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Towns, cities and villages across the U.K. were awash with Union flags and patriotic decorations to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation, and officials said the festivities would bring Britain’s diverse communities together.
Musician Deronne White is a member of the Brixton Chamber Orchestra, which planned to parade through south London’s streets entertaining crowds with an uplifting “coronation carnival” set mixing Gospel, jazz, grime, disco and rap.
While White was excited about the gig, he told the Associated Press that some might find it hard to connect to the whole occasion.
“For some people, there may be a slight disconnection in terms of the actual event and maybe the history behind it that I think with music they can be that sort of connection,” he said.
With the UK economy on the precipice of recession, some question the cost of the ceremony.
Adrianna Forbes-Dorant, who plays the violin alongside White, said “It is strange that this event would happen at a time where people don’t really have like the money to get by on.”
Across the capital, Janpal Basran, the head of the Southall Community Alliance, also raised that point.
“Is it fair that there is so much attention and resource being put into a massive coronation celebration when people are in record numbers having to rely upon food banks, are facing poverty on an unbelievable scale?”
Southall, known as “Little India” – the west London neighborhood is home to the largest Indian population outside their home country. A street party was organized by a group of local women that featured Punjabi food, Punjabi dancing and singing.
Gulu Anand, who owns Southall’s Brilliant curry house and has cooked for Charles several times over the years, is one vocal supporter of Charles. “(Charles) actually listens to you, wants to know from where you’ve come,” he said, recalling the royal’s demeanor when he ate at his restaurant. “I think he is the people’s king.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.