I watched The Coronation

I've recorded it but haven't had a chance to watch, except a few videos on Facebook. There's a cool post on the RS Europe Facebook page of someone being at the right place at the right time to see a Royal Coach being taken to the Palace. https://www.facebook.com/groups/RickStevesEurope/permalink/1242031423179145/?mibextid=Nif5oz

4 cups of coffee and watching to see what faces Prince Louis would make kept me awake. I loved every second of the ceremony.

I loved watching it! One of my best memories was getting my first World Book encyclopedia as a child and seeing a picture of a very young them Prince Charles at maybe 12 years old! I was hooked- fascinated with British culture/ history. It’s so complicated, and incredibly interesting.

The Wales family just melt my heart- those kids are just so precious! As a former k-5 elementary teacher I just get so tickled watching the mannerisms of all three- the big brother George who wants to be so dutiful, Charlotte, who at 8 is like a poised 30 year old woman, and then Louis- oh my goodness Louis! I’ve had children who acted just like him in class and they just made life and teaching so much fun, sometimes challenging but fun! They bring a smile to my face every time I see them.

I wish all of them well. Cheers to the British people for a wonderful day in their country’s history!

Oh heck, am here in Cornwall now, missed it. But had a wonderful recently rare sunny day, walking the sandbars and dunes across from Padstow, with a bit of time in Port Isaac. Rather crowded out during the day, not many glued to the TV.

Got up at 4am and watched. My family thinks I'm nuts but I wanted to see this historic event as it was happening. It was wonderful to watch.

Watched it here in Chicago. Early May is my favourite time to visit the U.K., so this felt just like being there. I also watched on Sky News app, so got the whole U.K. experience

I have debated about whether to post this but I do feel that it’s right to present some balance about the image that might be being presented about the UK.
Whilst the pictures you will see on your television will show thousands of people present at the coronation in central London, the vast majority of the UK population were not there and great swathes will not have watched it or cared. That’s not to suggest that there were not lots also watching on TV. But recent opinion polls have suggested that around two thirds of the population had no interest in the ceremony. That doesn’t mean that they are republicans - whilst there are some republicans here they are a relatively small number. But many have no interest in the ceremonial aspects whilst being relaxed about living with a King. I’m probably in that category. I have no interest in the domestic details of this family, what they’re wearing, what their children are up etc. But what I don’t want is to move to an elected head of state - I know the type of person we would end up with. God knows we have made a pretty poor job of choosing our prime ministers in recent years.
For some context I am one of the few who have met several members of the Royal Family including the late Queen and been inside Buckingham Palace to do so. I have no personal animosity towards them (well maybe one or two) and equally one or two am quite impressed with.
My wife and I have been down to see our son, daughter-in-law and new granddaughter for a few days but came home this morning 240 miles north, as it happens exactly when the coronation was on. Not deliberate, just how things worked out. We crossed London to get to Euston and saw no evidence of what was happening across town, apart from a few people heading from the station to the tube with small Union Jack flags. Just a normal day with thousands of people going out their normal business.
My point is not to criticise anyone who has an interest in the Royal Family and wants to come to London to soak up some of that atmosphere. It’s more to make sure that others realise that’s not all that we’re about. You can come here and not do anything royal at all if you want and still have a great time.
I am however absolutely furious that a small number of people who wanted to express a different opinion about the coronation have been arrested and harassed by the police today. I suspect that hasn’t been on the overseas TV coverage.

Rainy day in the Cotswolds where we are this week, so took the opportunity to watch some of the 10 am to 1 pm pageantry. Most of the Brits at our lodging headed out for walks instead. (We walked later, rain and mud be damned!) it was a spectacle and nothing like I have ever seen, I was but a few months old when Elizabeth R was crowned.

I missed it because I left in the early morning rain (in memory of Gordon Lightfoot) for a herding trial, at which my dog qualified. I watched a bit of it on YouTube when I got home.

IMHO, C&C looked like a couple of gits at their grand-daughter's princess birthday party.

Started watching coverage at midnight PST.

Throughly enjoyed the pageantry. Historic moment.

Nobody does pomp and circumstance better than the British.

Napped after coverage ended. Ate breakfast.

Now awaiting my Warriors beating the Lakers.

Beat LA! Beat LA!

Go Dubs!

I've been a student of history (and English history in particular) for most of my life, and that is why I so enjoy witnessing historic moments like the coronation of King Charles III. But that doesn't necessarily make me pro-royalty. I have nothing against the royal family, but being an American, I tend to feel that people should choose their own leaders. I understand why some people in the UK don't think there should be a royal family supported by their taxes. That said, I love England and it's history, and couldn't miss out on watching.

Currently in London on a trip planned several months ago. Which turned out to have us here in town today. So off we went in the drizzle this AM to Hyde Park. We had a delightful time in the midst of the happy crowd, stayed through the procession leaving. Crowd was amazing. To us, it was not a matter of being royalty fans, etc. This to us was how you can you miss a chance to be there live in .the middle of such an historic event. On a coincidental note, I was also in London during the Queen’s funeral on a trip that had been booked in March 2022, so I saw both ends of this , as it were.

And also twice today was asked where we were from and got to respond “From Philadelphia (pause two beats), you know, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.” Got good laughs.

I watched some of it live and watched what I missed live later on my DVR. This: “ Nobody does pomp and circumstance better than the British.” So true, Claudia. ANd then there’s all that history behind the day. I enjoyed it all. Maybe because we in the US don’t really have any national celebrations/ceremonies quite like this, it was more impressive to me. I was a child when his mother was crowned queen and I really, really wanted to be a princess (or better yet Queen), too. Black and white, very old time tv but still……..

I’ve just watched a couple of hours of the highlights.
As always, I was very impressed with all the military and service groups, the horses and riders, the bands.
What a lot of work and organization….well done all of them.👍

(C and C leaving Buckingham Palace did rather put me in mind of two elderly babies in Victorian christening gowns, out for a run in their big golden pram……🤭 )

Prince Louis did not disappoint!

I’m sorry it was rainy, but glad it all went off without a hitch.

@johnew52, thanks for sharing your perspective. It reminds me of my experience when the queen died last fall. I had a trip to England scheduled in that time, and we were in the country from the 9th until the 24th (basically the entire mourning period). The BBC coverage we would watch in the morning each day certainly gave the perspective that the entire country was in a constant state of mourning. But...life goes on. With the exception of signs we saw in numerous shop windows around the country, we experienced little disruption. Locals we spoke to certainly acknowledged that the queen's death was sad, but she was also 96 years old and it wasn't like the entire country was walking around crying all the time. I imagine the coronation was similar in that there would be many people who wanted to experience it as up close as possible, but a good many also just were content to go about their daily business, whether they love, hate, or feel indifferent towards the monarchy.

I personally enjoyed watching the coverage, but only the BBC coverage (aired on PBS here in the States). Some of the American newscasters felt the need to "commentate" through much of the ceremony, which got old real fast, so I switched over :-D

boston,

"I am surprised that more members have not yet posted about watching the Coronation or better yet being there"

There's a thread in the General Europe section regarding the coronation. It seems that a number of the forum members watched it, including me.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/ot-the-coronation

I'd like to add that I was particularly impressed with my MP, Penny Mordaunt, who performed her role as Lord President of the Council rather well. Standing still whilst holding that heavy looking sword for so long did not look easy.

Glad for all the viewpoints. I appreciate and respect all of them.

There was some discussion about the controversies on the monarchy and even lack of enthusiasm among many Brits regarding the events.

I love Pomp and Circumstance.

Later I watched The Kentucky Derby, a different kind of royalty, but not without its controversies.

I am surprised that more members have not yet posted about watching the Coronation or better yet being there

It has nothing to do about travel and most aren't interested.

I woke up at 3:30 to watch it. I love seeing all the pomp and circumstance, and wanted to see this event connected to so much history. Starting watching at 3:30 sure did make for a long day!

The Brits must not have any debate limit problems in order to fund such an event. Pomp costs money.

The Brits must not have any debate limit problems in order to fund such an event. Pomp costs money.

It worked out around £2 per person. I probably have more down the back of my sofa.

It has nothing to do about travel and most aren't interested.

facts to back that up?

do you really mean "I'm not interested?" If so why did you read the thread?

impressed with my MP, Penny Mordaunt, who performed her role as Lord President of the Council rather well. Standing still whilst holding that heavy looking sword for so long did not look easy.

absolutely agreed. I was surprised given her battles for PM a few short months ago, but she did yesterday really really well. Not like she is a professional soldier or weight lifter. I couldn't have held it that long, let alone held it still.

Well done to her.

It worked out around £2 per person. I probably have more down the back of my sofa.

is that net of additional boost to the economy from local parties and binges, as well as the value of the advertising and consequent additional tourism?

I bet that, all in, it is a wash or net income....

@Artifical Intelligence, It was history being made.

Countless travelers visit the UK because of their interest in the Royal family. So it DOES/did have something to do with Travel.

Not your cup of tea ( so to speak)? Fine.

But as Nigel pointed out why did you bother reading the thread.

I recorded it. There was no way I was getting up at 2am to watch it all live.

I watched it starting at 6:00 am Eastern time, which worked out pretty well.

I loved seeing Westminster Abbey decked out in all its glory. The music was beautiful. I love the history of it all; the throne, the stone, the seemingly endless stream of regalia. I know it has all evolved over the years, but it is so amazing to me to think of the thousand-plus-year chain of monarchs who have followed similar steps.

And the parade…. What a fantastic show! As a horse person, I am so amazed that there can be hundreds of these animals in a forced march in front of screaming crowds, bands, bagpipes, and flags, and not a single meltdown. Amazing!

And Princess Anne, up there and riding in the parade — you go, girl! (is that rude to say?? As an accomplished equestrian, she was one of my childhood heroes).

Loved watching!

I woke up early and watched the last part and the parade, then watched the first, more consequential part, on rerun in the (Pacific time) afternoon. My wife made fun of me, but I studied English history, particularly the Stuart period, and grew up in the Episcopal Church, so a lot of the history and liturgy were meaningful to me. I've been to the Tower twice but never bothered to see the Crown Jewels, now I got to see (some of) them in their intended use. Tradition sometimes seems silly but sometimes it brings us together in ways we may not fully understand.

Someone above mentioned how Americans prefer to "choose our leaders," and of course so do British and other people, through parliamentary and other kinds of elections. The UK is a democracy, imperfect like ours, but it also has a person whose job is to symbolize the nation, helping to unify its people. America doesn't need a king, but we could use a unifying symbol. Presidents used to have some of that function, but seemingly no longer, and it's our loss.

Any chance of a CD with the Coronation music? It was magnificent. A golden opportunity for Britain to cash in (some more) on its photogenic royalty (at least their costumes). ;-)

Here you go, Dick. https://coronation.decca.com/products/the-coronation-of-their-majesties-king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla-the-official-album-various-artists

It was on every television channel here in Australia as he is technically our king too. General sentiment in my part of Australia is against the Royal family as an unnecessary aspect of our democracy.

Tradition sometimes seems silly but sometimes it brings us together in
ways we may not fully understand.

Someone above mentioned how Americans prefer to "choose our leaders,"
and of course so do British and other people, through parliamentary
and other kinds of elections. The UK is a democracy, imperfect like
ours, but it also has a person whose job is to symbolize the nation,
helping to unify its people. America doesn't need a king, but we could
use a unifying symbol. Presidents used to have some of that function,
but seemingly no longer, and it's our loss.

Not even 7am yet and I've already found my favourite comment of the day on this Forum. I don't consider myself a monarchist or an anti-monarchist, but I am proud of our traditions and "on that includes the monarchy. Official documents in Canada such as our passport still state things like "on behalf of the Queen, " due for an update of course. I was happy yesterday when it was announced that Canadian coins and the 20 dollar bill would eventually have the King's image on them.

And Princess Anne, up there and riding in the parade...

Her comment about the role as "Gold-Stick-in-Waiting" solving her dress problem was a howl. Loved it!
Little 4th-in-line is a stitch as well.

I got up at 4:00 am to watch the Coronation. It was amazing! I just wished I had booked tickets to go. I thought about it back in April but a new Grandchild at the end of March kept me state-side. I was at the Jubilee and the Queen's Funeral last year. I stood in line for 11 hours to see the Queen Lying in State. There is nothing like being in London for these big occasions. I guess for me, being an ex-pat, I have come to appreciate the Royals much more than I did before I left Britain. It may be partly because I miss things from home, but I appreciate all that the Working Royals do for our country.

Margaret

Love em or hate em, I get it, but they Royals are important for our political stability, and certainly for UK tourism. Their costs are a pittance when these things are considered - and now there is one less to worry about! That red haired guy did everyone a favour!

My husband and I were in Edinburgh and London with our (then) 5-year-old in December 2022 and so we got to see the Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels and Coronation Regalia. We also had great discussions with both Scottish soldiers and Beefeaters about all the planning that was going into the logistics of transporting a 300-lb stone from Edinburgh to Westminster and of keeping millions of dollars of historic jewels secured. I found the whole thing absolutely fascinating.

We tuned into the Coronation live, and I'm not sure if my son will remember that when he's older, but we'll be able to tell him that not only did he see the Stone and Jewels on display, he also saw them crown a King.

I was up early and watched the Coronation as I prepared tea sandwiches and scones for my daughter's bridal shower, including Coronation chicken sandwiches. I also enjoyed reminiscing about my mother telling me how she, at 23, was a part of the crowd for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. The pageantry of ceremonies like this, along with all of the history and beautiful buildings is what draws so many tourists to Britain. As previously noted, probably a net return for the country. And yes, there was plenty of coverage in the USA regarding the arrest of the protesters, it just wasn't the main focus for the coverage that day.

happytraveler

I hope the bridal shower went well. Coronation Chicken Sandwiches sounds oh so good and oh so right

To all

it feels good to have a celebration around a joyous event instead of a Celebration of Life which might also be seen as a joyous event but of a different kind

Sometimes we need upbeat and uplifting. That is what The Coronation was to me and for me.

I recorded all 6 hours of the coronation coverage and thought our national network did an outstanding job. So much so that I regret not being there to experience it in the streets and leading up to it. We were in England in September during the funeral and I thought that was a unique experience. Not to rush KCIII, but if I'm still young enough to be able to go and stand in crowds, I think I'd go for William's coronation.

I am surprised that more members have not yet posted about watching the Coronation or better yet being there

There's a thread in the General Europe section regarding the coronation

The proceedings certainly were magnificent. We recorded them on TV and watched the program again.

That other thread had many comments from many people (mostly positive), but it was subsequently removed from this Forum - probably due to some posts that were nasty.