Who's Excited For The Coronation Of King Charles?
FiveThirtyEightDec 24, 2022
The Facts
Britain's King Charles III and his consort, Queen Camilla, were coronated on Saturday in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, where royal fans crowded all the viewing areas along the 1.3-mile procession route.
Officially described as a solemn religious service, the Coronation lasted for around two hours after starting at 11 a.m. local time, with the King and Queen Consort returning to Buckingham Palace shortly after.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Let alone its constitutional and religious significance as an indispensable part of the installation of the new head of state, the coronation also matters because it offers a unique opportunity for Britons to celebrate their cultural inheritance and patriotism. Fully-fledged state events like this one highlight all the jewels of the British arts to the world's admiration and display the nation's pride.
Establishment-critical narrative
Instead of this costly, medieval parade to put a hat on the head of Charles, Britain should have an election to let the people democratically choose the head of state. This ceremony is a reminder that there is no such thing as a modern monarchy, as the royals will keep recklessly spending taxpayer money while enjoying all sorts of exemptions and privileges.
