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We’re just a few hours away from King Charles’s coronation and in truth many of us are less prepared for the three-day weekend ahead than might be expected, given quite how long this national spectacle has been in the works. If, like me, you’re still not entirely clear on what is happening and why, this handy guide will be worth studying before you settle down to a slice of coronation quiche to watch the show.
And despite the months of planning on their part, the royals left it until quite late in the day to tell us that we were being “invited” to pledge our allegiance to the king by reciting the Homage of the People in front of our TVs during the theatrics. Little wonder they kept it quiet since the idea hasn’t gone down particularly well with the general public. I’ll watch for the capes and tassels, sure, but swear an oath to the monarch and all his heirs? Probably not, thanks. A linguist wrote in to inform us that while the pledge is laden with “quasi-magical accoutrements of a grand performative speech”, it’s written in such a vague way as to be utterly
meaningless. You can take that as good news or bad, depending on your disposition, but the reasons why are pretty interesting.
While this element of the ceremony has tested our patience, it is also fair to say that Charles has made some important adjustments to proceedings to reflect the changing times. His oath has been amended over the years to reflect the UK’s new relationship with the nations it once colonised. Also notable for its absence is the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been removed from Camilla’s crown, because of disputes about
whether it should be returned to India. This history of the interplay between coronations and British imperial culture shows just how much has changed over the years.
When he’s not busy being crowned, keen horticulturalist Charles is legendary for his belief in talking to his plants to keep them healthy. And we learnt this week that this might not be quite as batty as it sounds. An expert writes here that thinking like a plant is the optimum strategy for taking care of one in this list of tips for budding botanists. Scientists have also been experimenting with listening to what plants themselves have to say, discovering along the way that some emit a high-pitched clicking sound when they’re thirsty. Who can’t relate to that?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will no doubt be pleased by the national distraction that is the coronation after this week’s local election results. The less time spent poring over those results, the better, as far as he’s concerned. While the Tories lost seats across councils, Labour made important gains in areas containing marginal parliamentary seats. All the usual caveats about low turnout obviously apply but if these regions are turning towards the opposition, it could become the biggest party at the next general election.
It was simply lovely to receive a news alert yesterday when the World Health Organization declared an end to the global COVID-19 emergency. I think that’s a chapter in recent history we’ll all be very happy to close. That said, the disease still lingers and evolves, even if it isn’t quite the beast it once was. In classic COVID style, a new variant has emerged just to remind us not to get too relaxed. It’s called Arcturus, and while it’s not something to worry too much about, we’ve learned in these past few years that it pays to stay informed. So here’s all you need to know about the strain.
Finally, a special request: if you value the articles we’ve brought you this week, please consider making a donation to The Conversation. Even just a small amount can help us continue producing evidenced-based journalism right up until the next coronation.
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