as we continue to champion diversity and inclusivity. They are the basic building blocks of a fair and inclusive nation that promotes and protects the rights of all.
Whatever our background or our place in society, the rapid pace of social change and economic transformation means we all have a responsibility to be bold and transparent in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. I very much hope our newly crowned King continues to lead the way for the Royal Family and society at large.
- Robert Lloyd Griffiths is director in Wales of the ICAEW.
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