Coronation Day

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

 Yep, I got up early and watched the coronation of King Charles III.

I love the history, the pomp, and the sub-plots. 

All morning the sub-plot was, would Harry be on the balcony? The answer, it turns out, is no!

But the history and the connection to history. For instance, William the Conqueror was the first monarch coronated at Westminster Abby on Christmas Day 1066!

The one British historian I listened to incorrectly equated the coronation with our inauguration. I do not agree, principally because Charles is already King and the coronation is the formalization of what exists. Conversely, at the inauguration, power does not pass from one president to the next until the oath of office is recited. The inauguration marks the actual change of administrations. Presidents who assume the role because of death of the sitting president do not get an inauguration, they recite the oath and are, at that moment, president. There is not coronation-like event.

Unlike Americans, the British as very connected to their history and traditions--is a good way. It provides them a sense of endurance and grounding. We too often flap in the wind without direction, until it a world crisis reunites us with purpose. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL