…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, has gained admirers for her ceremonial role at the coronation.
However, some sharp-eyed social media users noticed her outfit’s resemblance to a certain budget supermarket.
Ms. Mordaunt wore a striking teal outfit with a gold motif that some people thought resembled the Poundland logo.
Ms. Mordaunt Was Honoured to be Part of the Event
Ms. Mordaunt was responsible for bearing The Sword of State and presenting The Jewelled Sword of Offering to the King.
This was the first time that it was carried and presented by a woman.
Following the coronation, Ms. Mordaunt expressed her gratitude for having been part of the event.
She was aware of the efforts of the armed forces, police officers, and others who had been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep everyone safe. In comparison, she considered her job to have been easier.
She thanked everyone who had made the ceremony remarkable, and expressed her pride in them, the King, and Queen.
Ms. Mordaunt’s Preparation for the Sword-Carrying Role
Ms. Mordaunt, in an interview with The Times’ Red Box Politics podcast ahead of the ceremony, disclosed that she had been “doing some press-ups” in preparation for her sword-carrying role.
She had also been practising with weighted replicas during rehearsals.
Her experience in the Navy had helped her prepare for standing for long periods without fainting.
Ms. Mordaunt’s Role in the Coronation
Ms. Mordaunt carried the 17th-century Sword of State in procession to the abbey.
Its silver-gilt hilt features the form of a lion and unicorn, and the wooden scabbard is covered in red velvet with silver-gilt rose, thistle, and fleur-de-lis emblems.
Later in the ceremony, Ms. Mordaunt exchanged the Sword of State for the Jewelled Sword of Offering and delivered it to the archbishop.
The Jewelled Sword of Offering has a hilt encrusted with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, and a scabbard decorated with jewelled roses, thistles, and shamrocks.
It symbolises royal power and being able to decide between good and evil, and the King accepting his duty and knightly virtues.
In Conclusion
While Penny Mordaunt was admired for her ceremonial role at the coronation, her outfit drew attention on social media due to its resemblance to the Poundland logo.
Nevertheless, she expressed her gratitude for having been part of the event and thanked everyone who made it remarkable.
Her preparation for the sword-carrying role, including “doing some press-ups,” demonstrated her dedication.
Her experience in the Navy helped her to prepare for standing for long periods without fainting.
As Lord President of the Council, she played an important role in the coronation, bearing The Sword of State and presenting The Jewelled Sword of Offering to the King.