Greeting a new dawn for Britain

The last few years have been something, haven’t they? We’ve had Brexit, the pandemic, various Prime Ministers, economic crises and European wars. But, above all, the event that has caused the most seismic change in the country was the death of the Queen.

She had been the mainstay of British public life for so long and we had dreaded losing her.

The nation was torn by grief, but forward stepped Charles to offer us the comfort and reassurance we so badly needed.

Yesterday he took the solemn oath to the country to continue to protect and guide us.

The Coronation unfolded as smoothly and with as much grandeur as Britain could muster. And, in spite of the weather, it really was an occasion.

It was a piece of History – History with a capital H. Coronations, like comets, are rare and it is quite something to see one.

Ceremony and ritual, all this great country’s glorious trappings out on display for us all to enjoy, from the dignitaries and nobles and faith leaders gathering at the Abbey to the armed forces marching so proudly in the procession.

MOMENTOUS

The King and Queen were crowned in ceremony that dates back a thousand years.

And we were all part of this momentous occasion. At the Palace, thousands of nurses were invited to watch the proceedings on a big screen.

Those nurses battled through the pandemic, risked their lives to care for us. That’s history.

Alongside them were veterans, men and women who fought for Britain. That’s history.

Families thronged The Mall, packed in tight, rain-soaked, cheering at the top of their lungs, opening their hearts to their new King. History.

And what now? We have a concert to enjoy later today, a bank holiday Monday, and then we begin again. King Charles has work to do.

The once-shy schoolboy is now a major figure on the world stage.

His decisions and influence can change the world. He can help forge a new green future for the planet, use his power and status to improve people’s lives.

And he can provide the help needed to heal this often divided nation.

We’ll see. We have a tough run ahead of us. But one thing is absolutely certain. As rain and mist shrouded London yesterday, a fresh, joyful, dawn broke for the nation.

Our new King was crowned in ancient ceremony which was also still diverse and relevant.

A Coronation to mark the end of the old days and the beginning of the new.