Hello, I hope you are enjoying the coronation weekend. In church this week, the service was introduced by the composer Richard Stilgoe (because he ‘knows’ King Charles). He said how both Charles and his late mother, were genuinely funny. Apparently, at a tea party with Queen Elizabeth, she picked up the teapot and poured everyone’s tea, commenting, “You see, I not only reign, I also pour!” Mr. Stilgoe also observed that if we decided to change from a monarch to a president, no one would be better qualified than Charles to take the role.

We had a fun time on Saturday—Mum came for coffee and croissants, and we sat and watched people arriving for the ceremony while Husband made sarcastic comments. Our personal motivation was to get ideas for possible wedding outfits, as we have several weddings this year.

Orange seems to be a popular colour. There were a few big hats too—which in my view, is rather a selfish thing to wear to a ceremony where everyone will be vying for a view of the main event. I especially felt sorry for whoever was seated behind the soldier wearing the very tall helmet. Obviously he had no choice, given that it was his uniform, but can you imagine the person sitting behind him when he arrived? Not what you’d be hoping for.

Some of the words were very moving—that Charles promised to serve rather than seek to be served, and that he vowed to reign before God. The ceremony was full of pomp and tradition, and there were lots of symbols that I did not understand. Especially the single glove. The Coronation Gauntlet, which I think represents ‘holding power’ as it’s used to hold the sceptre. I imagine it would be very irritating to wear a single glove, though Michael Jackson seemed to manage.

But I have to be honest, some things I found irritating. Firstly, some of the people attending did not bow/curtsey as King Charles passed them on the way out. Now obviously, some people do not recognise the monarchy—and that’s their choice—but I assume they would not then be at the ceremony. So for those attending, learn some manners, and if the monarch passes you, even if you realise at that moment that you will be on telly in your new frock—have the good manners to dip your head in respect.

Then we have the ‘Not My King’ protestors. Honestly! Get over yourselves. You have every right to not agree with the monarchy, every right to lobby your politicians, and to try to change the law. But to spoil an event that millions will enjoy? No, you need to stay at home and read a book. I’m not sure myself, if given a vote, which way I would cast my ballot—but I do respect all the people who believe the monarchy are good for the country, who serve and respect the king and for whom the pageantry is important. Personally, I dislike most sports, and would certainly not be excited by a parade of the England football team. I slightly resent that my taxes pay for the police who are necessary to keep order at football matches. But I would not go with placards and inflammatory signs and try to disrupt the parade; I do not have that right. It is both rude and ignorant, and it makes me sad that we think that ‘free speech’ means we can be as rude as we want, to whoever we want, when anyone disagrees with us.

When I am monarch, I shall make good manners obligatory.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend (and do try to be polite). Thanks for reading.
Take care,
Love, Anne x

anneethompson.com
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