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London: Rishi Sunak Saturday made history as the first Indian-born British Prime Minister to perform a reading at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey in London.
The 42-year-old British Hindu leader read from the Epistle to the Colossians of the New Testament reflecting on the theme of service to others, in keeping with the modern tradition of UK prime ministers giving readings on state occasions.
He and his wife Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Moorthy, led the procession of flag bearers as the British Union flag was flown to the monastery by a senior Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet.
“In the monastery where kings were crowned for nearly a thousand years, representatives of each religion will play a central role for the first time,” Sunak said in a statement on the eve of the historic event.
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride. Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy: its fortitude, devotion to duty, and service to others. No other country can offer such a dazzling show – processions, festivals, ceremonies, and street parties,” he said.
However, he stressed that the coronation – the first in 70 years since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 – is not just a spectacle but a proud expression of history, culture and tradition.
He noted: “Living proof of the modern character of our country. and cherished rituals by which a new era is born… And in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean age, people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness.
“So this weekend let us celebrate with pride for who we are and what we stand for. Let us look to the future with hope and optimism. And let us make new memories, so that we can tell our grandchildren the day we gathered to sing: ‘God Save the King.’”
The 42-year-old British Hindu leader read from the Epistle to the Colossians of the New Testament reflecting on the theme of service to others, in keeping with the modern tradition of UK prime ministers giving readings on state occasions.
He and his wife Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Moorthy, led the procession of flag bearers as the British Union flag was flown to the monastery by a senior Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet.
“In the monastery where kings were crowned for nearly a thousand years, representatives of each religion will play a central role for the first time,” Sunak said in a statement on the eve of the historic event.
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride. Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy: its fortitude, devotion to duty, and service to others. No other country can offer such a dazzling show – processions, festivals, ceremonies, and street parties,” he said.
However, he stressed that the coronation – the first in 70 years since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 – is not just a spectacle but a proud expression of history, culture and tradition.
He noted: “Living proof of the modern character of our country. and cherished rituals by which a new era is born… And in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean age, people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness.
“So this weekend let us celebrate with pride for who we are and what we stand for. Let us look to the future with hope and optimism. And let us make new memories, so that we can tell our grandchildren the day we gathered to sing: ‘God Save the King.’”
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