the coronation of Charles III, an expensive ceremony in the midst of a social crisis

With our special correspondent, Julien Chavanne

Nearly two-thirds of Britons would not be interested in the event, according to a survey published in mid-April. And as with every event of the royal family, the cost is controversial. Especially as the UK faces strikes for better wages amid high inflation.

From a distance, it looks like a festive gathering in honor of King Charles. But no… Parked on a roundabout 2 kilometers from Heathrow airport, a dozen or so air traffic controllers came to demand wage increases.

Waine King is the local representative of Unite the union: “ We have a serious cost of living crisis that affects everyone in one way or another. People need pay rises and when they don’t, they go on strike. And the strikes will continue, not only for us, but in all sectors “.

Prices have exploded, plus 10% on supermarket shelves. So organizing a sumptuous coronation ceremony in the midst of a social crisis makes Waine King angry: “ It’s shocking… All this money could be invested in the country, for the workers, for the communities. But we have one of the richest men on the planet letting others pay for his big day… »

He is not the only one. 51% of Britons think the coronation should not be publicly funded. The cost of the ceremony still remains mysterious. Between 60 and 280 million euros, according to the press.

The authorities prefer to focus on tourism and trade benefits. More than 1.4 billion euros expected. Meanwhile, air traffic controllers at Heathrow airport have scheduled a further 7 days of strike action until the end of May.

Young people indifferent to Charles?

If tens of thousands of visitors and millions of viewers are expected, young Britons are rather indifferent to this excitement. A question of generation and time.

The disenchantment between young Britons and the royal family is not new. But the gap has widened in recent years. Only 26% of 18-24 year olds think the monarchy is a good thing for the UK. They were almost twice as many in 2019.