The lack of enthusiasm for the Coronation

[MamoruHisaishi]

I know this is shallow but I think part of the reason why people aren't enthusiastic about Charles’ coronation is that neither he nor Camilla have movie star good looks plus they're both in their 70s. I bet if both were in their 30s or even 40s, and Charles looked like Pierce Brosnan and Camilla looked like Angelina Jolie, they would have the world fawning over them and their Coronation.

There's been endless interviews of people camping out for nights. All I can say is... ye gods, if they are representative of us, help! (I don't think they are)
And so many more elderly people, they looked absolutely knackered.

One husband looked really embarrassed to be interviewed and everyone seeing him there... when the mic was shoved in his face and he was asked why he was there... he just pointed at his wife and said "she told me to, I had no choice!"

I think on the day there will be more enthusiasm, especially if it doesn't rain.

I found David Olusoga's comments BBC Radio Bristol - James Hanson, TV historian David Olusoga is on the show!, David Olusoga's verdict on the Coronation about that quite interesting - that despite the way it has come to be seen, QE2's coronation was not a big public event in the sense of street parties, camping out to see it etc, but was hugely significant in the more 'domestic' memories. I know DM's big memory of it was collecting round the (bought for the occasion!) TV of a neighbour.

But also agree with the previous comments about being state-occasioned-out after Jubilees and a state funeral.

‘One husband looked really embarrassed to be interviewed and everyone seeing him there... when the mic was shoved in his face and he was asked why he was there... he just pointed at his wife and said "she told me to, I had no choice!"’

@Roussette was it Harry? 😂😂

@Roussette That is funny about the husband.

I am anti Monarchy. But I am surprised at the publics meh reaction. I have seen one house and garden decorated for the Coronation. There are a few community events, but very few. I saw far more enthusiasm around about me for the Jubilee, and I suspect that it was because it was the Queen, not Charles.

In terms of the Monarchy a Coronation is a very big deal. And yet the interest seems confined to the real Royalists.

I have been asking people whether they will watch the Coronation - just ordinary people, not Royalists and not anti Monarchists. And the most common reaction I get is - if it is raining/bad weather I will probably turn on the TV and watch a bit of it. If it is good weather we are going to the seaside/hiking/park, etc. Most people really are not that bothered.

@mixedrecycling He is wrong. Vast crowds turned out. Both my parents remembered being at family or neighbours houses all crammed around the TV with a bit of a party afterwards. Domestic in the sense that most people watched it on the TV, but they did not watch it alone and often had a party of some kind afterwards.

I have been asking people whether they will watch the Coronation - just ordinary people, not Royalists and not anti Monarchists. Stop annoying people in the street.

Not that interested in the Royal Family, but watched the weddings and the Queen's funeral.

There might be something in what you say OP. I can't muster up any enthusiasm about this at all. There are events going on in our town but not a huge number. I haven't seen any flags.

But if he pops his clogs and there's a Wills and Kate coronation in a few years' time I would be more inclined to watch.

I've just realised how shallow I am.

I have been asking friends and work associates about their weekend plans (not annoying people in the street derxa)! The replies vary from working, family birthday parties, redecorating, seeing friends etc. Nobody has mentioned the coronation at all. I don't think it's on many people's radar.

This.
I don't believe in the Royal family. They should go.

I can laugh at that 😂🤣

This guy though... seriously, I think he'd told his mates that he was somewhere else because his face was a complete picture of horror when the reporter shoved the mic in his face!

@derxa I laughed out loud at your quip! Especially given the poor bloke above!

But if he pops his clogs and there's a Wills and Kate coronation in a few years' time I would be more inclined to watch.

I bloody hope not! It costs billions to change everything for a new Monarch. Literally. (uniforms, banknotes, coins, and much much more)
The thought of going through this again, the cost, the ridiculousness of it, please no.

I'll have the TV on while doing other stuff - it is history happening so why not witness it.
Last year there was a big Jubilee Do! on the green opposite our house and many homes were decorated with people doing BBQ's in their front gardens with lots of chairs out for drop-ins with games, DJ etc on the green. But for the Coronation - there has not been so much enthusiasm. Charles has a hard act to follow but I don't think he'll hang around long and will probably abdicate in favour of William within a few years. Then I reckon we'll really party!!

But don't you think about the cost? We can't afford this again in a few years, we really can't.

I'm just not at all interested in all that military marching about. Its all just too much.

"The more hollow the crown, the more splendidly the jewels encrusting it must shine"

• Fintan O Toole, journalist.

But if he pops his clogs and there's a Wills and Kate coronation in a few years' time I would be more inclined to watch

I bloody hope not! It costs billions to change everything for a new Monarch

I'm not sure we'll have much choice, Roussette; Charles obviously can't last as long as his mother, and personally I'll be surprised if he sees 80

There's a remote chance W&K really would prefer a cut down version - only remote of course, though we can hope - but otherwise we're stuck with it

BTW I mentioned the other day that there are only two street parties in my city, and found out today that one of them's in the mainly south asian area and organised by the locals themselves. Now that really did surprise me ... I'm well aware of just how good some of their parties are (), but given the RF's history in the area I honestly didn'tt expect it

Yes, we won't have much choice puzzled but at least he has the best medical care!

I just wanted to imagine years without any weddings, jubilees, coronations or any of that malarkey.

Didn’t William choose not to have a big ceremony when he became prince of Wales? Camilla is the one who looks quite fragile/frail
to me -
I think Charles is pretty hardy

You're absolutely right, 8roses - William did indeed forgo a ceremony when he became PoW, though we can't know why. Perhaps it was thought inadvisable to have one for him as well when his dad's coronation was coming up, but who can say?

I don't think anyone expects the Royal Family to look like movie stars and I honestly don't think that theory has anything to do with the fairly widespread apathy that I've seen. On my street of maybe 50 houses there is bunting on three. I work for a big organisation and there is only one lady there who is showing enthusiasm and excitement for tomorrow.
People are fed up with the scandals and hypocrisy, and too busy worrying about paying their bills is my theory for lack of enthusiasm about the coronation.

Having just watched Patrick Evans’ programme about the Royal Tailors (which I recommend Roussette - if you like Sewing Bee you’d enjoy this) I had a sudden realisation that the cost of an event like this doesn’t just disappear into the ether. It’s directly stimulating a huge amount of economic activity - generating production and paying people’s wages - quite apart from the the collateral economic benefits it brings from tourists pitching up, people buying bunting and booze etc etc.

Please don't bring reality and logic into this.

It’s estimated to bring in over £1bn in revenue to businesses, far outweighs the cost.

My little street is having a party on Sunday afternoon , in association with the pub. I was out this morning with a few others putting bunting out. But I do think this one is more in the spirit of neighbours getting together and having a nice afternoon rather than some kind of subjects celebrating KC - if that makes sense. I shall watch the Coronation - it is an historic event & I may not live to see another but as a PP said Charles has big ( or indeed tiny ) shoes to fill. I think a lot of people ( whatever they think of the monarchy ) gave the Queen a bit of a bye in that she did seem to hang on to and demonstrate a sense of duty.

I think Charles ( if he is serious about a slimmed down monarchy ) could ask for the inheritance tax relief between monarch & direct heir to the throne to be removed. Some of the Crown properties could be rented out and the money go to the government ( they have enough houses for a slimmed down monarchy ) . I don't think being the Monarch should be a pocket lining exercise. That said - they are never going to be poor whichever way about.

Well I shall ( weather permitting ) be at our little street party on Sunday - lovely neighbour has arranged a band & the pub is laying on a barbecue & a Pimms Bar. 😊🇬🇧🍹

I love Patrick but I have to answer this! Its hardly generating income for all the plastic tat coming from China (won't be the Middleton's Party Pieces, they're in receivership!)

Tourist income, I'd love a breakdown on that. Won't find it!