On 6th May, for the first time since 1953, people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth came together for the Coronation of Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking that the Carolean age was truly underway.
Around Parliament Square, the flag poles had been raised, flags fluttered, and the turf had been replaced, and notwithstanding the Coronation rain, the atmosphere was one of excitement. .
Part of my role in Parliament is as Vice-Chamberlain, part of the Royal Household, providing a link to the King from the House of Commons; two other senior whips hold the roles of Treasurer and Comptroller. This means we had duties in both the late Queens funeral and the Coronation. It was an honour to be part of such a momentous occasion on behalf of my Bury St Edmunds constituency and Parliament more broadly. .
Looking back on the Household in 1953, the three men wore pantaloons, silk stockings and a collar. Thankfully, times have moved on and a dress from Martha V in Newmarket and a hat rented from the wonderful Zoe at 'The Hat Club' sorted the day. A big thank you to all those who helped the Comptroller and I walk tall! .
At 10.53, we were bought to attention in the West Cloister, ready for our part in the procession. The Heralds, a wonderful bunch of historians dressed, they told me, out of the ancient dressing up box of uniforms from every reign, for State Occasions were ahead of us. The standard bearers came next, and then the Household. As organ music resonated around the Abbey, we processed. The royal blue carpet laid for the day between the choir stalls felt soft underfoot, the thrones resplendent in red silk were in front of us, the silk from Suffolk as was the Queen's beautiful gown. We turned left to our seats, and the ceremony and its rich history unfolded before us. .
The various items of regalia were presented to His Majesty, and the gravity of the dedication to a life of service and following in his mother's incredible footsteps hung heavy in the air. .
A plethora of people moved forward among them, a young Petty Officer Amy Taylor, who carried the Sword of Offering; Baroness Floella Benjamin, formerly of Play School fame, who carried the Sceptre with the Dove; Lord Patel presented the ring and my colleague and Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt held the Sword of State aloft. .
Along with the solemnity, there was, of course, a celebration of all that was good in our diverse society, with many individuals representing charities. The 'Big Help Out' initiative also bought communities together not only on the weekend but will hopefully continue to do so going forward. It is a drive to bring people together to help deliver that greater impact when we work as a collective force for others. .
Finally, a big thank you to my Coronation Card Competition winner, Zara. Whose design I used when I wrote to the King and Queen to wish them well and to invite them to our beautiful bit of Suffolk; whilst I know not everyone supports the institution, I am sure we would be as one in wishing them well.
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