UK braces for King Charles III coronation amid anti-monarchy protests
The event has enraged some Britians who criticized the amount of money that is going to be spent amid the huge economic crisis battering the United Kingdom.
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An anti-monarchy demonstrator protests outside the Palace of Westminster in central London. (AFP)
The epitome of a much-anticipated weekend-long celebration is the Saturday crowning of King Charles III and his wife Camilla as queen.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday described the event as "a moment of enormous national pride" and a "demonstration of our country's character."
"It's an opportunity for us to all look to the future and a spirit of service, hope, and unity," he said, as quoted by Sky News.
#Britain is preparing for the #coronation of #KingCharles III, due to take place on Saturday. Dozens of prominent figures have been invited to the historic event, while millions are expected to watch on television.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 5, 2023
Here's how people in #Britain are preparing for the big event. pic.twitter.com/MTn3naVcws
'Not My King'
Not everyone is in a festive mood, however. The big event has enraged some Britians who criticized the amount of money that is going to be spent amid the huge economic crisis battering the United Kingdom.
According to estimates, the coronation is expected to cost a staggering 250 million pounds ($314 million).
Meanwhile, Republican opponents who want an elected head of state plan to protest on the day with signs that read "Not My King."
Not my king!"
— #SupportPalestine #BDS #Yemen #Kashmir #Assange (@ChristineJameis) April 29, 2023
Anti-monarchy protesters heckle King Charles during his visit to Liverpool#UK #KingCharles @PressTV pic.twitter.com/zPRJ8p2h78
Younger people, too, say the coronation -- and the monarchy in general -- leaves them cold, as per recent polls.
Some media reported, citing one of the organizers for the antimonarchist movement Republic, that at least 1,600 antimonarchists are preparing a protest to be held on the coronation day in London.
Further abroad, Charles' position as the hereditary monarch in 14 Commonwealth nations outside of the UK becomes more precarious.
While Australia, Belize, and Jamaica have previously expressed interest in becoming republics, Charles is also under pressure to apologize for the role his ancestors played in the slave trade and colonization.
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Political leaders at home will be hoping that the coronation will showcase Britain at its finest, restoring the nation's reputation abroad that has been damaged by its exit from the European Union.
The presidents of France and Germany and senior EU leaders will be among the 2,300 guests attending, along with global royalty.
On Friday, Charles juggled final rehearsals with diplomatic formalities.
Before going to a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, the King had lunch with prime ministers and governors general from Commonwealth nations where he is the head of state.
Then, together with other British royals, he hosted a garden reception at Buckingham Palace for foreign dignitaries, such as US First Lady Jill Biden and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Read next: King Charles III's coronation: an explainer
