EDITORIAL – It’s coronation time – let’s all take the Oath of Allegiance

An editorial by Mel Rothenburger.

THE CORONATION of King Charles III on Saturday morning doesn’t have people nearly as excited as they were when his mother was crowned in 1953.

I remember that one well as a kid in grade school, where we put together scrapbooks of the event as a class project. When the big day arrived, we had to get our news from the radio, since TV hadn’t yet arrived in our small town.

I doubt I’ll watch Saturday’s celebration either because getting up in the middle of the night doesn’t appeal to me. I happen to be a Royals fan but I’ll make due with re-runs.

Still, all this negativity around Charles’ coronation is a bit silly. It seems people don’t want to have fun anymore. They get all grumpy about it as if all the pomp and pageantry of Charles’ and Camilla’s coronation is some sort of insult to their personal principles.

They should lighten up. The monarchy has some good things going for it: a lot of positive stuff for charities and international relations and bringing people together.

Sure, like any family, they’ve had their problems. It’s just as well that Meghan is staying home and Harry won’t have much to do at the big event but, let’s admit, shall we — the squabbles and scandals make for great reading.

For those who are all in a huff over the Oath of Allegiance, well, OK, don’t take it if you don’t want to. If it bothers you to say, “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So Help me God,” that’s fine.

I’m not even a Christian but if the opportunity presents itself I’ll not hesitate in taking that Oath. In the old days, say 400 years ago, you darn well better mean that “true allegiance” part or you were in big trouble. Nowadays, it’s just being polite.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.