Charles III and his wife Camilla were crowned king and queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey in London this morning, Saturday, 6 May.
Premier Wayne Panton and Governor Jane Owen attended the coronation, marking the royal couple’s spiritual role and secular responsibilities, on behalf of the Cayman Islands.
Panton said the ceremony left him “filled with profound hope and optimism for the future of our Islands”.
During the grand religious event which followed the structure of an Anglican service of Holy Communion, Charles was anointed, received the coronation regalia and was crowned.
Representatives of the Church of England and the royal family declared their allegiance to the king, and Commonwealth representatives were invited to do the same.
A briefer crowning ceremony marked Camilla as the new queen and she was enthroned alongside her husband.
Following the coronation, the royals travelled in a procession to Buckingham Palace where they greeted thousands of members of the celebrating public from the balcony.
Six members of the Cayman Islands Regiment were part of the procession.
Writing from Westminster Abbey on Saturday, the premier said the coronation allows Cayman to formally express its commitment to remaining steadfast in its relationship with the UK.
“With Their Majesties’ wise and just leadership, I am confident that our country and indeed other overseas territories and the Commonwealth of Nations will continue to flourish and prosper in the years ahead.”
Food and fireworks
The Cayman Islands will commemorate the coronation with a bank holiday on Monday, 8 May, and a family-focused party on Cardinall Avenue, George Town from 4pm to 8pm.
“On this joyous occasion, let us celebrate together as fellow citizens of the Cayman Islands,” Panton said.
“May this day be filled with happiness, hope and renewed pride in our beloved country and our historical ties with the United Kingdom.
“May King Charles’ reign be long and successful, and may he always be guided by the principles of duty, honour, and service to the Commonwealth.
“Let us look forward to many years of his compassionate rule. God Save The King.”
Celebrate Cayman, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, and the George Town Revitalisation Initiative are hosting Monday’s event.
“The ascension of a new monarch is a historic event,” Celebrate Cayman chairman Alfonso Wright said.
“The Cayman Islands as a UK overseas territory will honour His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Consort in a way that is true to our country’s culture.”
There will be fellowship, food, music and entertainment along with a fireworks display.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together as we mark this momentous occasion,” Wright said.
Anyone posting coronation content online can hashtag #coronationincayman to be featured on Cayman Islands Government social media channels.
Charles was officially announced as king on 10 Sept. 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on 8 Sept.
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