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King Charles III
in September 2022
Photo: Neil Hall/EPA
Hundreds of Britons want to attend the coronation of British King Charles III.
take on a role in May.
Hundreds of applications were received in response to an official call, the broadcaster “Sky News” reported at the weekend, citing the British Cabinet Office.
Interested parties can apply until February 3rd.
Whoever wins the bid can hand the king a towel or glove during the coronation ceremony.
However, helpers must meet certain conditions.
Anyone wishing to perform a function at the coronation on 6 May must have a connection with a previous holder of that function at the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, for example as a descendant or successor in office.
The custom goes back to a long tradition
According to the Cabinet Office, King Charles specifically wanted the coronation "rooted in tradition but reflecting the present".
The custom of accepting applications for ceremonial roles at the coronation reportedly dates back to 1377.
Monarchy observer and author Catherine Pepinster thinks it was a mistake that the royal house, despite its claim to modernity, chose to inherit the helper roles.
You could also have given the contract to people who have rendered special services to society, Pepinster told Sky News.
"I don't understand why they don't use these little ceremonial moments as an opportunity to be more modern."
Charles III
has been the British King since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II last September.
However, the formal coronation ceremony is not scheduled for May 6th.
dpa/lal