The Coronation and Inclusion

The Coronation this weekend has been a time for celebration for many.  An long weekend for lots of people and a time to get together as a family or friends.

Yet many employees worked over the weekend, did not benefit from 3 days off and in fact had no interest in celebrating the Coronation.  And that’s just fine.  Any kind of celebration linked to religious belief, ceremony, royalty, politics, community or any other reason is an opportunity for those that choose to participate.  It is not a time for judgement, exclusion, vilification or rudeness.

Conflicting views and opinions help us to grow, to expand our minds, to be more creative in our thinking and to be mindful of the thoughts of others.  A difference in opinion is a chance to self reflect and be curious as to why we feel triggered or disagree.  A moment to ask questions and enter into self enquiry.

I felt saddened when I looked up the reason for Camilla being crowned Queen when Philip was never King Consort.  Only to read via the medium of Google, that “Unlike the Royal women, the husbands in the monarchy have not taken the title of King.  This is for 2 reasons: traditionally, the title of King can only be inherited, and because the King always outranks the Queen.”

When it comes to equality in the workplace, I feel seriously challenged by a rigid regime.  Yet tradition reigns, and it will be changed as and when the monarchy make that choice.  A lived moment for me of being open to other traditions, belief systems and acceptance.

Is it how I would do it?  No.

Is it something in my value set? No.

Did I learn something and expand my knowledge?  Yes.

On another note, my son loved watching all the soldiers and the pomp and circumstance was undeniably brilliant.  I had the opportunity to have a taster of soldier life when I tried on a Bearskin and Kings Guards uniform.  Let me tell you, they weigh SO MUCH!  Thank goodness I only had it on for a matter of minutes.  I have deep respect for the heavy duty marching that was undertaken at the Coronation in such impressive uniforms.  They must have been boiling hot, even in the rain!

Is that equity when it comes to the various uniforms they have to wear?  We can leave that for another day.

By Elizabeth Cowper, Founder (and pictured in the Bearskin hat and Kings Guards uniform)