The upcoming coronation ceremony of King Charles III and the Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday has stirred up controversy among many Britons, including British Indians who expressed mixed views. During the ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury will call on all Britons to swear allegiance to the King and his successors. However, some, like 23-year-old finance professional and businesswoman Mya Sharma, have expressed reservations about pledging allegiance to the monarchy’s line of succession, stating that they may or may not support the monarchy in the future.
On the other hand, supporters of the monarchy, such as lawyer Pranav Bhanot, feel that taking the pledge during the coronation ceremony is a sign of unity among Britons, especially during a time of political division. Bhanot also feels that the royal family needs to do more to appeal to the younger generation to stay relevant and attractive for years to come.
The coronation ceremony, expected to attract millions of viewers, is set to cost £100 million and will involve a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, a ceremonial flypast, and Big Coronation Lunches on Sunday. The first British prime minister of Indian origin, Rishi Sunak, will read from a biblical book at the ceremony, and he and his wife, Akshata Murty, will lead a procession of flag-bearers.
Despite the controversy surrounding the pledge of allegiance, the coronation ceremony is expected to bring together Britons from all walks of life, with the ‘Big Help Out’ initiative encouraging thousands to volunteer in their communities to help society.
Queen Elizabeth II, Charles III’s mother, was the last monarch to witness a grand coronation ceremony 70 years ago, and her death last year at 96 marked the end of an era. As Charles III prepares to ascend the throne, it remains to be seen how the monarchy will evolve to appeal to younger generations and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
