Penny Mordaunt says the king's coronation was «a humiliating day in every way.» Photo: Julian Symonds for The Telegraph.
Penny Mordaunt expressed gratitude for the recognition she received for her sword-wielding role in the coronation.
The leader of the House of Commons, who impressed an audience of billions around the world by holding the 8-pound (3.6 kg) State Sword in the air for 51 minutes in a two-hour ceremony on Saturday at Westminster Abbey, said she found the whole experience «humiliating» .
She is the first woman in history to fill the role of Lord President of the Privy Council, the sovereign's body of advisers, which includes high-ranking elected politicians and ceremonial officials at a coronation.
< p>The former budding leader of the Tory Party, 50, generated memes not only for her shoulder strength, but also for her stunning turquoise dress and cloak, which featured a Greek goddess embroidery motif in the form of golf leafs. The odds of her replacing Rishi Sunak as prime minister have since been reduced by bookmakers.
In an article for The Telegraph, the MP for North Portsmouth, who is a Royal Navy reservist, said: people ask hundreds of times how I feel about the coronation.
“It was a humiliating day in every way. Crowned heads and world leaders were just faces in the assembly.
“If people have chosen to recognize my role, then I am grateful. But my appreciation and thanks are reserved to all who participated.”
Exclusive article by Penny Mordaunt
Hinting about how much everyone practiced their roles, she added, “Of course, on Saturday we were all focused on the event. But what we did see was the process. For many that day, they prepared, knowing that if they did their job really well, no one would notice. This was true of both the street party organizers and the Earl Marshal who organized the coronation.
Think of those in the RAF who were training and planning and so wanted to participate but were disappointed by the weather. And for all service personnel drying out after many hours of rain. Three former chiefs of defense who stood next to me with swords. Stewards, police and lifeguards. And also for caregivers, community workers and small business owners. If they all do their duty, no one will notice.”
Ms. Mordaunt trained to take on a physically demanding role. Photo: Yui Mok/AP. -a quarter of the world's land mass… Not in homage to a past empire, but in honor of a modern, vibrant coalition — the triumph of a constitutional democracy that can trace its lineage back a thousand years.
Defending the rights of protesters, she said that democracy is “dissent,” adding: “Some people think that democracies are weak because of this, and that autocracies somehow feel better. The reverse is true. At times like these, we are reminded of what we all have in common. And that we should cherish each other and the differences and obligations between us.»
She also urged politicians to heed the king's example, using «courage, patience and judgment to listen to all points of view.»
«Hate won't get you anywhere,» she added. «We live in a cynical world, the only antidote to which is service, duty and love.»
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