King Charles

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Luton is one of the most diverse places in Europe.

So, what would a visit to the town by the new septuagenarian monarch really mean to the kids there?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-englan ... s-63879190

Would any other head of state be received better?

Viv

[Courtenay]

That's really sweet and wonderful to see their excitement — well, I'd probably react the same way if I were in their position, even as a (sort of) grown-up!

On a related subject, a few work colleagues and I watched the King's first-ever Christmas speech today (it was right on our shift change time, so just before I went home) and we were all very moved. He hit all the right notes and I can only say he's doing a great job so far, especially with his late mother being such a hard act to follow!

[Boatbuilder]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but in the end decided on here.

I was reading through an old news article on Yahoo News from last September about the condolences that President Putin sent to the King when his mother died. At the very end of the article was the following short passage. The Queen's remark made me smile.

Putin and Queen Elizabeth met in 2003 when the Russian president was on a state visit to Britain. According to former UK Home Secretary David Blunkett, she was not pleased when Putin showed up 14 minutes late to their meeting.

Speaking to the BBC, Blunkett recounted apologizing to the monarch for his guide dog barking at Putin, which prompted Elizabeth — a notorious canine aficionado — to quip: "Dogs have interesting instincts, don't they?"

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

At the request of King Charles, the church bells will be ringing at 8pm tomorrow evening for Commonwealth Day.

If you have never seen the Commonwealth Service from Westminster Abbey - I find it very enlightening. It will be live on BBC tomorrow afternoon from 2.15pm, then i-player

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k2wn

[jubei]

Luton is one of the most diverse places in Europe.

So, what would a visit to the town by the new septuagenarian monarch really mean to the kids there?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-englan ... s-63879190

Would any other head of state be received better?

Viv

the dialog and reaction in the video kind of like in Enid Blyton books.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

I have a pain in the brain, having listened to this talk by Dr David Starkey on what a Coronation actually is - and he didn't even mention a crown!

Fascinating though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoGgRvaZfk0

Viv

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

This video about the history of the Coronation by David Starkey is far more intelligible!

It start 2 mins in.

King Edgar lived for a while at Corfe Castle - and St Dunstan is the patron saint of bell-ringers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2xXDBBcxuo

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

Something to think about when considering should you give The King homage?

What has King Charles already done for us?


When a deeply upset King Charles gave his first speech on the first day of his reign, he promised two things.

The first was to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. These are things like the rule of law, the separation of government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the accountability of ministers to parliament, the independence of the judiciary, & democracy.

The second was to us, that wherever we live, whatever our background or beliefs, he would endeavour to serve us with loyalty, respect and love.

Love

How many other Heads of State has made such a promise, and with such sincerity? Come to that, how many other Heads of State can you name?


King Charles asked that a surge in profits from six new offshore wind farms on the Crown Estate, worth £1bn, to be used for the "wider public good" rather than the Royal Family

Apparently, the monarchy costs around £1.30 each, which includes the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace.

How much do other countries spend of their Head of State? 10 years ago, the French paid nearly 3x more, the Italians 6x more, Poland about the same, the Germans a bit less, and the Americans a lot more.

https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/ins ... reloaded=1

[Boatbuilder]

The King is crowned.

[Katharine]

Great photos.

[Boatbuilder]

Whilst watching the Coronation, my FIrst Day Cover of the Coronation stamps arrived. Good timing.

[Boatbuilder]

Great photos.

Thanks Katharine. A couple of screenshots taken on the iPad.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Good photos, John (Boatbuilder), and I'm glad your stamps arrived on the day of the Coronation.

[Boodi 2]

Great photos John and what good timing with the stamps!

[Boatbuilder]

Thanks Anita and Monique.

It's a pity the Royal Mint aren't as efficient as the Royal Mail in dispatching as I am waiting on a commemorative silver proof £5 Coronation coin from them.