There are some occasions which even in advance you know you will never forget. Last Saturday was one such. It was an enormous privilege to join the congregation in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation.
Prior to the arrival of Their Majesties there was some extraordinarily beautiful music, much of it composed for the day. The amazing soloist, Pretty Yende, singing from the organ loft was heard in wonder throughout the vast Abbey Church.
An emotional moment was the arrival of the Premiers from the Realms preceded by their national flags: from islands of the Caribbean and Pacific, from Canada, Australia, New Zealand: fully and proudly independent countries linked to us through the person of the monarch but much else besides.
The anticipation grew until the moment arrived “I was glad, Glad when they said unto me…” the King and Queen progressed through the Abbey.
The Coronation was a service of dedication and commitment. At its core is an ancient ceremony. Sitting alongside the choir I will never forget the overwhelming moment of them singing “Zadok the Priest” as the King is anointed. Looking directly down upon us, in stained glass, was King David who reigned around 1000BC, the King who had summoned Zadok, this is a ceremony deep in our psyche.
Gifts were presented by representatives of different communities which renewed the meaning of this ancient rite and the power of the values for which they serve as a reminder.
The extraordinary moment of the Crowning itself and soon it was over – nearly five hours in the Abbey and most would have loved it to go on for hours more!
It was an extraordinary moment and such a privilege to be there: living history and a reminder of the tradition of our country – evolving the ancient ceremonies of our unwritten constitution to reflect the needs of our times while retaining their underlying values. It works. It also works because of the nature of individuals. The King is a man deeply committed to the principle of service and community: this was a Coronation for us all but which absolutely had at its heart his personal and very deep commitment.