The coronation of King Charles III will be seen by some as a statement that the U.K.’s connection to its past is one of unity and strength. It will remind others, however, of a history of subjugation.
U.K. troops will be joined Saturday by their brethren from more that 30 territories and Commonwealth nations, including South Africa and the Bahamas, on a 4,000 soldier march from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
“The Coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry,” the Royal Family has proclaimed.
But former colonies including Jamaica and Belize have signaled they could move to distance themselves from Charles’ reign, according to United Press International, citing a history of racial differences and lack of familiarity with the new king.
“A lot of Jamaicans had warm affection and identified with Queen Elizabeth II,” said Jamaican minister for legal and constitutional affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte. “When Jamaica became independent, Queen Elizabeth was already on the throne.”
Elizabeth’s 70-year tenure on the throne ended in September when she died at the age of 96. Now, though his role is largely ceremonial, Charles represents the head of state for 15 Commonwealth realms.
Prominent Anglican Rev. Sean Major-Campbell from Kingston said Jamaican’s interest in British Royals has diminished as more of his countrymen wake to the reality that the survivors of colonialism and the holocaust of slavery are yet to receive “reparatory justice.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in 2022 his nation intends to become free of British influence.
A dozen representatives have urged Charles to apologize for British colonization in the days leading up to his inauguration. Australian senator Lidia Thorpe said Thursday the new king should immediately address reparations “including returning the stolen wealth that has been taken from our people.”
Writer and former Indian diplomat Pavan K. Varma doesn’t think his countrymen will care about Charles’ coronation.
“Britain has shrunk globally into a medium-sized power,” he told the Associated Press. “This notion needs to be removed, that here is a former colony riveted to the television watching the coronation of Prince Charles.”
According to Varma, Indians view the Royal Family as inane celebrities. India, which boasts the world’s fastest growing major economy, gained its independence from the British in 1947.
Kenyan taxi driver Grahmat Luvisia also told the AP he has no interest in celebrating Charles being crowned.
“I will not be interested in watching the news or whatever is happening over there because we have been mistreated back then by those colonizers,” he said.
University of Nairobi journalism professor Herman Manyora reportedly agrees the Kenyan’s associate British rule with “torture during colonialism” and “the alienation of our land.”