After the Coronation

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Today I made two changes to my routine from Coronation day. One was that I didn’t watch the Coronation on TV, though I did eat cake and sleep. The other was that I wrote before having breakfast (croissants with bacon and cheese) so I have at least three pieces started. Yesterdays good intentions sort of faded during the day and by this morning were floating like ancient banners in a chapel, a few threads and dust held together with memories and good intentions.

I suppose breakfast at the Palace was fairly laid back – no tantrums from Harry, no major protests, no terrorism. It can’t be much fun being Royal at time like this, when such things have to be taken into consideration.  It must have been more laid back in 1953. At that point there had been no major protest since 1848 and no terrorist plot since 1887. I say “terrorist”, but there’s evidence to suggest it was actually the British Government who really planned it, though the earlier attacks had undoubtedly been by the Fenians.

The news today was a mixture of gleanings from lip-readers and gripes from a variety of sources. It’s the general sort of news you get these days after public events. Even if I read it, most of it doesn’t stick. I did note that many Americans were anti-Royal in the results of a poll that was conducted, and that France’s opinion was divided – the left wing disliking monarchy and the right-wing liking it.  After the events 1776 in America and 1789 in France I can’t say that either result is a surprise. I’m just amazed that 250 years later anybody has a view. It’s often said that the British live in the past, but I’ve never been asked to give my opinion in a  poll like this. I tend not to have opinions on things that don’t affect me. And even if they do affect me I try to avoid putting too much energy into having opinions that aren’t going to change anything.

I’ve just watched a little of the Coronation Concert, and am going back to watch a bit more. The effects are good, the artists are generally lacklustre and so far only Lionel Richie and Miss Piggy have shown much star quality.

The top picture is Edward VIII as Prince of Wales. When considering today’s Royal Family it’s hard to ignore Edward VIII who seems, in a variety of ways, to have been an evil role model for many of today’s family.

 

12 thoughts on “After the Coronation”

  1. jodierichelle

    The links were fascinating, Simon. It’s interesting the the reforms the Chartists were demanding almost all came about – it just took about 20 – 40 years.

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  2. tootlepedal

    It the pedantic things that get to me like presenters saying, the coronation has remained unchanged for a thousand years. The fact that they feel to need to gild the lily in this untruthful sort of way indicates a fatal lack of confidence in the ceremony in its own right.

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    1. quercuscommunity Post author

      Yes, so many of the old traditions have passed – scrofula, typhoid and bubonic plague for instance. I, for one, don’t miss them. I haven’t looked it up but I’m fairly sure things were added all the time, which is why it takes so long. 🙂

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  4. derrickjknight

    “And even if they do affect me I try to avoid putting too much energy into having opinions that aren’t going to change anything.” – Wise words, Quercus

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  5. Clare Pooley

    Thank you for the links, Simon. I had forgotten about all the bombs and bomb-scares that had taken place at that time. The list reminded me of growing up near London with the constant threat of bombs and having to look out for suspicious packages all the time. It didn’t stop me from doing anything I wanted to do. Young people are generally fearless.

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