On Saturday, an old white man will come into something he did not necessarily work hard for when the coronation of King Charles happens in the United Kingdom. Like other old white men around the globe, legions of people are expected to applaud him for doing the barest minimum, and now, many are wondering if the absurd and elaborate ceremony will be on television, too.
To begin with, the answer is, yes, it will be. While there was hope earlier in the year a strike by employees of the British Broadcasting Company would block the whole thing from becoming a big deal, it is important to note they do not have exclusive rights to cover the family with a legacy of inbreeding. As well, recent reports appear to indicate a strike is not going to disrupt the channel’s operations, and for those who do not want to view through the state broadcaster, there are a variety of other TV options.
A new Sky News article reveals they will be giving folks wall-to-wall coverage through their various channels and even over on their YouTube account, and there will also be footage available on Freeview, Virgin, BT, and Saorview’s platforms. Advertising breaks will also be removed, and groups from outside the nation like CNN will be present in Westminster Abbey in addition.
As this is the first coronation of a new royal “leader” since 1953, it is also important to note things have certainly changed in the decades since the late Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne. Support for the family being deemed important for no particular reason while being given generous support from taxpayers is at a historic low, and, now, it is easier and more affordable to watch on a screen. In 1953, televisions for Elizabeth’s big day cost £45 (which is above £1,000 today) and international coverage was at a relatively glacial pace. Then, 35mm film had to be flown to the United States and took days to edit, but now, the internet is rapid.
What will come after Charles — who, remember, is 74 — remains to be seen. For now, the monarchy goes on. Here’s hoping once he is in the top ceremonial role, he leaves a decent mark which ends up better than his years as the prince in waiting. After all, lord knows the nation may not want to see any more affairs from the grandfather and, certainly, no one wants to see him joking about being reincarnated as a tampon, which he really was caught talking about with then-mistress Camilla Parker Bowles years ago.
