In honour of King Charles III’s Coronation, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a special message emphasizing the central role that all faiths will play in a religious ceremony that dates back over a thousand years.
In keeping with the recent tradition of UK Prime Ministers reading from the biblical book of Colossians at State occasions, Rishi Sunak the Indian-origin leader and the first-ever Hindu incumbent of 10 Downing Street will take an active role in the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday.
Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, will also lead a procession of flag-bearers as a high-ranking Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet carries the UK flag into Westminster Abbey.
According to a statement released by Rishi Sunak on the eve of the historic occasion, “Representatives of every faith will play a central role in the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years.”
“The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will inspire tremendous pride in our country. We will celebrate the enduring qualities of our great monarchy—its constancy, devotion to duty, and service to others—along with friends from all over the Commonwealth and beyond. The processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and the street parties couldn’t be performed by any other nation, he claimed.
He did, however, emphasize that the Coronation – the first in 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953 – is more than just a spectacle, but also a proud expression of history, culture, and traditions.
“A vivid demonstration of our country’s modern character,” he said. And a treasured ritual that ushers in a new era… Thousands of acts of kindness will be performed across the country in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean Age.
“So let us take pride in who we are and what we stand for this weekend.” Let us look forward with hope and optimism. And let us create new memories so that we can tell our grandchildren about the day we came together to sing “God Save The King.”
