A Taste of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
We were delighted to hear from our friend Adam von Gootkin, of Highclere Castle Gin, after he returned from London recently.
“The Coronation day of His Majesty King Charles III started with typical British irony...rain. Lots of it. But the energy in the air was undeterred as millions turned out to celebrate and begin the Carollean Era, the reign of King Charles.
I hopped through the streets of London, visiting the litany of top tier hotel bars who so kindly serve our Highclere Castle Gin brand. Everywhere was joy and the hope of new beginnings. My wife, ever the anglophile, was pleasantly surprised to be having her hair done at the famous Richard Ward, when in walked HRH Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, sitting down next to her in preparation for the big day.
The coronation concert was held beneath the walls of Windsor Castle, hosting the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry. Hugh Bonneville, of Downton Abbey fame, was the event MC, where, referring to King Charles’ love of painting, called him the “Artist formally known as Prince.” The event was charged with positivity, fun and touches of whimsy, and William Prince of Wales gave a beautiful tribute to his father.
At the end of the concert, the song “Don’t you forget about me” played while drones danced across the sky spelling out the phrase. The reference to Queen Elizabeth here was obvious and appropriately moving – like a message from Heaven. Such a steadfast, kind global leader for most of our lives and even for the generations before us. We couldn’t possibly forget about her.
For a Connecticut Yankee in King Charles Court, it was an honor to attend such a special moment in our human history and I have a feeling the King’s reign will be as positive as His mother’s. God knows, we need positivity now more than ever. And a little pomp now and then doesn’t hurt either.”
