I’m am writing this from London, England. It’s quite something here right now.
(I’m here for a conference. My co-worker said, “Stop saying that you are in London FOR the coronation of the King. You are in London DURING the coronation of the King. That one word matters.”)
The coronation is just a few days away and the city is clearly getting ready.
Granted, it is not, I assume, like the pomp and circumstance associated with ceremonies during the reign of Charles’ mother, Elizabeth. Pictures of the not young at all King carry somewhat of an appropriate feel for a country and a monarchy that is, right now, not quite sure of itself. Today in Hyde Park, I cycled past what was clearly a location for temporary storage of some of the portable outhouses that will accommodate the expected crowds on Saturday. I thought to myself that it must really make you feel special to know that an event focused on you would require that many outhouses. I should have taken a photo. You wouldn’t have believed it. They were stored side by side and a few rows deep and stretched for quite a way. Lined up like soldiers ready for a mission.
They say that things are being scaled down from previous coronations. After all, what 74-year-old man wants to be the centre of attention? However, here is a photo of King Charles’ coronation coach.
“Crown him with many crowns. Transport him with crazy opulence.”
Below is an image of the closest thing to a coronation coach that Jesus had.
Less impressive, I suppose, but earthly kings are notoriously insecure and, as Rich Mullins once wrote, “The world can’t find what it thinks it wants on the back of an ass’s foal.”
Here in London, they’ve been publishing front page stories having to do with the coronation service. As someone who has been in church work for years, it is funny to see an order of service getting so much attention. Front page news. During the service, for the first time in over 100 years, there will be a sermon. Not to worry though, it won’t be long. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read from the Bible which, judging by the news, is notable, given that he is of Hindu faith. It’s encouraging to see such forward looking elements in the service. There are some parts that are inter-faith and women clergy even get to participate. See how far we’ve come? Some of the elements being described as non-traditional, however, are expressions of a faith associated with the empire. One article I read said that, in what should be “one of the most colourful” parts of the service, The Lord’s Prayer will be read aloud in several different languages simultaneously. Nice, I suppose, but still a somewhat funny and endearing example of what counts as moving past old ideas of empire.
King Charles himself will also break from tradition in that he will pray aloud during the service. You can look up the prayer already, if you like.
Did you know that there is a particular British accent created exclusively for the Royal Family? You know it when you hear it. Remember how Charles’ mom talked? That’s it. If you try to imitate it now, you’ll probably start laughing at yourself.
There has also been a significant amount of coverage about the oath, the pledge of allegiance, to the King. This is one of those things, that when you think about it, leads you to the question, “Is that still a thing?” If you don’t think about it, then it can just pass by, but are you really willing to pledge allegiance to this man? He could be quite wonderful, but allegiance? Archbishop Justin Welby has tried to quell some of the criticism or questions around this pledge. He has called it, rather than an oath or pledge, a '“homage of the people” and has said that it is entirely voluntary. Well, I should hope so. I am imagining what it would be like otherwise; squads of tattle-tales throughout the town enforcing fidelity and reporting non-pledgers.
There is news, too, about Prince Harry and the family strife. Of course there is. As a pastor, I have seen more than my share of family trauma. It’s just about everywhere. I can scarcely imagine the trauma in a family that has as its first name, “Royal.” That’s next level. Even the idea of adding that word to your family name instantly increases whatever trauma you might have experienced growing up. Prince Harry, the prodigal son, will have no official part, no speaking part. He has kinda returned, but they have not even kinda slaughtered the fattened calf. Papers here have been using the word “snubbed.” I don’t know if that is accurate. There are all kinds of practices at coronations. Did you have a speaking part at YOUR Dad was crowned?
Here are the words that Harry’s, apparently more loyal, brother, William, will recite as his pledge; "I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God."
Do you find that disturbing? Have you not pledged your loyalty to your father in such a way? Also, I don’t know what a “liege man” is, but in North American ears it sounds more Top Gun than Buckingham Palace.
That’s it then for Evangelically Departed dispatches from London for today. I intended to write about a British man who mistakenly ordered and received 60 pairs of reading glasses, but perhaps I’ll do that on Friday and maybe I will include a photo of all those outhouses lined up like loyal soldiers.
Have fun and do send the photo of the outhouses!!!!
I don't know what to make of it but I do believe it's been difficult for poor Charlie. Estranged family with American media chipping in via Harry and Megan. Poor Charlie… the rich little sap trying to please the old guard while satiating the new and young and the migrants and the loyalists and the royalists and the poor and emigrated... The UK is indeed colourful, skins notwithstanding. I'm not a royal loyal and I presently believe the commonwealth does need some ruling to avoid anarchy. But I have a niece who lives and works in London who cares not one wit, she is so far removed from all this pomp. She works from home and will resurface when all the trash and dead flowers are cleared. As for me here on the west coast of Canada, I will likely read the odd gossip column. Who wore what and did the royal family make all the appropriate gestures and curtsies? But I feel that as part of the commonwealth we have a lot of work to do here to sever some of that old pomp aka gov general and provincial governor generals. What a ton of expense that is so irrelevant. I hope to see change in my lifetime but at 68 I doubt it.
Enjoy some scones and clotted cream.