Mr Cleverly insisted that the UK had no influence over which representative a country chooses to send. James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, defended the decision to allow Han Zheng, the architect of China’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, to attend. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, announced he will attend after doubts were raised about his presence. The announcement came just days before the Coronation, when the King and Queen will be crowned side by side in a service blending ancient and modern.Īhead of the historic day, delegates from around the world have been publicly confirming their attendance. “To be selected to carry the Sovereign’s sceptre with dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it’s everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced.” It poses a notable contrast to Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, when those who performed such roles were all white men, the majority of whom were aristocrats who had inherited their titles.īaroness Benjamin said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic Coronation ceremony. She is among an eclectic group set to carry historic items such as crowns, sceptres, rings, rods and the orb in the procession, while others will present them to the King and Queen.Īmong those chosen to take on a ceremonial role during the ceremony are Lord Hastings Delaval Astley, a former actor who for two years played Cameron Fraser in The Archers and Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former director-general of MI5, who will carry St Edward’s Staff.
The Liberal Democrat peer, who as Floella Benjamin made her name presenting children’s television programmes, will carry the sceptre with the dove through Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Baroness Benjamin will carry part of the ceremonial regalia in the Coronation procession, as she said her involvement sent a “clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced” by the King.
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