Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

News Anchor: Good evening. I’m John yang. In London, a ceremony not seen in 70 years. The coronation of a British monarch — there was all pageantry befitting the occasion. Dignitaries from around the world including first lady Jill Biden. In the streets, clouds clamoring for a glimpse of king Charles III and queen Camilla.

But as Malcolm Brant reports, there were also some protests.

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This was supposed to be a scaled-back coronation to reflect the financial structures endured by millions of Charles III’s subjects. As he finally fulfilled his destiny, the opulence on display was far grander than most would have seen in their lifetimes.

Pomp and circumstance are embedded in Britain’s DNA, and enthralled royalist who braved grim weather and lined the procession to Westminster avenue.

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But Charles is not as popular as his late mother, the Queen. Several anti-monarchists were arrested before it went underway. Among them were members of a group called Republic, which has been staging “Not my king” protests since Charles ascended to the throne.

Their leader, Graham Smith is seen here, sitting on the ground surrounded by police officers.

We interviewed him before the coronation.

Graham Smith, Chief Executive, Republic.org: “They misuse public money all the time for private use. They misuse public office to advance their own interests. If Charles were to stand in an election against other candidates in a free and fair election, he would lose and lost badly. Yet here he is as our head of state.”

The police say some detained were held on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a disturbance, which was denied by Republic spokesman Harry Stratton.
Harry Stratton,Republic.org: “Really a peaceful demonstration. The police without telling us why, where they are taking them, have arrested our organizers. Britain is meant to be a democracy; Charles isn’t treating us like one.”

The arrests have been widely condemned by opposition Parliamentarians, and human rights watch, which said this was something you would expect in Moscow, not London.

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Absorbed by a centuries old tradition, guests inside Westminster abbey were unaware of the disturbances. In the most mystical — almost bizarre element in the ceremony — ornate screens were erected while he was anointed with holy oil, symbolizing his spiritual status as the head of the Church of England.

Anna Whitelock, Director, Center for the Study of Modern Monarchy: “It is entirely in congress. For some people, that’s his charm, that it represents a golden thread through British history over centuries.

For others, it is both in congress, out of touch and also outrageous to be costing such a lot. And also celebrating the kind of values most people in modern Britain are no longer subscribed to.”

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Britain’s priceless Crown Jewels were at the heart of the ritual as king Charles was handed the sword of justice.

Archbishop: With this sword, do justice, stop the growth of inequity, protect the Holy Church of God and all people of goodwill.”

The centers of power and mercy. And finally, after being history’s longest ever serving heir to a throne, the crown was placed on Charles’ head. The ritual anointing of queen Camilla was far more subdued.

As king Charles left Westminster Abbey to the national anthem, one of those carrying the train of his robe was second in line to the throne, his grandson who is nine years old. Perhaps wondering if he was looking at his own destiny.

Britain’s gold stage coach, used in every coronation for nearly two-hundred years, carried the king and queen back to Buckingham palace, past cheering crowds.

Julia Wain: Cold, wet, tired. Feet hurt. But . . . fantastic, fantastic!

John Loudon: They have a dear friend from the U.K. that lives in America. She said she will never be a U.S. Citizen because she is loyal to the crown. That is a beautiful thing.

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Britain is the only European monarchy staging coronations. King Charles is 74. His reign will not be a long one. It will be up to prince William, whether he continues this tradition.

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Questions

King and Queen. Britain has a coronation for a new monarch every four years. True or false?

Prince and Princess. Only a few close friends and family members attended King Charles’ coronation ceremony. Is this right or wrong?

Duke and Duchess. Was the coronation ceremony a modest or extravagant event? Did King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in a limousine?

Heir to the Throne. Everyone in Britain was happy, thrilled and excited about the coronation of King Charles. Is this right or wrong? How do some Britons feel about King Charles? Why do they feel that way?

Bishop. Is Britain a complete democracy? Is the UK a hundred percent democratic?

Castle, Fortress. Is the British coronation ceremony similar to the swearing in of a new president? What items were featured in the ceremony?

Throne Room. Most Britons are not interested or indifferent about the monarchy. Is this correct or incorrect?

Knight, Vassal. Does the reporter believe Charles will the last British monarch?
 
 
 
Friar, Monk. What do you think of the British monarchy? How do you feel about the British monarchy?

Crown, Throne. Should Britain remain a kingdom or should Britain become a republic?

Attendant. Would you like your nation to be a monarchy? Did your nation have kings and queens, emperors and empresses?

Advisors, Counselors. What might happen in the future?

Joker. People’s attachment to the monarchy stems from childhood fairy tales and medieval fantasy worlds. What do you think?