Painkillers cut sword strain

PENNY MORDAUNT has disclosed she took painkillers before her swordwielding role in the Coronation.

The Leader of the House of Commons, who impressed a global audience of billions by holding the 8lb Sword of State aloft for 51 minutes of Saturday’s two-hour ceremony at Westminster Abbey, said she found the whole experience “humbling”.

She is the first woman in history to perform the role at a Coronation as Lord President of the Council, a body of advisers to the sovereign that includes senior MPS and ceremonial officers.

Speaking to Nick Robinson on his Political Thinking podcast, Ms Mordaunt told how she prepared for the role. “I did take a couple of painkillers before just to make sure I was going to be all right,” she said adding that a hearty breakfast and comfortable shoes also helped.

The 50-year-old former Tory Party leadership hopeful also said she enjoyed the memes people created about her, not only for her upper-arm strength but also her teal dress and cape, which featured a Greek goddess-like golf leaf embroidery. Bookmakers have since slashed the odds on her replacing Rishi Sunak as prime minister.

Writing for The Daily Telegraph, the MP for Portsmouth North, who is a Royal Navy reservist, said: “Since Saturday, I have been asked hundreds of times about how I felt. It was a humbling day in every respect.

“Crowned heads and world leaders were just faces in the congregation.

“If people chose to recognise my role, then I’m grateful.

“But my gratitude and thanks are reserved for all who took part.”