| An apathetic response to the coronation |
| The coronation of King Charles III, which is set to take place on Saturday, has yet to capture the imagination of a Britain preoccupied by other concerns. In polls, most British adults said they had little or no interest in the coronation. Rainy spring weather and Britain’s economic doldrums have also done little to raise enthusiasm. |
| Then there is the contrast between King Charles and his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Her coronation in 1953 introduced a poised young monarch who was suddenly thrust on the throne. At 74, Charles is a familiar figure, one whose foibles have been dissected in the news media for decades and who still presides over a dysfunctional family. |
| The guest list has drawn criticism. On the list is Michelle O’Neill, the leader of the Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, in Northern Ireland. President Biden has declined an invitation, instead sending his wife, Jill, and their 23-year-old granddaughter, Finnegan. |
| Analysis: “In 1953, Britain was a very deferential society,” said Vernon Bogdanor, an authority on the constitutional monarchy at Kings College London. “Now, it’s a competitive society, based on people who’ve earned their position through achievement. Therefore, the monarchy is bound to attract more skepticism.” |
| Get in touch: Next Saturday, we’re sending a special coronation edition of this newsletter. We’d like to know: Was there one moment in royals history that changed how you feel about Britain’s most famous family? If you’d like to participate, you can fill out the form here. |
