Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Coronation of King Charles III: Public's response ranges from enthusiasm to indifference

The coronation, steeped in 1,000 years of history, will be the largest ceremonial event since Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953

Coronation of King Charles III: Public's response ranges from enthusiasm to indifference

As King Charles' coronation approaches, dozens of royal enthusiasts have started camping out in central London. However, while many are eagerly anticipating the historic event, an equal number of people are expressing apathy toward it.

The coronation, steeped in 1,000 years of history, will be the largest ceremonial event since Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953, complete with grand pageantry and an enormous military procession.


For some Britons, the event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, while others are merely looking forward to the extra holiday on Monday (08).

"They just take everything from me. They never do a day's work," said Philip Nash, 68, as he swept the streets in Whitechapel, a more run-down area of east London.

"I'd like to see one of them come out here, come sweep this street. Have you known any of them to do a day's work? They are like vampires, sucking my blood".

In Whitechapel, an area where immigrants have settled in the British capital for centuries, some believe that a grand ceremony for the royals is unsuitable given the high inflation rate, which is running over 10%, leading to a sharp rise in the cost of food and energy.

Dentistry student Unab Ali, 19, said, "With loads of people struggling to pay bills and dealing with a lot of loss, it's kind of disheartening to see on TV so much resources and money being given to this family ... it doesn't feel like they're giving us anything back”.

Throughout the UK, Union Flag bunting decorates shops and public areas, and street parties are being organised in anticipation of King Charles' coronation. To ensure wider viewing, the ceremony will be broadcast on giant screens at 30 locations nationwide.

Although media outlets have reported on the coronation plans for months, polls suggest that most people are not very interested.

According to a YouGov survey from last month, only 33% of respondents said they cared about the event.

In a different poll conducted last week, 48% said they were likely to watch the coronation on TV, while 46% said they were not.

This is in contrast to the coronation of Elizabeth in 1953 when millions of people flooded the streets of London and 27 million watched the ceremony on TV, for many their first time seeing an event on television.

"I'm actually unplugging completely on Saturday (06) and I'm just going to go and be in nature for the day, with my phone off. So, I won't be celebrating," Justin Hackney, a 32-year-old filmmaker said.

"But I know my mum will, because it's special to her, because it was special to my grandma".

But those already queuing up along the mall, the grand boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace, expressed a sense of excitement for what they believe will be a special moment.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," said Tony Chen, who travelled from central England despite having a severe heart condition.

"Being at home watching it on TV is not like being here in real life".

Nursing associate Ali Stephens, 50, commented that while it might be nonsense, "it's our nonsense."

"It's something that this little country has got and big countries haven't got that," she said.

"And so, we should really cherish it and be thankful for all that pageantry and all that nonsense ... you don't get that in a republic".

(Reuters)

More For You

Anurag Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap has condemned the AI film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal for undermining artists

Getty Images/ Instagram/abundantiaent

Anurag Kashyap brands 'Chiranjeevi Hanuman' AI film a betrayal of artists and calls industry colleagues spineless

Highlights:

  • Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticised Vijay Subramaniam for backing the AI-made film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal.
  • Kashyap said the project undermines creativity and betrays the artists represented by Subramaniam’s agency.
  • Vikramaditya Motwane also expressed disapproval, warning of AI sidelining writers and directors.
  • The AI film is produced by Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network, with a 2026 release planned.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has sharply criticised the upcoming project Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, promoted as India’s first fully AI-made film. The director targeted Vijay Subramaniam, head of Collective Artists Network, accusing him of betraying the very writers, actors and directors his agency represents. The backlash follows recent controversy over AI’s use in altering the Tamil release of Aanand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa.

Anurag Kashyap Anurag Kashyap has condemned the AI film Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal for undermining artists Getty Images/ Instagram/abundantiaent

Keep ReadingShow less
Aryan Khan SRK Netflix preview

Shah Rukh Khan supports son Aryan Khan during the Netflix launch of his debut series

Getty Images

Aryan Khan nervous in debut speech but Shah Rukh Khan’s playful gesture steals the show at Netflix preview

Highlights:

  • Aryan Khan made his first public speech at the launch of his Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood.
  • The debutant director admitted he was nervous and joked about keeping his father Shah Rukh Khan as backup.
  • The show stars Sahher Bambba, Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh and Manoj Pahwa.
  • The Ba**ds of Bollywood will release on Netflix on 18 September.

Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan stepped into the spotlight at the preview launch of his directorial debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood. Delivering his first-ever public speech, Aryan openly admitted he was “extremely nervous,” a moment that has quickly drawn attention. Speaking with a mix of honesty and humour, Aryan said he had been rehearsing for days and even carried backup notes in case the teleprompter failed. The much-anticipated Netflix series marks his debut as a director after four years of preparation.

Aryan Khan SRK Netflix preview Aryan Khan makes his first public speech at The Ba**ds of Bollywood* preview in Mumbai Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Charli XCX

Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment

Getty Images

Charli XCX ends Brat era with emotional South Korea show and reveals ‘The Moment’ film

Highlights:

  • Charli XCX ends her Brat era with a South Korean festival performance
  • Pop star leaves fans emotional with farewell message on stage screen
  • Teases upcoming A24 film The Moment based on her own concept
  • Singer shifts focus from music to film after blockbuster success

Charli XCX has officially closed the chapter on her acclaimed Brat era with an emotional final performance at South Korea’s One Universe Festival, where she also teased her next project. The British pop star, who dominated global charts with Brat, used her farewell show to surprise fans with a teaser for her upcoming A24 film The Moment.

Charli XCX Charli XCX confirms her next chapter with upcoming A24 film The Moment Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London

Getty Images

Quentin Tarantino hints West End play could become his final film as he relocates to London

Highlights:

  • Quentin Tarantino says his first-ever play will premiere in London’s West End.
  • The director confirmed the script is complete and work begins in January 2026.
  • He plans to relocate with his family to the UK during the production.
  • Tarantino hinted the play could also become his final film if it succeeds.

Hollywood filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has confirmed he is bringing his West End play debut to London, marking his first step into theatre. Speaking on The Church of Tarantino podcast, the Oscar-winning director of Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill revealed that the script is finished and that he will begin work on the project in early 2026. The move signals a new chapter for the 62-year-old, who said he intends to spend two years on the production and even relocate to the UK with his wife, singer Daniella Pick, and their two children.

Quentin Tarantino Quentin Tarantino confirms his first West End play debut in London Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Adapting to Digital Bans in a Connected World

Adapting to Digital Bans in a Connected World

Bans are a significant aspect of the digital era. They change how people work, relate to each other, and utilize technology. There are several reasons why they could be placed in place, including as safety, the law, or the need to keep certain types of information under control. Some restrictions are supposed to protect individuals, but they may be bad for businesses, communities, and people who require unfettered access. You need to know how bans affect daily life in order to come up with meaningful and effective ways to cope with them.

A lot of individuals are finding that the free VPN is becoming more and more important. A VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, allows people access to the internet safely. It keeps what you do secret and allows you see stuff that is normally off-limits. Free versions of these services are a good place for those who wish to learn about privacy protection without having to pay for it. Modern solutions are easy to use and helpful. You can get apps for both Android and iOS. This lets people be private and get information directly from their phones.

Keep ReadingShow less