Tag: Coronation

Critics of the coronation should remember that power and legitimacy are conferred by ritual, not obscured by it. Without ceremonies like the coronation, what else can shape the ways in which power can be used?

The late Queen would visit Edinburgh at least once a year. I remember well how people tended to pause briefly as she appeared, politely acknowledge her and quietly continue on their way. It was the same as she strolled through the Scottish Highlands: “Morning, Ma’am” and the short greeting crisply returned. Respect, with little fuss.