The streets were quiet but the square was bustling. A once-in-a-lifetime experience complete with all the pomp and circumstance is hard to pass up for, even the most introverted.
It was almost poetic. The screen in Oldham’s Parliament Square was overlooked by the war memorial and parish church, hemmed in by the town hall – quite literally God by thy right, held up and in line by government, and watched over by stoic defenders.
Reverend Daniel Burton, Vicar of Oldham, said: “As a priest of the Church of England, we do have a very close relationship with the monarchy.
“And whether one thinks that is a good idea or not, that is the constitution that we have.”
If people did take a critical stance to the royals, it was impossible to tell through the sea of Union Jack flags, hats, and memorabilia.
Oldham’s local mascots, the Oldham Owls, made an appearance, alongside giant pigeons, royal guardsmen on stilts, and a raptor-wearing crown – clearly Charles wasn’t the only Rex today.
But the reverend also had a very deep and sincere position of the “peculiar and unique relationship” between the church and state. After all, religion plays an important part in many British lives, yet not all of those believers are Christian.
Talking with University of Huddersfield student journalist, Aisha, she said: “I’m focusing on the fact that the king openly supports all faiths.
“As a Muslim, I feel like that was something that was needed.”
In fact, King Charles seems to have made great strides in this effort, by wishing to be seen as a defender of all faiths.
Aisha and many others talked of the diversity in the crowds, of people from all backgrounds representing their nation.
A KeyRing support worker, Debbie, said: “It’s really nice seeing everyone to see people coming together to celebrate something, especially with so much uncertainty at the moment.
“People we support have a really tough time sometimes, and it’s nice for them to see the world isn’t all so bad.”
Many would agree with her. Between the cost-of-living crisis, a pandemic, and a series of national political scandals – it’s enough to make people tired, or worse, apathetic.
But today was in one word, excitement. It was cheering. It was shouts of “God save the King!”
It was a much-needed letting off some steam.
Revd. Burton summed up the atmosphere perfectly. He said: “I think that it is a joyful day today to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch.
“It’s a new beginning, the beginning of a new era.”
Outside of the crowning, rituals, and parades it was the armed forces giving three cheers that resonated most. The crowd fell enthusiastically silent. In awe, in respect, in wonder.
And then, like some god-given British right, the heavens opened and the drizzle fell.
