Nobody Does it Like The British...

After the sad and momentous passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September, the eyes of the world focused upon the UK as it strived to appropriately mark the closure of one of the most incredible reigns in history. State leaders, foreign royalty, Presidents and many other notable guests arrived in London to solemnly but respectfully attend the funeral of a monarch whose long and stable reign has already passed into legend. And what a spectacle the funeral was! As sad an occasion as it was, it was undeniably glorious in sense of the tradition, grandeur and historical significance. From the funeral cortege journeys through the flower-laden streets, to the horse-drawn chariots carrying the late Queen’s coffin, we saw one poignant and unforgettable image after another. Gun salutes, minute’s silences, Princes standing vigil, public queues miles long to pay simple tribute….You could almost hear millions of viewers wistfully repeating that often-heard phrase, “Nobody does this kind of thing like the British…” - And it may well be true. It’s the pomp and ceremony, the ages-old traditions and pageantry, the sights, the sounds, the colours…It’s just all somehow so very….British.

End of the Elizabethan Age...

So a new era begins as the second Elizabethen age draws to an end. King Charles III's coronation will be held on Saturday 6th May 2023, Buckingham Palace has announced. It will see the official crowning of the oldest ‘new’ monarch in English history, as Charles ascended to the throne in September at the age of 73. In contrast to the natural solemnity of the events surrounding the Queen’s passing, the coronation (and lengthy build up) will undoubtedly be a far more jolly affair! As it should be too…Essentially any of the population under the age of around 80 years of age has never seen a Monarch’s coronation, yet another happy consequence of the Queen's unprecedented lengthy reign and life. So for those viewers it will be novel, fascinating and powerful, all at the same time. 

Bonus Bank Holidays & Being un-British...

Speaking of unprecedented, the UK will also benefit from an additional Bank Holiday two days after the event, Monday 8th May, which was something of a surprise given the proximity to the two existing May Bank Holiday dates - But is still very welcome nonetheless for most, meaning the nation should be right in the mood for a momentous patriotic day full of community events, street-based socialising and so on! After all, we had enough practice at all that during lockdown so the nation is now a dab hand and dressing its garden and streets with Union Jack flags and patriotic bunting, so expect to see plenty of that as we approach the date!

Aside from the heartfelt reaction to the Queen’s death, there are other reasons perhaps for what seems to be a tangible recent rise in the public interest in the royal family. Of course that interest has always been there but certain recent events have definitely made something of a reality show feel about the most famous family in the nation. ‘At Home With The Windsors,’ if you will… The global fascination with the courtship and ultimately marriage of Prince Harry to US actress Meghan Markle has likely been the biggest single factor, as the souring of their relationship wBonus Bank Holidays and Being un-British....ith the Windsor family and subsequent public airing of grievances being a decidedly un-British course of events. (What could be more modern and anti-tradition than a royal couple spilling all of the scandalous beans to a chat show host, then on a podcast, to be followed by a tell-all book and finally agreeing a docu-series deal with Netflix??)....It’s also hard to deny the ongoing impact of the wildly-successful TV drama 'The Crown' in terms of its influence on the public interest. Fictional it may be (to a point) but it’s so polished, convincing and seemingly-authentic that you can’t help but feel it will be taken as gospel by all but the most discerning of viewers. Not to mention the recent rather less than flattering portrayal of our newly-crowned King Charles himself means that the impending coronation does arrive at a particularly sensitive moment for the royal family.

Splendour & Ceremony...

All of that said however, it’s highly unlikely that anything will be allowed to dampen spirits for such an enormously-iconic moment. Indeed, given all the current difficulties we currently face such as the ongoing pandemic effects, the cost of living crisis, war in Europe and many more, it feels so vital that the country takes this opportunity to really celebrate the best of British. This coronation is, amongst many other things, also an amazing opportunity to show the world that indeed nobody does do this kind of thing like the British! Let us dazzle with all the incredible glitz, splendour and ceremony, and let’s hope we all as a nation do get right behind it and mark it in fitting style.

So with all the above in mind, here is our very own Flag Shop Pocket Guide to Preparing your Coronation Party!

Dress it fit for a King

Time to get your custom-designed King Charles III Coronation Flag, which will mean you’ll be right up to date with your brand new King Charles flag! Maybe it’s going to be the classic Union Jack flags or trusty Union Jack bunting, style your home, walls, hedges and gardens appropriately and help create that Coronation vibe for all to see!

Mark it on the go!

Our Union Jack car flag means you can show your support as you drive, sharing it with all who you pass!

Share the coronation vibe

We’re experts at this now since the pandemic, VE day etc….Neigbours all sat round garden tables decorated with little Union Jack Table Flags…Someone’s live-streaming the ceremony repeats on a phone...Endless scones and pots of tea on the go….All this as you gather under your patriotically-styled garden and streets - Talk about a very British affair!

By the end of what should be a momentous period of celebration, togetherness and patriotism, no doubt we will all truly feel proud to be British.