Many of us will see
another Coronation within our lifetimes, and possibly even two ... and remotely
for some of you three ... but I certainly expect to see at least one.
 |
| The Ascot Gold Cup 1834 by James Pollard |
The
next one is bound to be different in some ways as was shown during last year’s
Jubilee celebrations, when the Queen acceded, and the recent 60th
anniversary of the Queen’s anointing ... but with all its pomp and pageantry
...
... the
Coronation at heart is a spiritual ritual based on ancient practice, focussing
on the duty of the monarch to God and to the people.
 |
| Henry VIII and family 1545 in front of a iconographic tapestry - a cloth of state |
... “no one does pomp and ceremony like the
Brits. Interesting the inclusion of other
faiths these days considering the big deal the Catholic/Church of England
dichotomy used to be – off with his/her head!
I love progress”.
 |
| George II (c 1727) by Henry Jervas |
I sincerely hope thankfully we will always have a similar emphasis on the traditional, the ritual, the inclusion of wonderful music composed centuries ago such as Handel’s anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’ used at George II’s coronation ...
... new
works composed for each Coronation and in our case the Diamond celebration of that
event 60 years ago: Bob Chilcott, the choral composer, commissioned by the
choristers from the 1953 Coronation, to write an anthem for today’s choristers
to sing at the 60th anniversary.
 |
| Pastoral landscape by Alvan Fisher (1854) |
English
Literature, Poetry and Music have always intertwined for celebratory occasions
... wonderful reaffirmation of pastoral themes revived, rewritten, updated
somewhat – incorporating pageantry into the solemnity of the Celebration of the
Queen’s Coronation those sixty years ago.
It’s a
history lesson to the social and cultural life of ancient eras (arias even),
biblical music, plainsong (Gregorian chants), sacred music, Renaissance,
Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, orchestral works, and on into the 20th
and 21st century when through radio and newer technologies we are
able to listen and to appreciate music of all those eras.
 |
| Queen Salote - and yes her companion at the Coronation is behind her! |
... as
each Coronation afforded the artistic creative spirits to add to the
magnificent ceremony that makes up much of our British music and literary
archive that was symbolically used in the re-consecration and re-dedication Service.
 |
| Queen Salote as a child - but doesn't she look so cheerful and full of life |
Ramblings
come to mind ... and I’m stopping here to add a few extra snippets of royal or
coronation history ...
I meant
to put in the piece about Queen Salote – perhaps this is why I remember
the Coronation ‘so well’ ? ... to quote from the Daily Telegraph supplement put
out about the Coronation:
“Queen Salote of Tonga, alone among the
carriage-riding classes, ignored the weather and travelled with the top down so
she could smile and wave to the crowds. (it was
bucketing ... another wet June day – no change in sixty years of English
weather then!).
 |
| Blues and golds |
The gold and blue
Glaswegian carpet laid along the Abbey’s medieval floor was later
sliced into pieces to fit Anglican churches across the world.
The timber floorboards used for the platforms
for the 8,251 spectators in the Abbey were sliced to lengths that could be recycled
for the building trade.
The number of
coaches required for the horse-drawn coronation procession was far
more than the Queen possessed, so film producer Sir Alexander lent her some from
his Denham film studios (soon to be merged with Pinewood Studios)!!
 |
| A Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
In
Angela Kelly’s book “Dressing the Queen”
she describes all the processes ... it is fascinating ... but also mentions
that fitting
sessions can typically last half a day, or occasionally if there are
one or two important outfits to try on the Queen will set aside a shorter time
...
... during
these fittings there are other watchful eyes!
.. the royal Corgis!
This
leads me on to the last item, where the Queen wore a royal purple ensemble, from
this year’s Royal
Ascot ... a four-legged filly – the Queen’s horse “Estimate” –
topped the Jubilee and Coronation celebrations off with a right royal win ...
 |
| The Queen with Estimte |
As I
posted in my “Horses – the counter balance to Monarchy” this win really defines
and tops off the Queen’s year ... horses are her passion and her life – just sad
the Duke could not share the event, but at least they can have some happy
conversations back home in Windsor Castle.
 |
| The Queen with her Gold Cup |
The
Queen’s smile at her win – really crowns her life – a wonderful full relaxed
smile ... a golden glow to gladden all
our hearts ...
So to
finish off ... :
The Coronation Ceremony could no more be invented from scratch than the function of monarchy itself ...
 |
| happiness is .... |
The Coronation Ceremony could no more be invented from scratch than the function of monarchy itself ...
The
British are pragmatic people. They go
with whatever works. For decades, for
centuries, the monarchy has worked.
That is
why the Coronation at which the Queen was crowned is recognisably the same as
that which her ancestors underwent, century after century.
 |
| The Queen congratulating the jockey, Ryan Moore |
And as
I totter towards those very aged years ... when I will hear fanfares greet the
new King ... the Elizabethan madrigals and early music, exuberant choral
writing conveying a sense of freshness of progress ... a new Albion – that changing
world around us ...
... we
British, and those whose ancestors started life here, will remember the social
and cultural life of ancient eras ... biblical, music, literature, poetic ...
now available across all mediums – to coin an uncomfortable phrase!
 |
| Richard I being crowned |
 |
| Queen Victoria in her Coronation robes |
... which now has been digitally enhanced and from which we can learn something of our history and also be reminded of what is to come ...
In the
meantime, if I keep the Coronation information I have available now, I’ll be
able to write an intelligent post about the music and the poetry that will
celebrate our next sovereign incumbent!
How’s that for forward thinking?!
The Daily Telegraph article on The Queen's Coronation anniversary
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II - see Wiki
50 Facts about the Queen's Coronation ... from 2003 anniversary ... official British Monarch website
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
Letters Inspirational Stories
48 comments:
Queen Salote sounds amazing and I totally love that Coward quote about her! LOL! "Who's that with Queen Salote" "Her lunch"! LOL!
Take care
x
Wonderful post. I love all the tradition and pomp of the monarchy. And what a smile on Elizabeth's face. :)
The pomp and ceremony of the English royalty has always appealed to me(and not just because I live in Canada). My mother, an American, had high regard for the young queen. They were of a similar age.
Very informative post, Hilary. I think I like Queen Salote for thinking of her people over herself.
Those were the best pictures I have seen of the Queen in a long time, her smile is so happy and the picture where she laughs out loud is delightful. Thank you for this very informative and entertaining post. I wonder why it seems strange to me that we still have a king and a royal family in Sweden, while it feels perfectly as it should be that you guys have your Queen.
Living herer in the States we don't get to learn as much about Royal matters but they've always fascniated me!
Hi, Hilary,
Thanks for the "blow-by-blow" accounts. Fascinating. I always love the time and PASSION you put into your posts. I feel your excitement about your subjects.
A moste enjoyable read on this very rainy Chicago day....
In just one event, you'll see, hear, and experience centuries. Where else do you find that?
gosh. you need a lot of patience to last those fitting sessions if they go on for half a day!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I'd love to see the next Coronation. So much history and tradition. A lot of our memories stem from tradition and celebrations, be it religious holidays or family vacations, etc.
There's a lot to be said about the modern way of doing some things, but there is even more to say about the continuation of some traditions. The traditions in your country associated with the monarchy represent an intertwined sense of history and continuity, and I would imagine, instill a certain sense of pride, as well.
A great series, Hilary. And yes ma'am, you are indeed a forward thinker.
Ooh, very interesting. I admit I don't know much about coronations, but I'm working toward becoming less of an ignorant American. ;) So this was an informative read.
What a wonderful smile indeed! Helping to put the 'great' in Great Britain. Wonder when the new baby royal will show their face!
Love the story about Queen Salote. Of course I was thrilled to read about the Denham film studios. I first learned about them when I was a kid.
I always LOVE your posts, Hilary... :D
I look forward to the poetry post then. That pastoral landscape enchanted me.
Lovely post, Hilary. It's been a marvellous journey through your reminiscences and history here. And the last photos top it off The queen looks so happy!
Like that picture of Queen Salute as a child. That sparkle is there in here eyes.
I do so remember the Queen of Tonga, my father composed a little ditty at the time which stuck in my mind ever since.
I had seen that photograph of the queen laughing but didn't realise what the occasion was, no wonder she looks so excited. What a great thing for her to win.
Lots of interesting information again Hilary, thanks so much.
Great post. I really enjoy seeing all the traditions of the royal family. And I love the purple outfits - I really do. Glad to see she was smiling and happy. sandie
Gotta love all the traditions AND the corgis!
Oh, I love that smile of wonder and joy on Her Majesty's face as she holds that gold cup!
Very interesting post and lots of fun links to follow.
Sia McKye OVER COFFEE
@ Old Kitty - the whole Queen Salote thing is just larger than life and so much fun to see - then the clever quote .. typical Coward.
@ LG - delighted .. it's been interesting to write about the various aspects and the Queen's smile is just wonderful isn't it ..
@ DG - I agree there is something special about the pomp and ceremony and it doesn't get rolled out that often - we've just had a fair amount recently .. marriage, Jubilee and Coronation anniversary over and above the annual events ..
Wonderful you can mentally share these reminiscences with your mother .. I do that now my mother has gone ..
Queen Salote obviously had a great sense of the occasion ..
@ Inger - aren't they wonderful cheerful photos - I'm so pleased her horse won the Gold Cup race.
Your Swedish King and and royal family are more integrated than ours .. also our pomp and ceremony is so ingrained in the life of the country, which we've ensured lives on ... to remind us of our roots - yet keeps the traditions of State.
@ Keith - just glad I open a few doors to snippets of information you won't see elsewhere ..
@ Michael - it's been a 'long' series and could be longer - but I'd had enough.
Delighted that there's 'feel' that comes through via my posts .. I try to be different in my approach.
I hope we're going to have a dry period - last week we had a biting cold wind, and rain at times .. but everywhere it's 'funny' weather .. hope it cheers up for you!
@ Alex - you nailed it: in one event the British and her ancestors around the world will see, hear and experience centuries ... nowhere!
Excellent synopsis! Thank you!!
Thanks so much ..
@ Nutschell - I'd hate to stand around be kitted out! There's a lot more hard work and toil behind the scenes for each royal .. we just think they appear so well groomed and forget the behind the scenes work .. so I agree with you = 'gosh'!!
@ Elise - you'll definitely see one or two and probably three Coronations ... and you're right about our memories of our own family events ...
@ Susan - we need progress, but not change for change's sake .. and if we have something so unique, which has been rolled out regularly over the centuries, we really should keep it and not sweep it away.
I love seeing all the pomp and circumstance and it does give me pride .. thanks for your thoughts.
@ Karen - good to see you back ... delighted you enjoyed the postings ..
@ Shelley - that's wonderful if you're learning about your roots .. just glad you enjoyed it ..
@ Suzanne - the Queen's smile was just delightful wasn't it ... in a couple of weeks or so before that Royal baby appears (I hope it holds on for a bit!) ...
@ Bish - Queen Salote nearly ruled the day - you could at least see her!!!! I emailed you about Denham .. but I hadn't realised the connection ...
Dene - meaning steep sided valled; ham meaning hamlet ... from Old English ...
@ Morgan - delighted and thank you!
@ Julia - my poetry post and music post would have been practically plagiarism ... and I was struggling with too much Royalty! I might hold it for later in the year ... but a lot of information I'm not that comfortable with or knowledgeable about ...
Glad you enjoyed the Alvan Fisher pastoral landscape ..
@ Val - so pleased you've enjoyed these reminiscences - and the Queen winning the Gold Cup helped enormously with her wonderful smile ..
@ Haddock - good to see you .. and yes Queen Salote as a child is a great photo isn't it .. that sparkle ...
@ Jo - I think those of us of an age to vaguely remember the 1953 Coronation will always remember the land of Tonga .. how lovely that your father composed a ditty - they are fun memories ...
I thought you'd spot the photo, so am glad I've been able to enlighten you to the occasion - she is obviously so delighted ..
@ Sandie - isn't the Tyrian Purple a wonderful colour ... and she was so so ecstatic at her win - marvellous to see ...
@ Betty - yes and the Corgis ...
@ Sia - great photos of the Queen aren't they - she looks so good for 87 ... glad you enjoyed the post ..
Thanks everyone .. I'm royalled out for a while!! Cheers Hilary
What an amazing post. I had never heard about Queen Salote or that it was raining. Such wonderful titbits of information. Thank you for sharing.
Tasha's Thinkings
Love the story about Queen Salote, how fun! And I love that the corgis were watching over the fittings. :D
These old traditions are so fascinating, thanks as always for sharing.
This is such an informative and fun post with all the Brit Pomp and Ceremony explained. Love the pics of the Queen in purple with her radiant smile. Thanks for sharing this very special time in the history of England.
Sue CollectInTexasGal~Today's Post~
Wedding Wednesday...Colonial Ancestors Marriage Stories
Fascinating stuff! I love how happy she looks in that one photo in which she is laughing.
I like that shade, or tint of purple on her.
And she has a nice smile.
I will see three coronations here tonight. The olde Funsterhaus June 26th tradition of making and wearing paper crowns. In that EXACT purple color. We make them out of recycled....
gotta go!
xooxoxoxoxooxox
No one does the pomp and ceremony like the British. I have never rode in a carriage but its on my To Do List. Does the queen share rides and split the fare with commoners?
Okay, back now! Kelly wanted me to take some photos of her on her balance beam. So I did.
make them out of recycled ameythyst, or however you spell it.
xoxoxoxo
don't mind my jannie too mutch, she bin drinking the wines agin.
oxox
me
BB
@ Natasha - lovely to see you here .. and delighted you enjoyed the post ..
@ Julie - Queen Salote really did herself proud .. we forget the Queen will have her corgis wherever she goes ...
@ Sue - I'm glad I've got most of the bits and pieces down .. but the winning of the gold cup put the crown on all the celebrations .. the Queen's smile is wonderful ..
@ Lynn - her happiness shone through with lovely photos being snapped ..
@ Steve - there are coach rides, but not with the Queen's coaches ... and I don't think she charges .. but I think they're quite uncomfortable .... when you see them close up and read the snippets of info .. sorry I think you'll need to find your ride elsewhere ... perhaps take up Carriage Riding?
@ Jannie and Blue Bunny - I call it Tyrean Purple ... but who knows - as you say the colour suits her and she looked radiant .. love that she has flowers in her hair ...
The Funsterhaus sounds quite busy - three crowns from amethyst paper .. how delightful - what's the special event?
Great Kelly is doing so well with her balance beam .. and you're photographing the journey!
BB - well Mz Jannieees allowed a small sip or two occasionally me thinks .. you are there to keep an eye on her I know ... happy summer days to you both ..
Cheers everyone - happy Thursday .. Hilary
Great series Hilary! Can you think of any other time there has been (soon to be) 3 generations waiting in the wings to be the next king or queen?
Hi Jo .. in fact Queen Victoria .. Edward VII, George V, and Edward VIII (which he never became) and then George VI ...
Depending how you look at it four in the wings - but who'd have known ... at that stage re Edward VIII - who never became King ..
Interesting thought - the woven threads of monarchy are very interesting ... and remarkable in so many ways ..
Cheers to you - Hilary
I like to see all these ceremonies and traditions and costumes, it is something nice and cheerful to see and also very romantic at least for me !
When our King was coronated in 1993 after his brother died, he just wore a dark suit some medals on his chest and a ribbon. Rather disappointing.
I love this series. The Queen is fascinating, and so is her job. Can you even imagine all of that responsibility? I wonder if she's used to it, or if it still gets a little heavy at times.
Love the picture of her with her big winner. :)
I've always liked the pomp that surrounds British royalty. So much tradition!
@ Gattina .. I used to love sitting with my mother and watching any royal event as she enjoyed them too ...
The British certainly provide a different side to history with our pageantry and ancestral connections .. everything put on is always in the right tone ...
@ Rosy - many thanks .. so pleased .. she seems to have a balance, yet I imagine 7 days a week regardless if you're on holiday or not could be a little tedious ... but she seems to have been born with the right attitude and characteristics ... we're very lucky.
Isn't the photo wonderful ..
@ Sherry - thanks for coming over .. certainly we have tradition ..and it's good to remind everyone of our past with its pomp and ceremony ..
Cheers Hilary
The British are steeped in pomp and ceremony, but it is beautiful to watch such amazing productions, and all the creative inspiration.
You'll have to compile all these posts into a non-fiction history Hilary. They are marvelously informative.
.........dhole
Hilary, those photos of the Queen are stunning. Doesn't she look good in that purple, the best colour I've ever seen her in. I saw TV footage of her really happy after her horse won.
I remember Queen Salote so well too, but didn't know about her riding in an open carriage in the rain. I'm always learning something new from you. Thank you.
Spoken like a true Englishwoman, a Royalist, a traditionalist, an upholder of all things English (ahem, apart from the foreign bits here and there ).
You worked hard at these posts and deserve all the praise you got.
And I really like the picture of the happy Queen.
Thank you for today's history lesson Hilary. I always learn something new when I visit here :)
Hi Hilary,
Apologies for the lateness in my commenting on this posting. By the time I've commented back on my posting and worked my way through my blog list, well, before you know it, it's three days later. Oh my.
There is so much more that I have learnt about the Monarchy within your detailed posting. Including stuff I hadn't even realised such as,Queen Salote of Tonga.
Your meticulous detail with the added side notes, really is a wonder to behold. Although personally, I'm not a fan of the Monarchy, I do feel a certain pride in how our nation is so darned good at pomp and pageantry.
Penny was not amused by the Corgi.
Here's to the next crowning, as such.
Be well, enjoy a good weekend and thank you for your supportive, kind comment on my latest posting.
Cheerio,
Gary
@ Donna - thanks .. I do want to do something with these posts and the other pieces I haven't posted yet ..
@ Juliet - possibly that photo of the Queen is one of the best yet .. I love the flowers in her hat etc .. and I'm glad you were able to see a little of the tv footage - I had Laurel with me, so I missed it ..
Queen Salote in many ways was the defining picture of the coronation procession etc .. soaked to the skin, but happily smiling and that route was quite long 2 - 3 miles!
@ Friko - yes there is a rather near foreign connective link isn't there ...
I know bloggers appreciate the posts - so I do my best ... sometimes I get a little stressed, when I can't put it together .. but in the end only I know I don't quite achieve what I want!! Thanks though - so appreciate your comment ..
The Queen looking so happy is glorious isn't it ..
@ Martha - delighted you enjoy visiting ..
@ Gary - I just get behind and you have many more comments than I do - to reply to ...
I'm so pleased I remembered Queen Salote - everyone has enjoyed seeing these notes ..
I know not everyone is a royalist .. but I really wouldn't enjoy being without the pomp and ceremony .. just the historical aspect is so interesting and informative of our British life ... glad you feel some pride though!
Oh Penny - so sorry about the Corgi ... they do yap according to Prince William .. and I bet Penny is better behaved!
A few things to happen before the next Coronation .. but pomp and ceremony will prevail then too ..
Cheers to you all - thanks so much for your comments - Hilary
When I was little I was fascinated with your Queen. I remember doing a report on her life when I was in fourth grade. It seems almost unbelievable that she is still on the throne so many years later, but what a delightful person she appears to be. I love seeing the photos of her through the years, and her smile!
tm
Hi TM .. you've been working hard - so good to see you ... it's interesting remembering back what fascinated us as children ... the Queen is amazing isn't she - delighted you enjoyed this post .. especially her smile
Thanks - Hilary
Awesome finish to your grand series! Love the pictures of her winning the cup! The most candid shots I've seen of her. Relaxed and happy. Good work all around, Hils.
Tina @ Life is Good
Hi Tina .. delighted you enjoyed the series .. and isn't that picture of the Queen just delightful - I think it's glorious ... and doesn't she look happy - thankfully Prince Philip is out of hospital ...
Cheers to you .. Hilary
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