05 May 2023  |   04:32am IST

Here comes King Charles III, the new monarch

Millions of people across the UK and the world are preparing to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6, followed by a weekend of programmes. Many Goans living in the UK share their plans for the day and what makes it special for them

Dolcy D’Cruz

B

ritain’s 74-year-old King Charles III, will be crowned on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey and will be the oldest sovereign to take the throne in a lineage that dates back 1,000 years. He will be crowned along with Camilla, the Queen Consort, and will be the 40th reigning monarch. The day of splendour and formality will feature customs dating back more than centuries.

King Charles III succeeded to the Throne on September 8, 2022 upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch. The King will be crowned in St Edward’s Chair, made in 1300 for Edward I and used at every Coronation since that time. The Coronation Emblem for His Majesty’s 2023 Coronation was designed by Sir Jony Ive, who was formerly Chief Design Officer of Apple, Inc.

The country is decorated in colours of red, white and blue and flags of the United Kingdom. The Coronation is the theme for different products that have entered the markets including edibles. Schools, offices and even churches are organising programmes over the weekend and people are rejoicing about the once in a lifetime moment when they will witness the Coronation of a monarch while living in the country.

Albano Fernandes lives in Kent but volunteer for the NHS hospitals in London. “I would have loved to attend and witness the Coronation event in London but cannot travel at the moment because of work. I have met His Majesty King Charles III on two occasions while working for the NHS while he was the Prince. As a former recipient of the ‘Kings Commendation’ while working for the NHS and currently also volunteering in hospitals in which the royal family support, I wish His Majesty, The King on his Coronation,”

Kevin Godinho originally from Taleigao is currently working and living in Southall. “I will be working that day but it is a great opportunity to witness the ceremony, whether on television, internet or in person as it is taking place after 70 long years. There are a lots of special Coronation gadgets and edibles that are come into the market. People are getting ready for it and are eagerly looking forward to it. Some have even decorated their houses with United Kingdom flags. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has informed the parishes in the country to observe the day and pray for the new king, King Charles III,” says Kevin.

However, Violet Mendonca from Mapusa, loved Princess Diana the most among the Royal family. “It’s an ordinary day for me in England, after the real queen of the people, Diana, Princess of Wales died,” says Violet.

Calvin Barretto from London and a member of the Goan Cultural Fest organisers says, “It is a great occasion for UK and great history. Good luck to His Majesty King Charles III. God willing, we may invite you for Goan Cultural Fest Goa Day London.”

Vince Fernandes from Navelim and now a resident of London is an active Goan community service and event organiser. “In Croydon, King Charles III Coronation Street Party will be held on May 7, at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Croydon. The afternoon tea buffet will include various selections of cakes, pastries, sandwiches, rolls and scones and a glass of fizz with music. The dress code will be red, white and blue, tiaras and crowns,” says Vince.

Goan origin Bosco Santimano now in Scotland, is an entrepreneur and a writer. He is not in the celebratory mood with the current living crisis. “The British still have a massive colonial hangover and are holding on to the past of their glory days as empire. A racist, arrogant and out of touch monarchy should have been abolished decades ago. British citizens are in the midst of a worst cost of living crisis and millions are being spent on the King’s Coronation. It reminds me of Roman Emperor Nero, who fiddled while Rome burnt! No celebrations,” he says.

A noted emcee in UK for Goan events, Simon Varella from Uxbridge, London says, “People would normally watch the ceremony on the television. I too would be watching it on TV. There would be celebrations all over the country.”

Ribandar-based Lydia Fernandes, a mother of two sons, now lives in Swindon. “It is a holiday and a long weekend for us here. I’m not celebrating it, but usually people here have a tea party, or BBQ party. People will watch the Coronation on BBC and then celebrate. In my sons’ schools, they are having a small gathering with competitions like card making, a crown making and a cake competition, the proceeds of which goes to the charity. The children are informed to wear, blue, white and red colours. For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I baked a cake for my younger son, Caden’s school. In my office, we have a register, a virtual one through which we can send our greetings across. In the locality, there will be a lot of charity events, pubs and parks will be full all over. Children are celebrating Coronation Street Lunch Party and they are asked to wear white, red or blue. Many people set up tents outside Buckingham Palace almost a week in advance so that they can see a glimpse of the new King,” says Lydia.

Joyce De Souza from Wembley, recently organised the Easter Dine and Dance in Wembley. “I wanted a break from organising any Goan programme for at least a month. My daughter is receiving communion on May 6 and we have a celebration party. I will be attending a Coronation street party though on the next day,” says Joyce.

RJ Roque Vaz informs, “We are coinciding the day by celebrating our 150th Konkani radio show in Southampton and the start of the first ever International Konkani Kovita Academy on European soil.”

From India, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be visiting the UK to attend the Coronation of King Charles III on behalf of the Indian government. Other Indians include Pune-based architect Sourabh Phadke, Bengaluru-based Dr Issac Mathai, Indian-origin chef Manju Malhi and Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor, who will perform a spoken word at the historical coronation ceremony concert of King Charles III on May 7.