Economy
Charles III Crowned at Westminster Abbey in Ancient Rite
King Charles III was officially crowned on Saturday in a time-honored ceremony held at Westminster Abbey, where he received the majestic St. Edward’s Crown.
This significant event took place amidst efforts by the monarchy to maintain relevance in a modern and divided Britain. With over 2,000 guests, including world leaders, aristocrats, and celebrities, the atmosphere inside the medieval abbey was filled with fanfare, as trumpets resounded and the congregation enthusiastically exclaimed, “God save the king!” Meanwhile, outside the abbey, thousands of troops, numerous spectators, and a handful of protesters gathered, creating a vibrant backdrop. For Charles, this momentous occasion marked the culmination of a journey spanning seven decades from heir to monarch.
Both the royal family and the government regarded the coronation, code-named Operation Golden Orb, as an extraordinary display of heritage, tradition, and spectacle that is unparalleled globally. The ceremony was expected to be watched by millions, yet the awe and reverence it once evoked have diminished over time, leading some to greet the day with indifference. In fact, a group of Republican protesters gathered outside, shouting “Not my king,” expressing their disdain for an institution they perceive as representing privilege and inequality in a nation grappling with deepening poverty and social fragmentation. A few individuals were even arrested.
Despite this backdrop, thousands of people from across the United Kingdom and around the world eagerly awaited the king’s arrival at Westminster Abbey. They had camped overnight along the 1.3-mile route that Charles and his wife, Camilla, traversed in a grand horse-drawn carriage adorned with gilt trim. The church itself buzzed with excitement, adorned with fragrant flowers and vibrant hats, as international dignitaries and nobles joined the congregation. Notable figures in attendance included U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, eight current and former British prime ministers, and renowned celebrities like Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, and Lionel Richie.
The traditional Anglican service, slightly modified to reflect modern times, commenced with Charles, attired in crimson and cream robes, solemnly swearing on a Bible as a “true Protestant.” However, a preface was added to the coronation oath, affirming the Church of England’s commitment to fostering an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. Notably, the epistle from the King James Bible was read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Hindu leader. A gospel choir delivered a newly composed “Alleluia,” and for the first time in history, female clergy participated in the ceremony. Additionally, representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths were included.
In a captivating display of royal authority rooted in antiquity, Charles received anointing with oil from the Mount of Olives in the Holy Land, along with the presentation of an orb, swords, and scepters. Finally, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the solid gold crown, adorned with over 400 precious stones, atop the monarch’s head, accompanied by resounding trumpets and nationwide gun salutes.
For over a millennium, British monarchs have been crowned in grandiose ceremonies, symbolizing their legitimate right to rule. Charles becomes the 40th sovereign to be crowned in Westminster Abbey, and at the age of 74, he is the oldest monarch to ascend the throne. In contemporary times, the king no longer holds executive or political power, rendering the ceremony purely ceremonial. Charles automatically became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September. Nevertheless, the king retains his role as the United Kingdom’s head of state, representing national identity. In an era when support for the monarchy is waning, particularly among younger generations.
Nonetheless, Charles has endeavored to lead a more streamlined and cost-effective monarchy for the 21st century. His coronation was comparatively shorter than Elizabeth’s three-hour ceremony, featuring fewer guests and a condensed procession. Nevertheless, attendees were treated to a visual spectacle that included judges donning wigs, soldiers adorned with gleaming medals on their red tunics, members of the House of Lords, international royalty, heads of state, public servants, key workers, and local heroes.
In a noteworthy display of unity, the famously feuding royal family presented a show of solidarity. Prince William, the heir to the throne, attended alongside his wife, Kate, and their three children. Prince Harry, William’s younger brother who has publicly clashed with the family, arrived unaccompanied, while his wife Meghan and their children remained in California.
Towards the conclusion of the ceremony, Prince William knelt before his father, King Charles III, pledging loyalty and affection by kissing him on the cheek. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby then invited everyone present in the abbey to pledge “true allegiance” to the monarch. While this moment was also extended to the television audience, it was toned down after facing criticism for being perceived as a somewhat insensitive request for a public oath of allegiance to Charles.
The contemporary audience differs significantly from those who witnessed Elizabeth’s coronation. Today, nearly 20% of the population comprises ethnic minority groups, a significant increase compared to less than 1% in the 1950s. The presence of over 300 languages spoken in British schools and less than half the population identifying as Christian further exemplifies the diverse composition of the country. Nonetheless, people from around the world and across Britain flocked to the occasion, driven by a desire to be part of this historic event.
Jill Coughlin, a devoted royal supporter from Essex, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a joyous experience to be surrounded by love and witness the ascension of our King Charles. He represents stability and continuity for us, building upon the legacy of our beloved queen. It’s a truly wonderful moment for all of us.”
Referring to the countrywide recent havoc and atrocities, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that she had an apprehension there might be a strike like this by the BNP-Jamaat clique to pull down the country’s prosperity.
“. . . they (BNP-Jamaat) had wanted not to hold the elections, but we had arranged the elections. After election they thought it wouldn’t be accepted by all, but we’ve also made it acceptable to all and we’ve formed the government. It was an apprehension to me that there would be a strike like this,” she said.
The Premier made this remarks while exchanging views with editors, senior journalists and head of news of various media outlets, organised by Editors’ Guild at her office (PMO).
She mentioned that before and after the election in 2013-14, the BNP-Jmaat clique unleashed arson attacks and killings that left hundreds of people killed and thousands injured.
“It was little bit understandable that this (the activities and movement of the students) was a grave conspiracy,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that she didn’t want any incident which might invite any unwanted situation that will invite instability in the country. “It was the target to destroy country’s economy,” she said.
She questioned about the understanding level of the people who supported these mayhem aiming to cripple the country’s advancement and prosperity.
Sheikh Hasina, also the chief of Awami League, said that vested quarter is highly interested to destroy country’s independence and the continuation of the democracy that is going on for long 15 years.
She again said that she never wanted to deploy army personnel in the field while the students were there for the sake of their security.
“While they (students) declared that they are not involved in the on going subversive activities then we called for army,” she said.
The premiers also said that she also didn’t want to impose curfew as the country is going through a democratic environment for 15 years.
She requested the people to resist those who have done this bane for the country. “They have destroyed all the structures have been built for their welfare and livelihood. They have struck all those structures. Who will be the worst sufferer? Of course, mass people. Now it is the responsibility of the mass people to resist these terrorism and militancy,” she said.
The premier called for creating mass awareness against the militancy that has opened in the destructive activities.”If the people don’t become aware then what could we do or how much we could do alone,” she said.
She also mentioned that the targets of the recent mayhem was Awami League, Freedom Fighters and pro-liberation forces.
The Prime Minister said that when all demands of the quota-free movement students were accepted why they gave scope to the militants for doing such heinous activities.
“One day the quota-free movement activists have to answer to the nation, why they gave such opportunity to them for this destruction to the country,” she said.
PM’s Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan moderated the programme, while Editors’ Guild president Mozammel Huq Babu delivered welcome address.
Senior journalist Abed Khan, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Nayeem Nizam, DBC Editor-in-Chief and CEO Monzurul Islam, Bhorer Kagoj Editor and Jatiya Press Club general secretary Shyamol Dutta, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Jatiya Press Club president Farida Yasmin, Dhaka Journal chief editor Syed Istiaque Reza, Head of News Nagorik TV Dip Azad, Amader Somoy Editor Mainul Alam, Bangladesh Journal editor Shajahan Sarder, DBC news editor Zayedul Ahsan Pintu, Ashish Saikat of Independent TV, Bangla Tribune editor Zulfiquer Russell, head of News of 71 TV Shakil Ahmed, Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad, Head of News of Kings News Nazmul Huq Saikat and Mamunur Rahman Khan of RTV also spoke.
Britain’s inflation rate held steady in June after returning to the Bank of England’s target the previous month, official data showed Wednesday, confounding expectations for another modest slowdown.
The Consumer Prices Index was unchanged at 2.0 percent in June from the same level in May, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement, compared with market forecasts of 1.9 percent.
“Hotel prices rose strongly, while second-hand car costs fell but by less than this time last year,” said ONS chief executive Grant Fitzner.
“However, these were offset by falling clothing prices, with widespread sales driving down their cost.
“Meanwhile, the cost of both raw materials and goods leaving factories fell on the month, though factory gate prices remain above where they were a year ago.”
Analysts said the data could cause the Bank of England to sit tight for a while longer before starting to cut interest rates.
“The chances of an interest rate cut in August have diminished a bit more,” said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at research consultancy Capital Economics.
Last month, the BoE kept its key interest rate at a 16-year high of 5.25 percent, despite slowing inflation in May.
Britain’s newly elected Labour government welcomed news that inflation remained at the BoE’s target level.
“It is welcome that inflation is at target,” said Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in a statement.
“But we know that for families across Britain prices remain high… (which) is why this government is taking the tough decisions now to fix the foundations” of the UK economy, he said.
Labour, led by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has pledged immediate action to grow the economy after the centre-left party won a landslide general election victory to end 14 years of Conservative rule.
Later on Wednesday, King Charles III will read out Labour’s first programme for government in a decade and a half, when the UK parliament formally reopens following the July 4 election.
Elevated interest rates have worsened a UK cost-of-living squeeze because they increase borrowing repayments, thereby cutting disposable incomes and crimping economic activity.
The BoE began a series of rate hikes in late 2021 to combat inflation, which rose after countries emerged from Covid lockdowns and accelerated after the invasion of Ukraine by key oil and gas producer Russia.
China’s economy grew 4.7 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, official data showed Monday, less than analysts had expected.
“By quarter, the GDP for the first quarter increased by 5.3 percent year on year and for the second quarter 4.7 percent,” Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a statement.
The figures were much lower than the 5.1 percent predicted by analysts polled by Bloomberg.
Retail sales — a key gauge of consumption — also slowed to just two percent in June, the NBS said, down from 3.7 percent in May.
The world’s second-largest economy is grappling with a real estate debt crisis, weakening consumption, an ageing population and trade tensions with Western rivals.
Top officials are meeting in Beijing on Monday for a key plenum, with all eyes on how they might kickstart lacklustre growth.
