Prompt Cast
The Extravagant and Shambolic Coronations of the British Monarchs
TLDR The coronations of British monarchs, from George IV to Queen Elizabeth II, were marked by a combination of vulgarity, chaos, protests, and extravagant attire. Despite the varying degrees of spectacle, these coronations had a significant impact on the future of the ceremony and the monarchy itself.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
George IV's coronation was described as simultaneously vulgar, shambolic, and incredibly expensive, with the king's large size and extravagant attire being notable features of the event.
05:29
George I's coronation was marked by high security, riots by Tory mobs, and protests against the sermon of Henry Cechevrol, with may poles being seen as a symbol of Jacobitism.
10:00
George I's coronation was marked by riots and the passing of the Riot Act, while George II's coronation was a high point with a splendid ceremony and the use of a pulley to lift the queen due to the weight of her jewel-adorned dress.
14:08
George III's coronation was a disaster, with delays, forgotten items, a lack of canopies, overcrowded crowds, and even a toilet mishap involving the Duke of Newcastle.
18:41
George IV's coronation was postponed due to his marital difficulties and he insisted that everyone dress in medieval and Elizabethan attire, while he dressed as Napoleon and expected the country to pay for his costume.
23:16
Caroline, the estranged wife of George IV, is turned away from his coronation and dies two weeks later, while George IV himself arrives at his coronation wearing a massive Napoleonic costume and complains about the suffering of the day.
27:44
The coronation of William IV was a much simpler and less extravagant affair, with the king himself expressing awe and a sense of responsibility when the crown was placed on his head.
33:00
Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838 was considered to be shambolic, under-rehearsed, and a bit shabby, lacking the chaos and vulgarity that is often associated with British state occasions.
37:30
Queen Victoria's coronation had a significant impact on the future of coronations, making them more imperial in nature, and subsequent coronations, such as those of George V and Elizabeth II, followed suit.
41:42
The coronation of George VI is considered quite boring compared to other coronations, and it was originally intended for his brother Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne.
46:25
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was viewed by a majority of people either with indifference, as a spectacle, or with excitement, but it remained a religious service that held little meaning for the increasingly non-Christian population of Britain.
50:57
The series ends with a discussion about the coronation science, expressing excitement about the uncovering of the Cosmati pavement and disappointment that there won't be a horse backing up to the king, and concludes with well wishes for a good coronation and an invitation for listeners to have a good time and express their political persuasions.
Categories:
History
