COLUMN:
I am immensely proud to have joined millions of people right across the globe on the weekend to have witnessed the coronation of our new king and queen, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
The historic occasion, which blended both tradition with modernity, was pitch-perfect and it was excellent to see entire communities come together to celebrate such a joyous occasion.
King Charles III is a deeply personable man with vast experience – after all, let’s not forget that he was invested Prince of Wales more than 50 years ago.
These fine attributes will ensure he will become a great king of our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
I believe that King Charles III understands the whole of our country, especially Wales, more so than arguably any other monarch.
But what was deeply disappointing was to read certain politicians being unable to temporarily put to one side their personal philosophies for such a grand occasion.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price’s decision, which had clearly been driven by his party’s political machinery, to refute the Royal Family’s invitation to attend the coronation was the wrong move. Mr Price was out of step with his decision because the vast majority of the people of Wales are monarchists. In fact, the most recent opinion poll has found that a staggering 52% is in favour, whilst 28% are against.
But I was left speechless when I learnt that the Senedd’s Presiding Officer, which is an impartial role, also declined the invitation on the grounds that she is a republican…
The Presiding Officer should have remained impartial and represented Wales at the coronation. Sadly, that was not to be.
Nonetheless we need not have worried because Wales was well-represented: from the Cross of Wales leading the procession to an ample number of Welsh people being invited, including Bryn Terfel and Welsh harpists.
The whole occasion made me proud to be both British and Welsh.
All that is left to say simply is: God save the King!
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon on 10 May 2023 and Abergavenny Chronicle on 11 May 2023*
