Republican Anthony Albanese’s prominent role in King Charles coronation
Anthony Albanese will be one of the first to enter Westminster Abbey walking behind an Australian flag down the central aisle as part of the official procession.
Matildas star Sam Kerr will act as Australian flag-bearer in the coronation of King Charles III, leading a contingent including Anthony Albanese and the Governor-General, David Hurley, down the central aisle of Westminster Abbey as part of the official procession.
A dozen prominent Australian representatives will also attend, including comedian Adam Hills, singer Nick Cave, Wiradjuri-British artist Jasmine Coe, ballet dancer Leanne Benjamin, Young Australian of the Year Daniel Nour, youth advocate Yasmin Poole, Britain-based emergency department nurse Emily Regan, medical researcher Minette Salmon, arts leader Claire Spencer and vaccinologist Merryn Voysey.
The Prime Minister said he was honoured to represent Australia in the “historic occasion” and “proud to join a group of remarkable Australians who will attend the coronation, showcasing our truly diverse and dynamic nation”, which includes Victoria Cross recipient Daniel Keighran, Cross of Valour recipient Richard Joyes, soprano Yvonne Kenny and the state governors.
Buckingham Palace has announced ceremonial roles for each of His Majesties Realms, which elevates Mr Albanese, General Hurley and other leaders of the 14 realms above many of the 2000 guests inside the Abbey and ensures the two will have a prime position to witness the coronation proceedings.
A committed republican, Mr Albanese has acquiesced to King Charles’ desires to illustrate a firm commitment to Australia, and the monarch’s priorities for all of the realms: not only Australia but New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.
They will be one of the first groups to enter the abbey in the ceremonial procession, just behind the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, other faith leaders and faith representatives. The procession will start at the Great West Door, passing through the Nave, the Quire and towards the High Altar.
Another Australian, 49-year-old Wangaratta resident Simon Abney-Hastings, the 15th Earl of Loudoun, will be in the procession alongside Lord Hastings, carrying one of the important regalia symbols, the golden spurs.
Earl Loudoun will enter the Abbey behind General Sir Gordon Messenger, the Governor of the Tower of London, who will carry St Edward’s Crown, and other aristocrats and officials bearing St Edward’s Staff, the Sceptre with Cross, the Sceptre with the Dove, the Orb, the sovereign’s ring and the Sword of Offering.
Walking behind the Earl of Loudoun will be the Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, carrying the Sword of State.
Other officers will then follow carrying other regalia: the Sword of Mercy, the Sword of Spiritual Justice and the Sword of Temporal Justice.
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