From our correspondent
london – uA multiracial and multifaith coronation, reflecting contemporary Britain: next Saturday’s ceremony in Westminster Abbey will see a series of historic ‘firsts’, which will mark the distance between accession to the throne Charles III and his mother, Elizabeth, 70 years ago. Women, and black women in particular, will play a major role: in fact, they will Baroness Fluella Benjaminwho sits in the House of Lords, to hand over the new king The scepter is surmounted by the dove, one of the symbols of royal power. while another black woman, Mrs. Elizabeth Anyono, a former nurse, throws the orb that represents power on earth; So is Baroness Valerie Amos – the first black woman to be so honored Order of the Garter, Knight’s highest honor – will join the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Act of Confession, when the King is presented to the Congregation.
Comparison with Elizabeth’s mother
It is a radical departure from Elizabeth’s coronation, when all ceremony functions were performed by white males, mostly members of the aristocracy. As Baroness Benjamin said, her involvement sends «clear message This diversity and inclusion is “adopted” by the new king. A Buckingham Palace spokesman added that “those who will take on the historic roles have been chosen to acknowledge, acknowledge and represent the nation.”
First time in history
Likewise, representatives of Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and the Sikh religion will take part in the “Procession of Faith” and, in turn, will hand over the royal accessories to Carlo: Lord Kamal Muslim He who sits in the House of Lords shall bring the king a pair of bracelets; Lord Patel, Hinduwill hand over the ruler’s ring; Baroness Miron, Jewish, will wear the imperial mantle; Finally Lord Singh, Sikh born in IndiaWill hands the coronation gauntlet.
It is the first time in history that non-Christian preachers are an integral part of a ceremony rooted in the liturgy of the Anglican Church., of which the British King is still the head: it is certainly the most controversial innovation, so much so that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Anglican superior, has had to deny that there are tensions between the leaders of the Church and the King as to the involvement of other religions. On the other hand, several years ago Charles caused quite a stir by declaring that once on the throne he would prefer to be considered a “defender of the faith,” rather than the more specific title “defender of the faith.” Faith », which has been led by British monarchs since the time of Henry VIII.
The Mass is also in Gaelic
Another innovation concerned the language, hitherto exclusively English: part of the liturgy would be in Gaelic, to identify Scots, Welsh and Irish. and at last the whole nation would be invited, by televised, to swear allegiance to the new king: an act hitherto reserved for aristocrats, but which would seal on the Sabbath what is meant to be the “coronation” of the people.
“Infuriatingly humble social media ninja. Devoted travel junkie. Student. Avid internet lover.”
