The eyes of millions of viewers were directed at a woman with a sword and a blue dress.
The solemn Coronation of Charles III (74) followed a centuries-old ceremony. Much has changed little or not at all in thousands of years. And now this: A woman bought the sword of state for the first time!
Penny Mordaunt (50) presented Charles with the sword of state
House of Commons President Penny Mordaunt (50) broke with a tradition on Saturday, at least in part. Because she, the head of the Privy Council, is a woman. Symbolically, she bought the jeweled state sword “Sword of Offering” – for 100 newly minted 50 pence coins with the likeness of the king.
The gun is one of them British Crown Jewelswas made for the coronation of King George IV in 1821 and is considered the most beautiful sword in the world!
The jeweled sword of state, the Sword of Offering, was part of Charles’s coronation
The hilt is set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, the scabbard is decorated with jeweled roses, thistles and shamrocks. The sword symbolizes royal power, but also the monarch’s acceptance of his duties.
Made coin pouches for Charles’ grandpa
First the Archbishop of Canterbury blessed the sword, which was then carried by Mordaunt to the king. Eventually it was hung on the monarch’s golden coronation belt. It was then removed and the King stepped forward to offer it to the Dean of Westminster, who placed it on the altar.
In exchange for the coins, the leader of the House of Commons, Mordaunt, received the sword back. She unsheathed it and wore it for the remainder of the service before the monarch. The small velvet pouch in which Mordaunt presented the coins was made for Charles’ grandfather’s coronation in 1937. (dpa/ninö)
Charles’ big moment THIS is the crowning glory!
