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LONDON (AP) — It’s better there.
i don’t see much Coronation of King Charles III Nor were many of the 2,300 or so other guests inside Westminster Abbey. We were too far away, or sat behind the choir, or our view was blocked by a guard in a feather helmet. But we hear it — and feel it — in a way that’s impossible for someone watching on TV.
The moment the choir, organ and orchestra blared Handel’s coronation hymn “Zadok the Priest,” so boldly that I was taken aback, even though I knew it was coming. The congregation jubilantly chanted “God bless the king!” after Charles was crowned.Trumpeters were cheering from balconies just a few months ago lonely bagpiper Farewell to Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
This is a celebration moment For Charles and his supporters, it was a stark contrast to the day in September when the country mourned the death of a queen who had reigned for 70 years.
But there is also a sense that the torch is being passed where the Kings and Queens of England have been crowned for 1,000 years. Barbara Swinn, a librarian from York, said having the opportunity to be part of that history made going into the Abbey special. She was invited because she was awarded an OBE for her service to the community.
“I was also thrilled when they did Zadok the Priest, and I think it’s because it reminds me of Queen Elizabeth II,” she said. “Whenever they talk about her coronation, they play that, and I just feel like there’s that continuity. It just gives me goosebumps.”
I didn’t earn my place in the monastery through community service. I’m just a reporter who occasionally gets a chance to witness history.
But my own goosebumps started the moment I walked in and was rushed to my “vision-impaired” seat over three hours before service.
The flowers in the church are in full bloom, exuding the smell of the garden after the spring rain. The space above the high altar looks like a wildflower meadow.
Here and there are reminders of the ritual’s medieval roots, and of Charles’ efforts to make it more reflective of modern Britain.
Lords and ladies in ceremonial robes, judges in wigs and soldiers with medals pinned to their red tunics file in woman in hat Spring shades and men in suits and kilts.
We know the king and queen have arrived when the trumpeter’s horn sounds from the balcony. But I wouldn’t have seen them if I hadn’t glanced at the giant TV screen mounted on a nearby grave, which features a reclining sculpture of an aristocrat.
I finally got a glimpse of Charles, at least his head, as he confronted every corner of the congregation and was introduced as England’s “undisputed king”. Later, when the tiara was placed on Queen Camilla’s head, a flash of purple velvet flashed.
But that’s what everyone in my corner of the Abbey can see. Even so, Kim Beck didn’t miss the chance to be there.
Baker, a teacher helping Afghan refugees, was awarded an OBE for his services to education. But she didn’t think she was anything special and was surprised to be invited.
The service, she said, was excellent.
“I was trying to sing the national anthem,” Baker said. “It was really emotional.”
I understand why she feels that way.
Danica Kirka is an Associated Press writer based in London.
Follow AP’s coverage of King Charles III https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii
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