Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Monday, Jan 20, 2025

Rishi Sunak, Wife Akshata To Lead With UK Flag At King Charles' Coronation

Rishi Sunak, Wife Akshata To Lead With UK Flag At King Charles' Coronation

In a series of details, the Buckingham Palace also confirmed that Indian-origin peers will be participating in the ceremony.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty will be at the head of a procession of flag-bearers as the UK's flag is carried by a high-ranking Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet at the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

In a series of details released around the ceremonial roles to be carried out at the historic event when the 74-year-old monarch is formally crowned along with wife Camilla, the palace also confirmed that Indian-origin peers will be participating in the ceremony.

They will represent the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim faiths as they hand over key elements of the royal regalia to King Charles. In keeping with this theme of diversity and inclusion for the Christian ceremony, one of the first processions into the Abbey will be made up of faith representatives of different religions.

"The first processions into Westminster Abbey will be made up of faith leaders and faith representatives followed shortly afterwards by representatives from His Majesty's Realms," the palace said.

"Flags of each Realm will be carried by national representatives accompanied by the Governors General and Prime Ministers. Bearing the flag of the United Kingdom ahead of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mrs Akshata Murty will be Cadet Warrant Officer Elliott Tyson-Lee,” it said.

The ceremonial roles on the day include bearing the regalia in the procession and presenting the items to the King and Queen on the day. As previously revealed, Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel, 84, will represent the Hindu faith and hand over the Sovereign's Ring to Charles.

While Lord Indrajit Singh, 90, will represent the Sikh faith and present the Coronation Glove, Lord Syed Kamall, 56, of Indo-Guyanese heritage, will represent the Muslim faith and present the Armills or a pair of bracelets. Baroness Gillian Merron, 64, who is Jewish, will carry the Robe Royal to the King.

The palace said that those undertaking these historic roles in the Coronation Service have been chosen to "recognise, thank and represent the nation due to their significant service, and include representatives from Orders of Chivalry, the military and wider public life".

Those presenting the regalia have been chosen on the advice of the British government and will be directed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby, as he presides over the ceremony.

"I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic Coronation ceremony. To be selected to carry the Sovereign's Sceptre with Dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it's everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced," said Baroness Floella Benjamin, a Trinidad and Tobago-born former children's TV presenter, who will be carrying the Sceptre with the Dove to the altar.

The ceremony will not only include dukes, bishops, peers and retired generals but also a farmer named Francis Dymoke, who will act as the King's Champion on the day in a ceremony steeped in royal tradition dating back to the 11th century.

“The title of King or Queen's Champion has been held by the Dymoke family since the Middle Ages. The King's Champion would previously ride on horseback into the Coronation Banquet and challenge any who doubted the right of The King or Queen to the throne,” the palace revealed.

“There has not been a Coronation Banquet since that held by King George IV in 1821 so the Champion has instead undertaken a different role since, usually bearing a flag or Royal Standard,” it noted.

The palace has been unveiling details around next week's grand ceremony, which marks a Coronation ceremony in Britain after a gap of 70 years since Charles' mother Queen Elizabeth II was crowned monarch in 1953.

Processions involving gilded horse-drawn carriages and thousands of military personnel will mark the day on May 6, followed by a long weekend of celebrations involving a gala concert, street parties and pomp and pageantry.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
California Wildfires Set to Become Costliest in U.S. History
U.S. Military Assistance to Israel Surges to $22 Billion in Wake of October 7 Events
Military Appeals Court Upholds 9/11 Plea Deals, Limiting Defense Secretary's Authority
Taliban Imposes New Law: Blocking Windows to Prevent Visibility of Women
Afghanistan has announced war against Pakistan following reports that Pakistani airstrikes killed more than 46 civilians.
Answering incorrectly to the question 'Are you Alawi or Sunni?' in Syria these days could be detrimental to your well-being.
Israeli Military Operations in Gaza, Netanyahu's Corruption Trial, and Global Political Shifts: A Complex Interplay of Geopolitical and Economic Dynamics
Global Developments: Vaccine Controversy, Syrian Rebuilding, Natural Disasters, and Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
Israel's Strategic Maneuvers and U.S. Legal Actions Amidst Syria's Political Upheaval
Global Military Shifts, Gender Inequality, and Economic Alliances: Key Developments in the Post-Assad Era
International Condemnation and Mediation Efforts in Response to Israeli Actions in the Golan Heights Amid Middle Eastern Tensions
Global Tensions and Efforts for Peace: Cross-Cultural Dialogues, Regional Conflicts, and International Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia's Expanding Global Influence: From Water Management Leadership to Cultural and Economic Partnerships
Global Diplomatic Advances: Expanding Judicial, Human Rights, and Geopolitical Partnerships in the Middle East and Beyond
Strengthening UK-Gulf Relations and Addressing Global Challenges: A Diplomatic Overview
Cultural Heritage, Political Change, and Economic Growth: Key Developments Across the Middle East
Key Developments in Middle East Relations, Judicial Reforms, and Energy Partnerships Highlight Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Ambitions
Economic Growth and Innovation Drive Middle Eastern Developments: A Look at Egypt's Treasury Bill Success, Saudi Arabia's Expanding US Relations, Sustainability Initiatives, and Vision 2030 Achievements
UK Considers Delisting HTS Amid Complex Regional Dynamics and Global Security Implications
Global Developments: Saudi Arabia Embraces Cashless Innovation, Syria's Human Rights Struggles, Trump's Controversial Plans, Ghana's Leadership Shift, South Korea's Political Crisis, and Saudi-Japan Economic Partnership
Political Turmoil and Economic Ambitions: Macron's Coalition Efforts, MENA Startup Surge, and Global Initiatives in Integration and Innovation
Turkiye Advocates for Syrian Unity Amid Regional Turmoil; Israeli-Lebanese Tensions and Iran's Strategic Moves Highlight Middle Eastern Shifts
Kanlaon Volcano Erupts in the Philippines and Disrupts in the Middle East: Political Shifts, Oil Market Ripples, and Regional Instability
Global Turmoil: Taiwan Enhances Defenses, Indian Schools Face Bomb Hoaxes, and Middle East Conflicts Escalate
Global Political Shifts: From Trump's Strategic Appointments to Middle Eastern Power Realignments
Escalating Conflicts and Strategic Shifts Across the Middle East and North Africa
Syria's Historic Transition: The Fall of Assad and New Geopolitical Dynamics
Global Shifts: Saudi-UK Trade Goals, Syrian Regime Change, and U.S. Post-Assad Strategy
Saudi Arabia's Multi-Faceted Strategy: Embracing Sustainability, Tourism Excellence, and Regional Stability
Saudi Arabia Advances Transparency and Partnerships in Vision 2030 Push
Saudi Arabia Navigates Post-Assad Syria, Fossil Discoveries, and Economic Growth Amidst Regional Turmoil
Geopolitical Maneuvers and Sustainable Developments: Israel's Buffer Zone Tactics, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Innovations, and Egypt's Aviation Advancements
NASA's Artemis II Delayed to 2026, While Saudi Arabia Advances Cultural and Humanitarian Initiatives
Key Global Developments: Saudi Oil Price Adjustments, Surging Makkah Tourism, Syrian Conflict Shifts, and Saudi Pro League Highlights
Global Shifts: Diplomatic Talks, Economic Growth, and Regional Upheavals Reshape the Geopolitical Landscape
Insurgents Enter Damascus as Assad's Regime Faces Historic Collapse
Global Political Shifts: Defense Enhancements, Diplomatic Missions, and Civic Engagement Initiatives
Diplomatic Efforts Highlight Regional Tensions and Cooperation at IISS Manama Dialogue Amidst Humanitarian and Natural Crises
From Gulf Diplomacy to Global Resilience: Key Developments Shaping Regional and International Landscapes
Saudi Arabia Intensifies Immigration Control, Strengthens Diplomatic and Cultural Engagements
Global Political Tensions and Ambitious Developments Amid Regional Security Challenges
Philippines Celebrates Extensive Christmas Season; Saudi Innovations in Maritime Safety, Tourism, and Global Diplomacy; Healthcare Advancements and Regional Tensions Also Spotlighted
PIA Returns to European Skies Amid Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and COP16 Initiatives
Global Tensions Rise: Strategic Wins, Diplomatic Strains, and Humanitarian Crises Test Resilience
Global Political Turmoil and Humanitarian Efforts: A Snapshot of International Developments
Tensions and Triumphs: A Global Overview of Diplomatic Efforts, Geological Risks, Corporate Security, Military DEI Debates, Middle Eastern Conflicts, and Notre Dame's Resilient Reopening
Global Developments: Ghana's Election, UK's Smuggling Crackdown, Syrian Conflict Escalation, and US Supreme Court's Jurisdictional Case
Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises: A Snapshot of Recent International Developments
Saudi Arabia's Innovations in Marine Science, Arts, Film, Technology, Volunteerism, and Medical Education
Iran's Space Launch Fuels Western Concerns Amid Global Political Unrest
×