The future coronation of Prince William, who is next in line to the throne, has become a topic of debate due to the financial burden it places on the public.
Ingrid Seward, a renowned royal expert, predicts that we may never witness another grand coronation like the one held for King Charles.
Speaking to Newsweek, Seward expressed her belief that the upcoming coronation will be scaled down significantly.
The cost of King Charles’ coronation was staggering, amounting to a whopping £118 million.
Considering this hefty price tag, it is expected that Prince William’s coronation will be a more modest affair.
Seward emphasizes that the Royal Family is conscious of the public’s financial contribution to the event and believes it would be more favorable to opt for a scaled-down ceremony.
“I don’t think people will want it,” she states.
According to The Guardian, the broadcast of the previous coronation attracted an impressive 20 million viewers.
However, this does not necessarily indicate that the public is willing to foot the bill for such an extravagant event.
In fact, a recent YouGov poll revealed that 51% of Britons oppose government funding for the coronation, while only 31% are in favor.
Comparing King Charles’ coronation to that of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, reveals a significant reduction in scale.
Charles had 2,000 guests, whereas the Queen’s coronation boasted a guest list of 8,251 individuals.
Additionally, Charles’ ceremony was shorter, lasting two hours, which is about an hour less than his mother’s in 1953.
Prince William, known for his strong commitment to environmental sustainability, may opt for a more restrained coronation to conserve resources and minimize costs.
His dedication to the environment is evident through initiatives like the innovative Earthshot Prize.
Taking this into account, it is not surprising that he would prioritize saving money and energy for his own coronation.
The recent unexpected abdication of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has sparked speculation about whether Charles should follow suit.
However, Seward dismisses this idea, asserting that it is unlikely for Britain to witness an abdication.
She emphasizes that just because European royal families are abdicating does not mean the British monarchy will follow suit.
While William’s coronation may be years away, he already has ambitious plans as the Prince of Wales.
As a future king, he understands the need to strike a balance between fulfilling the Royal Family’s desires and meeting the expectations and financial concerns of the public.
The question of how to navigate these competing interests will undoubtedly shape the future of the British monarchy.