In an historic address to the City of London at a Mansion House dinner marking his first visit to the Square Mile in his Coronation year, it is understood that Charles III will highlight the shared values inherent in British society.
His appeal for respect and understanding of others comes after an upsurge in antisemitism, rival protests on our streets over the Israel-Palestine conflict, and a warning from MI5 that war in the Jewish state and Gaza risks exporting violence to the UK
He and Queen Camilla arrived at Mansion House at around 8pm tonight for the traditional reception and dinner to recognise the work of the City of London civic institutions and Livery Companies – the financial district’s ancient and modern trade guilds.
Shortly after his arrival, the King was presented with the Pearl Sword – thought to have been presented to the City of London by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571 – in a ceremony dating back to William III in 1689.
The sword represents the delegated authority of the Lord Mayor, Nicholas Lyons. He gave it to The King and then received it back to symbolise the Lord Mayor’s authority in the Square Mile when the monarch is not present.
The ceremony was performed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and during her jubilees in 1977 and 2002.
Inside, The King and Queen were expected to view the Anointing Screen, which was given by the City of London Corporation and City Livery Companies for the most sacred moment of the Coronation.
They were due to meet those involved in the screen’s creation, including its designer Aidan Hart and members of the Royal School of Needlework and the Worshipful Company of Weavers.
The King and Queen were also due to join a reception to meet
representatives of the City of London Corporation, the Common Council, the Livery Companies and the City’s finance sector, before signing the visitor’s book.
