- Conveys best wishes on behalf of govt, people of Pakistan to King
- Says Coronation to infuse Commonwealth with greater sense of purpose
LONDON: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday joined a galaxy of foreign royals, officials and heads of the states and governments, at the coronation of King Charles III – a symbolic ceremony combining religious service and royal pageantry.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif represented Pakistan on the occasion and conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan to the King.
The prime minister arrived the Westminster Abbey along with other foreign dignitaries to witness the coronation of 74-year-old King, who was crowned along with Camilla, the Queen Consort. King Charles III, became the 40th reigning monarch crowned there since 1066.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and His Majesty King Charles III meet in London, discussing bilateral relations and proposing a joint commission for further collaboration. pic.twitter.com/Y4Kuw9Hgjb
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 6, 2023
The ceremony marked the pomp and formality featuring the centuries old traditions.
The coronation was the first occasion in 70 years that a British monarch ascended the throne. Over 400 VVIPs including 100 heads of the states and governments attended the event.
Dating back to the 11th century, the British monarchy is amongst the oldest political institutions in the Western Europe.
PM @CMShehbaz had a warm and cordial interaction with dignitaries on the sidelines of King Charles lll coronation ceremony including President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister of State UK Andrew Mitchell, President of Maldives Ibrahim M Solih, President of Republic of… pic.twitter.com/jf6eIlx6gi
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 6, 2023
Before the arrival of the King, there were processions in the Abbey involving faith leaders and representatives, and representatives from some Commonwealth countries, carrying the flags and accompanied by the governor generals and the prime ministers.
King Charles was presented to “the people” a tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Standing beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the King was proclaimed the “undoubted King”.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby performed the ceremony and administered the Coronation Oath to the King.
He received the regalia, including the Sovereign’s Orb and scepters before St. Edward’s Crown was placed on his head.
Later, he moved from the coronation chair to a throne after performing a number of rituals and crowned with St. Edward’s Crown.
King Charles III became the seventh monarch to wear St Edward’s Crown after Charles II, James II, William III, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II – who last wore it at her own coronation in 1953.
Charles’ second wife Camilla, whom he married in 2005, was separately crowned queen during the ceremony.
King Charles III had a special affection for the people of Pakistan, reflected over the years in his work through his charities and patronage of art.
As Prince of Wales, he along with his wife Camilla Parker, then Duchess of Cornwall, visited Pakistan from 29 October to 3 November 2006 in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake.
‘Accession of new King opens up new avenues for Commonwealth’
Earlier on Friday, the Prime Minister attended a gathering of Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister noted that the accession of the new King, who is also head of the Commonwealth, opened new vistas and fresh avenues for the multilateral forum and was an opportune moment to infuse the organisation with even greater energy and sense of purpose.
The Prime Minister underscored significance of Pakistan-Commonwealth partnership, particularly on youth empowerment and youth engagement.
On the sidelines, he interacted with a number global and Commonwealth leaders including inter alia, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the UK and Secretary General Commonwealth Patricia Scotland.
The Prime Minister is also due to meet First Minister of Scotland Mr Humza Yousaf, tomorrow. Mr Hamza who was recently elected by the Scottish Parliament to head the devolved Scottish government, is the first Muslim and first British Pakistani to do so.
Pakistan and the UK enjoy a deep and enduring friendship grounded in historic affinities and abiding people to people linkages.
The Prime Minister’s participation at the Coronation underscores the enduring and multifaceted ties that continue to exist between the two friendly countries, including inter alia through the Royal family’s longstanding and affectionate association with Pakistan and its people.
‘Re-energizing Commonwealth with focus on youth empowerment’
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for re-energizing Commonwealth with a focus on youth empowerment.
In a tweet on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that he made a case in this regard whilst addressing the Commonwealth Leaders’ meeting.
The Prime Minister said that he also shared with the world leaders the details of Youth Programme that is based on Education, Employment, Engagement and Environment. He said women and members of minority communities are special focus of the loan scheme.
