King, Queen touched by celebrations

Buckingham Palace spokesman says that their Majesties were deeply touched by the events and profoundly grateful to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion…reports Asian Lite News

The King and Queen are “deeply touched” by the nation’s celebration of their historic coronation, Buckingham Palace has said.

A spokesman said: “Their Majesties were deeply touched by the events of yesterday and profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support in such numbers in London and further afield.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned in a historic ceremony yesterday at Westminster Abbey, watched by 100 heads of state, royals from around the world, celebrities, everyday heroes, and millions around the globe.

It was the fulfillment of Charles’ destiny, but followed the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after a 70-year reign.

Camilla asked for her coronation bouquet of English spring flowers to be placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in the coronation church, Westminster Abbey.

The simple posy, including auriculas, the late Queen’s favourite lily of the valley, and one of Charles’s favourites hellebores, by the King and Queen’s go-to florist, Shane Connolly, was laid at the memorial.

Royal brides traditionally send their bouquets to be placed there the day after their weddings in a tradition started by the Queen Mother. Camilla did not carry the flowers on Saturday as it was a coronation not a wedding, the Palace said.

And the celebrations continue, with big lunches taking place around the UK as well as a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle this evening.

The King and Queen will join around 20,000 members of the public at the coronation concert where, along with other family members, they will see performances by Take That, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

The official Instagram account for the Prince and Princess of Wales posted behind-the-scenes footage of getting Prince William preparing for this evening.

In it, the Prince can be seen preparing to give a speech – a voice can be heard saying: “OK, Prince of Wales, it’s time for your rehearsal” before William strides out towards the microphone.

The show in Windsor, hosted by Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, will see Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls and singer Sir Tom Jones appear via video message.

Meanwhile, guests – including Jill Biden – had lunch with the Prime Minister outside Downing Street and his wife.

There was a hum of excited chatter as those invited – including volunteers, Ukrainian refugees, and youth group members – sipped fruit drinks and took photos in front of the famous Number 10 door as they awaited the arrival of Rishi and Akshata Murty.

The weather stayed dry as Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden arrived at the event shortly before 2pm.

The Prime Minister and First Lady laughed and joked as they met, giving each other a kiss on both cheeks. Biden, who wore a long white embroidered dress for the outside event, arrived wearing sunglasses and was met by Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty.

Also present at the event were Sunak’s two daughters, Anoushka and Krishna, and the family dog, Nova – who sported a union flag bandana.

The street was bedecked in Union flag bunting and music was being played by the RAF Northolt brass quintet. Guests tucked into dishes including coronation quiches, coronation chicken, sausage rolls, and smoked salmon.

The food was sourced from across the UK, including beef from Gloucestershire, which was served in Yorkshire puddings, Scottish Loch Duart salmon, Northern Irish soda bread, and ice cream from Wales.

The crockery was donated by Emma Bridgewater, a pottery with strong royal connections.

But the weekend has not been without its controversies, with police arresting a number of protesters from groups including Republic and Just Stop Oil.

More than 50 anti-monarchy demonstrators were arrested during yesterday’s events – including 13 people to “prevent a breach of the peace”, and a man with an unused megaphone, who police said could “scare the horses”.

Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic, said in his statement following his arrest that the detentions “destroyed whatever trust might have existed” between protest groups and the police.

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