The United Kingdom is one of the last countries in the world to host lavish coronation ceremonies. Europe’s new kings and queens keep these events low-key, whereas the British monarchy continues to be marked by splendour and mass popular appeal. This time last year, there were 3,874 applications for road closures to mark street parties to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. A coronation is, of course, far more historic. Yet with just three weeks to go, there have only been 274 street party registrations.
In many ways, the disparity is understandable. Elizabeth II had built up huge personal affection over a lifetime’s service. There was also a strong unspoken sense that the Jubilee was our opportunity to bid her a fond farewell – and so it proved, with her balcony appearance on the last day of the celebrations turning out to be her final public appearance. In contrast, the public has not yet had a chance to get to know Charles III as monarch.
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