Coronation anticipation is building in Eastbourne and across the country as we get ready to crown King Charles III in an ancient, religious and solemn ceremony with the world watching.
I witnessed some of the late night rehearsals in London this week and on Tuesday, had the honour of meeting His Majesty when he visited parliament ahead of the big day.
I shook the King’s hand and conveyed well wishes from all of Eastbourne.
He said he hadn’t visited the town before. I duly extended an invitation. Timeout has billed Eastbourne as THE place to visit in 2023 after all.
And there may be a focus for such a visit in the government announcement this week:- England’s Coast Path is now to carry the King’s name.
This trail, a new walking route, will give right of access around our open coast for the very first time. When fully completed, it will be the longest coastal path in the world. His Majesty might like to take in the wonder of our globally reknown seven sisters coastline. The King would certainly then see our very special ‘gateway town’ position.
There are other plans to leave a Coronation legacy too through a series of new nature reserves, woodlands, and seeds for every school to grow wildflower meadows. And how else might Eastbourne establish a local coronation legacy?
The flags we see fluttering in the wind today at the Bandstand, and The Congress, were the gift of The Eastbourne Society to commemorate past royal jubilee celebrations. Speaking with Richard Crook, society member, I believe there may be an ambition for a new tribute to mark this new reign. Please get in touch with me to feed in your ideas.
Rain or shine, Saturday promises to be a good day. The Coronation is an important event for our country in a ceremony that has hardly changed for a thousand years.
This continuity is something we should be proud of as a United Kingdom. It is something many countries do not have and that many countries admire us for.
I hope to see you out and about over the coronation weekend. Until then, God Save The King!
