Hansard

I am delighted to put on record my heartfelt congratulations to their Royal Highnesses King Charles and Queen Camilla on their coronation. Like others, I was honoured to attend the ceremony in Westminster abbey at the weekend. It was a great privilege to witness history being made.

The coronation was incredible but, in many ways, what it meant to so many was even more incredible. Of course I mean those who were part of celebrations that took place across the country, but I mean more than that. Across the UK friends, neighbours and communities came together to mark this historic moment—from those at vibrant street parties and casual get-togethers to those who simply enjoyed a long weekend with loved ones. Those communities are bound together not by ceremony or duty but by common interest and friendship.

I also mean the volunteers on the day of the coronation. I had the great pleasure of speaking to a number of them and in particular to young scouts. I could see and hear how much the experience meant to them and their families.

Charities are close to King Charles’s heart. For all the charities that were represented at the coronation, it felt like a recognition of their efforts and an acknowledgement of the vital services that they provide. To give one example of that, I was struck when I spoke to the chief executive of Maggie’s. Maggie’s centres across the country provide an invaluable service to people who are undergoing cancer treatment and their families. Countless other charities were represented at the coronation.

Millions around the world watched with great affection for our royal family and our country. Such historic moments provide a chance to take stock of what our country is and what it should always strive to be—to not only cherish our country’s history but look forward to our future and consider the values that we want our country to represent and the role that we want to play in the world.

In the new King and Queen, we can see the values of public service and duty. We saw all those values lived every single day in the life of Queen Elizabeth. The world changed immeasurably during her extraordinary reign, but her duty, her integrity, her warmth and her service to others never wavered for a moment. She demonstrated strength, leadership and compassion when our country needed that most. As we enter this new era, I know that the new King and Queen will continue that extraordinary legacy and uphold those timeless values.

King Charles had to swear an oath to be the protector of the faith, but he also committed to being a protector of the faiths, which is a recognition of our rich culture, history and diversity. I am sure that he will strive to reign with the same wisdom, compassion, integrity and justice and with the values of unity, compassion and community for our country. I hope that all of us across this country share those values in building a brighter and fairer future.

I wish the King and Queen a long and happy reign. God save the King.