THE BISHOP of Dover, the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, has told The Voice about  the impact that a diverse Coronation will have as the country prepares to crown King Charles III.

With the participation of people from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds and faiths, the event is set to become the most diverse British coronation in history, reflecting the efforts of the new King to show that the monarchy remains relevant in a country that has undergone significant demographic change since his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, was crowned 70 years ago.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, the former children’s TV presenter and now Liberal Democrat peer, will carry part of the King’s regalia, the Sceptre with the Dove, to the altar.

Britain’s most decorated nurse, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, will carry the King’s Orb and Baroness Amos, the first Black woman to serve as a Cabinet minister, will take part in the recognition of His Majesty.

Rev Hudson-Wilkin will also play a leading role in today’s Coronation ceremony service at Westminster Abbey. She will be presenting the Queen Consort with the rod, mirroring the rod presented to His Majesty the King – one of the many regalia that they are presented with all carrying symbolic meanings.

She told The Voice that the new King has taken a number of steps to ensure that those involved in the ceremony reflect the diversity of the nation, including faith diversity, and that this would resonate with a modern multicultural Britain.

“His Majesty the King has made sure that we will see this for ourselves in the ceremony with the different faith leaders as well as others in the service such as Dame Elizabeth Anionwu,  Baroness Floella Benjamin and Baroness Amos.

“The work of the Prince’s Trust that His Majesty King Charles III has been engaged in for years is already well known, including the work of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme – both of these are known beyond this country.”

She added: “The Crown’s many involvements as Patron to a number of organizations are also familiar to so many which for me does not make them far removed from the people they serve.  I hope that what we see, will speak for itself about the monarchy’s commitment to serving a diverse society.”

Among the other notable figures from diverse backgrounds who will play a leading role in today’s service are Baroness Mellon, a Labour peer and former chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews; Lord Kamall, a Muslim Conservative peer; Lord Patel, a Hindu; Lord Singh of Wimbledon, a Sikh; and Lord Kamall, a Conservative peer and a Sikh.

For the Bishop, the Coronation is an important part of British tradition and heritage. “What we are doing is recognizing part of the tradition that comes with what it means to be British,” she said. “Our constitutional Monarchy is something that holds that thread of past, present, and future. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Modernize, of course, but let’s keep some perspective in all of this. I hope that the legacy of the Coronation will be a lasting one that looks to the future of what kind of a people and nation we want to be as a diverse community (society) where we respect one another and care about each other irrespective of colour, culture or creed.”

Speaking as someone who emigrated to this country from Jamaica, she shared her reflection on her own role in today’s historic event.

‘Growing up in Montego Bay, I never dreamt that I could possibly take part in such an historic event” she said. “This will forever be in the annals of history. My heart will be filled with prayer for their Majesties and their family for all that lies ahead of them as they seek to serve. My heart will be linked to the Jamaican people as I see my role as a representative one. I stand on the shoulders of those who have carried me during my lifetime in so many ways from my family, my church, my teachers and those in the community. The story of the people of Jamaica is inextricably linked for better or for worse with the story of the UK and its Royal family.”