London | Walking into Westminster Abbey for the first coronation of an English monarch in 70 years was as surreal an experience as Great Britain can purvey – which, in this land of eccentric excess, is saying something.

The normally gloomy cathedral was bathed in fierce light, like a film set. It made everything seem hyperreal. The costumery added to the cinematic atmosphere – all the kilts, fascinators, robes, gowns and ethnic dress turned the nave into something out of a Baz Lurhmann film.