Britain | Bagehot

The monarchy’s secret weapon: insincerity

What would Walter Bagehot think?

“King’s body guard! Slow march!” Like a deck of cards come to life, the Yeomen of the Guard slowly entered Westminster Hall. Two by two they shuffled into the 12th-century building at precisely 10.03am, just as the schedule demanded, medals jangling with each step. On each side of the room, mps, cabinet ministers, lords, journalists (including your correspondent), clerks and flunkies watched them go. A blare of trumpets signalled the arrival of King Charles III, who walked briskly and took a seat on a throne, next to his wife, Camilla, the queen consort.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “What would Walter say?”

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