The Proclamation of King Charles III at Braintree.
In days of yore an 'Accession Council' was quickly called together. The new King was announced, 'God save the King' cried and oaths of allegiance accepted. This done with speed to prevent others laying claim to the throne.
The 'City of London' then proclaimed the King within a few hours next, as in the past the City wished to acknowledge it was not 'owned' by the monarch.
Heralds would then proclaim this news in every town and village with speed throughout the land. All done to ensure everyone knew who was in charge, and to ensure no other made a claim.
Today we see the modern version. We have had a live TV 'Accession Council,' where 200 of the council attended to confirm the new monarch. Live coverage then moved to watch the ceremony from the City, with trumpets, parade of dignitaries, military bands and watching citizens (though Britons are actually 'subjects').
Today, at 1:30 pm Council Chairmen or County Lieutenant's in all towns, villages and cities, read out the proclamation to local citizens, in a manner followed for many centuries. The proclamation in Edinburgh and London appears to be written on parchment, while local areas used a less expensive paper.
Pomp and ceremony, once an important Historical device to keep the people informed, and under control, replaced today with mass communication via TV, radio and the internet. Once Accession Council met in secret, today the entire world could, if it wished, watch on TV. This is good and to be welcomed.
The late queens coffin has been transported to Edinburgh where she will lie in state tomorrow so her Scottish subjects can, if they so wish, file past and pay respects. As she arrived one lass waving a 'No Monarchy' placard was arrested by police, some Booed as the cortège arrived, and comments were exchanged. It seems to me that you, like many, can disagree with a monarchy, you can desire a republic and you can make your opinions known. However, if you do so at a funeral many will consider you are not the type of person they would wish to see running a republic. Better to do what most have done and make you opinions known on Twitter.
4 comments:
All this succession of ceremonies,,,the press stuffed full of it....leaves no space for the question of whether there should be a mobarchy at all.
Protests at a funeral seem misplaced....the corpse can't hear you and its adherents and sympathisers will probably marmelise you.
Fly, The press are enjoying this. Huge coverage, and people read it. No monarchy debate at the moment, people would grumble.
Do agree with you about not spouting anti monarchist sentiments at a queen's funeral. Nor would I approve of shouting out the faults of a relative of my own at their funeral, even if they had irritated the heck out of me all their life.
Jenny, The 'entitlement' of some today does not take in to account others opinions.
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