Amersham Together July August 2023

ISSUE 15
THE YOUNG
A notable Coronation
Coronations have been part of British life since
William the Conquerer invaded in 1066 and had
himself crowned on New Year’s Day.
Succession by primogeniture (sons of monarchs)
continued until the Wars of the Roses when
succession passed to the Tudors, then the
Stuarts. In the seventeenth century the ‘divine
right of kings’ was challenged’ and parliament
became the dominant authority. Charles 1 was
beheaded in 1649 followed by a period of
Putitanism under Oliver Cromwell. At the
Restoration, Charles II, was a popular choice
with his restoration of sport, theatres and
Christmas! When James II fled he was accused of
‘misgovernment’ and succession passed to Mary
and William of Orange, when rules about the
sovereign being head of the Church of England
and a protestant were confirmed.
On the 7th February 1952 Queen Elizabeth
II began her reign at the age of 25. Her
Coronation was delayed to the following year,
on the request of the Prime Minister (Winston
Churchill) because he would have to fight for
his position in Parliament. It turned out to be
revolutionary, due to the decision to record the
historical event on television. In the 1950’s not
many people had a television; the demand for
them rocketed as people were desperate to
experience the occasion. The decision to film
the Coronation in 1953 changed the course of
social history.
Charles has many challenges to overcome, he
could easily be overshadowed by the long reign
of his mother. He still has detractors because
of his failed marriage with Lady Diana Spencer.
However, the one thing that deserves praise is his
love for the environment. When King Charles was
Prince, he voiced his opinions about everything
– either in a good or bad light. As Monarch, he
is not permitted to speak against something
unless it endangers people’s lives. Despite his
royal duties, it is clear that Charles will continue
to engage in and support others speaking out
about the fate of the environment as shown on
his Coronation emblem and the new coin design.
Both these designs have flowers and botanical
elements in the background. We can infer from
these symbols that Charles feels the
environment is the basis of all life.
Another symbol that gives us more insight into
Charles III’s reign is the Diamond Jubilee State
Coach. This carriage was built for the Diamond
Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II however it missed
its ‘occasion’! The Diamond Jubilee State Coach
has mementos that are significant to Britain.
These memorabilia feature a piece of Florence
Nightingale’s dress, a part of The Mary Rose and
even a carving of Isaac Newton’s Apple Tree.
The choice of this coach, used at King Charles
III’s coronation shows how concerned he is
about the environment.
In conclusion, the Coronation was an event that
was not only watched by millions but marks
a turning point in our history. This ceremony
is important for King Charles III as it serves to
differentiate him from Queen Elizabeth and
informs us of his priorities for his reign to come.
Sophie Hazzard
Sophie Hazzard is a keen writer at Amersham
School. Her favourite things are reading, writing
journalism and spending time with friends. She
hopes to be a journalist one day and influence
people through her writing.
Disclaimer
Please note: the opinions and findings expressed in this article are
solely those of the author and should not be assumed to be those of
Amersham and Chalfont Together or its affiliates.
24 Amersham & Chalfonts Giving Together our is future part of the Community freedom of Together speech