On the matter of “how do you care about the royal family?” spectrum, going from aversion to admiration, I’m in the somewhat curious range: I know who the main players are; I watched the documentary about Harry and Meghan but didn’t see “The Crown”. I can’t help but feel smitten with someone (Queen Elizabeth II) who is credited with inventing an undeniably adorable breed (dorgi, a cross between a dachshund and a Welsh corgi).
But just like a sports knockout or Hollywood awards ceremony, Charles III’s coronation made me an instant, if only temporary, fan of the royal family. I couldn’t resist a sight – never mind a campaign codenamed Golden Globes – resplendent with props like stone of destiny, divine olive oila golden coach and a Scepter contains the world’s largest colorless cut diamond. But as with all fandoms, the weather is nice and on the other hand, loyalty is complicated.
In a recent poll of 3,070 UK adults, 64% of respondents said they have little or no interest in the coronation ceremony today. The ceremony has been revised to be more inclusive, but still “the ancient rites of coronation are a reminder of how – in a secular, multi-ethnic society, the digital age is – how the crown is essentially obsolete,” Written The Times’ London bureau chief, Mark Landler.
Massive coronation for a new king will create an inappropriate viewing experience while Commonwealth nations call on Britain to fix it colonial heritage and the country reckons with a cost of living crisis. Discord is for the best, I think. It is possible to be mesmerized by the sheer beauty while remaining skeptical of it, gawking at the fairytale elements of the coronation while still questioning the system that supports them.
I spoke with Sarah Lyall, a major correspondent for The Times who was covering the coronation, about how an American who is not a regular royal watcher really understands how the monarchy works. like in the UK. Roles exist outside of politics, she said, and provide continuity when government is in turmoil. As Britain has had four prime ministers in the past three years, the monarchy has survived. “It’s a series of plays,” she said, “but it’s also kind of weird in some way scaffolding for the whole system.”
Speaking of scaffolding, to accommodate more than 8,000 guests attending Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, special stands were built in Westminster Abbey. This is mandatory lots of scaffolding that a train track was built in the church to transport them all. In contrast, Charles’ coronation will be a more intimate event, with about 2,200 people invited.
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CULTURE WEEK
CULTURE HISTORY
🎬 “Air” (Friday): IN her rating of this Ben Affleck-directed film about Nike’s attempt in the 1980s to sign Michael Jordan for the greatest amount of money in sneakers, Manohla Dargis wrote, “It’s ridiculous to know that ‘Air’ ‘ is as entertaining as it is about shoes.’” The film, too, starring Matt Damon and Viola Davis, will be streamed on Prime Video.
🎮 “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” (Friday): It’s been six years since “Breath of the Wild” was released for the Nintendo Switch. That beautiful open world game came to my family in the early days of the pandemic, and not a week has gone by that we haven’t talked about it. The The highly anticipated sequel is coming out next weekend and I’m not planning on doing anything other than playing it.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Salmon With Asparagus And Lemon
Asparagus season is approaching its peak, which means now is the time to enjoy dishes that accentuate its grassy flavors. by Kay Chun Grilled salmon with asparagus and lemon do it, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare. While the salmon is grilling, make a simple pan sauce of lemon brown butter with crispy peas and thinly sliced asparagus. Capers add a dash of savory and parsley (or tarragon, if you like), some fresh herbs. Serve this dish, in vibrant pinks and greens, on your prettiest plate for a spring festival meal you can make in 15 minutes.
REAL ESTATE
The hunt: They want a house in the Hudson Valley for $500,000. Which one did they choose? Play our game.
LIFE
K9 jet: Fly with a dog or a cat is getting more difficult. So people are renting planes for their pets.
Ovulation pain: Researchers not sure why it might hurt.
King Cobra and Enrique Chagoya: What to see in New York showroom this month.
Northern Lights: You can see them further south in the next few years.
TIPS FROM WIRECUTTER
Cut weeding time in half
With the pleasant weather of spring, a nasty enemy in the garden appears: weeds. As a relatively new gardener, I’ve been exploring ways to deal with weeds naturally and I’ve found the fastest and most effective way is this $28 garden tool, a pickaxe. Think of it like a vegetable peeler for your garden bed. Its trapezoidal steel blade tip oscillates back and forth slightly — a simple push or pull will cut through the top layer of soil, cutting the weed from its roots. It’s easy because it’s gratifying to use. And it halved my weeding time, giving me more hours to enjoy spring. — Sebastian Compagnucci
Miami Grand Prix: Formula 1 has expanded its footprint in the United States since Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series brought a new audience to the sport. This year, three races take place in the US — the most in decades — as well as a new American racer, sergeant logan. Unfortunately for Sargent, he’s not driving for Red Bull, which means he probably won’t win. Two Red Bull drivers have won every race this year. But even finishing in the Top 10, which would get Sargent his first point of the season, would also be cause for celebration. 3:30 p.m. Eastern tomorrow on ABC.
Related: Nearly every weekend, Formula 1 workers pack up their entire sport and ship it to another country. This is the way logistics symphony come together.
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