Peter Stefanovic: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation promises to be a spectacle

Perhaps the King should have delayed his crowning to give him time to win over sceptics, says Peter Stefanovic.

London is putting on a face.

A face only it can put on.

Despite grey clouds, slight rain, and cold weather – the city is dressed up in the colours of the Union Jack.

Despite polls that suggest a lack of interest in the new monarch – the face of Charles is everywhere.

Happy and Glorious.

Two words stapled to Admiralty Arch that look down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. Despite troubled times the show goes on.

But are people taking notice? Not really. Not yet anyway.

It’s been a muted beginning to Coronation week, which is odd considering most of us have never seen one.

Peter Stefanovic, In London, Sky News Australia, Anchor of First Edition. Supplied

Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was on the 2nd June 1953 – almost 70 years ago – Charles was just a boy. Yet we’ve barely seen him this week, or any member of his family for that matter. And so, the broadcast site built for the world’s media outside the Palace has been unusually quiet.

Maybe there is royal fatigue. A very popular long serving Queen died just eight months ago, and before that her Platinum Jubilee was a cause for historic celebrations. Then there are the regular attempts by Harry and Meghan to rattle and undermine The Firm – as the Royal Family is known.

At a time when costs are crunching the average household the thought of a multimillion-dollar celebration for an extremely wealthy institution that loves a tax break doesn’t wash well with the public. So maybe folks are just, well, over it.

It was said to me this week perhaps the King should have delayed his crowning for another six months to allow more time to pass. To give him more of a chance to win over those who are still sceptical of him. Charles is 74 years of age though – he’s not waiting any longer.

Whatever the apprehension, whatever the concern, this will be a spectacle. Have no doubt about that. Charles isn’t anywhere near as popular as his mother was, but few will ever reach those heights or stay there for so long. Elizabeth was crowned as a youthful 27-year-old with most of her life ahead of her – Charles is well into his eighth decade with most of his life in the past.

But tens of thousands of people will still line the procession route to watch him, while millions of people around the world will tune in on television and online. Because it’s history, a grand occasion is upon us, and no one does pomp and pageantry better than the Brits. Whether it’s at home, or at a street party, people will be out in force for a moment in time that’s supposed to bring a smile.

For as long as the Royal family is around, it’ll remain one of the United Kingdom’s great assets. An asset steeped in history and tradition with links to the past and a nod to the future – and now, it’s got another show to put on.

Peter Stefanovic, First Edition Anchor on Sky News Australia

Watch The Coronation on Sky News Australia, live coverage begins 4pm AEST on Saturday 6 May.

Originally published as Peter Stefanovic: King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation promises to be a spectacle