The Coronation

[taiwan_girl]

Ironically, May 4 is Coronation Day in Thailand (for the new king) and May 5 is Coronation Day for the old kin.

[bachophile]

It’s on here on a continuous 8 hour broadcast on three local channels not to mention CNN Amd BBC and Sky and whatever.

We r very proud that the holy anointing oil comes from Jerusalem as befitting royalty back from the days of King Solomon.

We Jews get our face in everything.

[Mik]

We did get up at 6 and are watching as we get ready it’s quite something.

[George K]

Just turned it on (good timing).

Charles looks like he's about to fall asleep.

[Mik]

He gets a lot of stuff. Swords, scepters, orbs, spurs, rings….

[George K]

@Mik said in The Coronation:

He gets a lot of stuff...orbs,...

[Larry mode]

"I love me my pie orbs!"

[/Larry mode]

[George K]

Charles will wear the St Edward Crown and the Imperial State Crown during the ceremony.

What is St Edward’s Crown?

St Edward’s Crown, or the imperial crown, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the British monarchy throughout the world. Without a doubt, it is the most important of the royal family. This singular piece of royal jewelry was created for the coronation of Charles II to replace the medieval crown cast in 1649, which is believed to have been made in the 11th century.

The crown weighs nearly 5 lbs (2.23kg) and is made of solid gold. It carries more than 400 gemstones, including six sapphires and 12 rubies, and is complete with a velvet cap and an ermine band.

Officially, the crown jewels are priceless, since they are not insured. However, if appraised, they would be estimated at almost $6 billion.

King Charles’ crown

According to sources, the value of this crown is thought to be nearly £45 million ($57 million). With nearly two kilograms of gold used to construct the crown, their worth exceeds £116,000 ($145,000) today.

Like his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles will be wearing both the St Edward Crown at his ceremony and Imperial State Crown, which is the crown worn by the monarch when leaving Westminster Abbey after the coronation.

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross

The Sovereign’s Sceptre has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661. The bejeweled golden wand weighs 3 pounds and has 333 diamonds, 31 rubies, 15 emeralds, seven sapphires, and other precious gemstones. Its greatest detail, though, is the Great Star of Africa, or the Cullinan I, which was gifted to King Edward VII for his birthday in 1905 by the government of the Transvaal in South Africa.

With a whopping 530.2 carats, Cullinan I is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, worth an estimated $400 million. Considering the value of the gemstones, the scepter is possibly worth several million dollars more.

The Sovereign’s Orb

The sovereign’s orb is a hollow gold sphere with a band of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires dating back to 1661 as well. The orb is a symbol of the Christian world and the sovereign’s power, which is why the sovereign holds it in their right hand during the coronation.

When Charles I spent £1150 on the orb when he had it made in 1661. That’s nearly $290,000 in today’s money. Still, the orb itself would be worth much more due to its significance, history, and stones.

[George K]

BTW: Kate is radiant.

[Mik]

I suspect she’s radiant rolling out of bed. Naturally beautiful.

[George K]

Charles assumed the throne on Elizabeth's passing, what, six months ago?

I assume the actual coronation has been delayed to now because of the logistics of organizing such pomp and ceremony (which the Brits do very, very well, btw).

[Mik]

They do. This is longer than a catholic wedding.

[George K]

@Mik said in The Coronation:

This is longer than a catholic wedding.

LOL.

[Mik]

As the recessional goes on I cannot help but wonder if Charles feels a bit silly.

[George K]

[George K]

Princess Anne was on horseback, riding behind the royal stagecoach carriage.

[Mik]

She’s the Royal Stick In Waiting, whatever that is.

[George K]

@Mik

"The Princess Royal, 72, took part in the Coronation Procession following the crowning ceremony as the "Gold-Stick-in-Waiting." The prestigious position, which Princess Anne has held since 1998, dates back to the 15th century when two officers — a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick — were placed close to the monarch to protect them from harm.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's only daughter rode on horseback behind King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, in the Gold State Coach as they made their way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. Princess Anne led 6,000 armed services personnel through the streets of London in the procession.

While many members of the royal family participated in the parade by riding in horse-drawn carriages or cars, Princess Anne was the only royal to ride on horseback."

[George K]

Best part: The grandkids on the balcony.

[Mik]

Didn’t see that. Had to leave for graduation. It’s on Wake Forest campus which is quite beautiful.

[Jolly]

@Mik said in The Coronation:

Didn’t see that. Had to leave for graduation. It’s on Wake Forest campus which is quite beautiful.

Best place in America to catch a college basketball game.