Chris Campbell, UK Ambassador to Ecuador: “I will watch Carlos III’s coronation on TV with a great cup of coffee and lots of joy”

The world has its eyes on him United Kingdom straight away. Less than 24 hours when the 11:00 am (local time, 05:00 in Ecuador) from Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey (London), the King Charles IIItogether with his wife Camillawill be officially crowned in a ceremony with an institutional relevance that many British people admireespecially for his compatriot Chris CampbellUnited Kingdom Ambassador to Ecuador since 2020.

When will the coronation of King Carlos III take place?

Although the British monarch achieved this position after the death of his mother, the Queen Isabel IIon September 6, 2022, the law finally formalizes it as head of state and of the Anglican Church. Along these lines, this Saturday the sovereign will be one protocol nearly a thousand years oldwhich dates back to 1066 and has not seen the planet since Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.

“The 73-year-old king (born 1948) is the most traveled heir to the throne in our history and is also our first monarch with a university degree.. It is a strange fact, but it is because in the old days the monarchs were educated at home. AND is one of the first environmentalists in the world, since the 1970s. He has founded 20 organizations during his time as Prince of Wales, which together raise more than £100 million a year. In addition, he is a resident patron of more than 400 organizations that promote environmental awareness,” illustrates the British ambassador from his office in Quito.

How do the British experience the coronation of Carlos III? Campbell proudly tells it in this interview.

Ecuadorians invited to the coronation of Carlos III

What does this coronation ceremony mean for Carlos III?

Carlos has been king since his late majesty passed away. The coronation formalizes the role of the monarch and as the head of the Church of England. That coronation marks the transfer of titles and powers. Interestingly, it is not necessary for our monarch to be crowned in order to become king and rule, there is no gap in succession. Of course there was a time of national mourning and family mourning. We haven’t had an event this big in 70 years, because there are so many protocols and traditions to incorporate, it takes time to organize. Approximately 450 dignitaries and world leaders will be in attendance.

Since details of the coronation were revealed, it was revealed that it would have fewer guests, unlike Elizabeth II’s. Ambassadors, for example, will not be present. What message is the new king sending with this gesture?

The king has decided to invite only the heads of state, and that they can delegate to another person if they are unable to attend. The number of guests is much smaller, as it focuses on Carlos III’s wish. He wants to change the view of the royal family and in that sense there will be more people representing the British people at the ceremony. About 500 of his guests have received medals for their services to the state or British community.

The VIP guest list for the coronation of King Carlos III

Why do you think outside the UK we are so fascinated by the Royal Family?

I believe it is the only royal family that still has such a grand coronation, which requires a series of decisions and experts in ceremonial events. For example, there will be more than 6,000 military personnel, not only from our armed forces, but from all the armed forces of the Commonwealth countries. I think it’s in everyone’s interest because we’re preserving the traditions and a culture of real protocols.

What does this global importance mean for the British monarchy?

When Charles III was the Prince of Wales, he was one of our main ambassadors to promote not only the United Kingdom, but also business exchanges for international cooperation. The organization of the Commonwealth is very close to King Carlos III’s heart, he recognizes that the countries are not rebuilding after the pandemic, so cooperation between nations is more important than ever. He’s a fan of the Commonwealth because it’s a way of working together to make any country better.

What will be the role of William, Prince of Wales, in the coronation of his father Carlos III

What relevance do you have to the anti-monarchic movements that are resurfacing in relation to this coronation?

Well, there is always opposition. That means there is freedom of speech, freedom of expression. Yes, there is a section of people who may not agree with X or Y, but the Royal Family is always popular with the British people. According to recent polls, more than 57 to 60 percent of people are in favor of the royal family. That also depends a lot on what is happening globally or domestically, like any poll in any part of the world, on any topic. We can confidently see that we are celebrating in the UK, right now communities are celebrating with street parties to support the new king.

How do the British experience this royal historical event outside their territory, for example in Ecuador?

I dare say that the whole world will watch it on television, although it will be very difficult for some because of the time change, here in Ecuador we have to see it from 04:30. We at the embassy will celebrate with an event with the ministers and ambassadors, not like the king’s birthday, which is later in the year (November), which is a bigger celebration. I’m sure the Brits here at home will celebrate in their own way. I’m going to watch television with a big cup of coffee, with great pleasure and great interest, because there are so many different traditions and rituals and groups in one event. It will be another day for the British and the world, because we haven’t seen anything like it in 70 years.