Britain’s head of state is said to want a more accessible, forward-looking and inclusive monarchy. It’s not an easy message to convey through golden relics and ancient rituals.
The crowning of King Charles III will be a test of sentiment about the monarchy in Scotland, where many supporters of independence see the royals as part of the Britain they want to leave behind.
Images of the new king may be blanketing Britain, but many in the country are more focused on navigating a cost-of-living crisis than celebrating a dysfunctional royal family.
The Pearly Kings and Queens, known for their button-festooned costumes, preserve a charitable tradition that began in the Victorian era and became a symbol of the city’s working-class culture.