Lady Di days

 

The top picture shows Andrew Parker Bowles and his then-wife Camilla, back in the day.  He has lived to see his first wife become queen consort.

        (Since none of them is allowed to be divorced, it's -- ehrm -- good that everyone's divorced...)

The other photograph is of the crown King Charles will wear.

His Coronation is Saturday.

a few Reader Comments from underneath the New York Times article:

* Mythos

USA

I love the history, ceremony, and stability that this monarchy offers.  Not to mention standards of decorum and quality.  And how it co-exists with and contrasts against the rowdiness of elected officials.  A blip here, a scandal there provide excitement and distraction from the other news around us.  I hope he will say more on climate change.

* Allison

Out West

I will never understand how an American could support even the idea of monarchy.  It is possible to value history, stability, and decorum without believing that a person is chosen by God to rule, which is utter nonsense.  Monarchy, including constitutional monarchy, is completely counter to that for which the United States stands.

* Michael Willhoite

Cranston, Rhode Island

Americans deploring the monarchy and calling for its end are hypocrites.  Consider how multitudes are comparing Trump to Jesus, regarding him much as a monarch, and voting against their own interests when they bother to vote at all.  

        The monarchy works for Britons, and Charles is doing his bit to democratize it.  As for Americans criticizing the monarchy, well--not your game, not your ball.

Ian Wood

New York City

Tricky business for Canada.  Many Canadians, most Brits and pretty much everyone from any other nation are not aware that Charles is also the King of Canada, a completely legally separate monarchy from the UK.  

        Although less republican than Australia, Canada's demographics are no longer tilted in favour of continuing such an institution, and each change of monarch will push them closer to the edge of abolishing the entire affair.

Smoky Tiger

Wisconsin

I won't be watching the Coronation.

Charlie

New Mexico

I've been an avid royal watcher since the Lady Di days. Watched all the weddings, funerals, etc. but I have little interest in watching this wasteful spectacle which saddens me.  Somehow the majesty and allure of this institution died with Queen Elizabeth.

Mindy

Texas

A group of us will be watching the Coronation Saturday evening wearing our finery.  We'll have typical High Tea fare, while we enjoy the pageantry.  Looking forward to a jolly good time and God Save the King!

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Absent a palace courtier to consult, we clicked on Google to find out what English "High Tea" is.  It said -- "English High Tea usually involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat.  Variations on high tea could include the addition of pies, potatoes, and crackers."

        So -- snacks.

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