‘Big lunch’ follows big coronation celebrating King Charles

After King Charles III’s crowning in an ancient religious process, hundreds of picnics and street parties were conducted across the U.K. Sunday.

The Big Lunch, a British custom, brought neighbors together to welcome the new king even as monarchy popularity wanes. The coronation’s cost was criticized during double-digit inflation and high living costs.

Sunday’s celebrations included thousands of luncheons and a nocturnal entertainment at Windsor Castle with Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Take That. Charles urged Monday holiday volunteers.

The monarch and Queen Camilla planned to attend the concert, where Prince William, heir to the throne, would speak.

Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Anne, Princess Royal, and their spouses served the royal family supper. His sister attended a Swindon event while Edward was in Cranleigh. Prince Andrew’s daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the king’s nieces, were to attend a Windsor lunch.Jill Biden and Finnegan Biden attended Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Big Lunch celebration in front of his office. Ukrainian refugees and community activists attended.

Downing Street had Union Jack bunting like other street celebrations.

After the royal coronation in Westminster Abbey, the events were more low-key. They received centuries-old swords, scepters, and a jewel-encrusted golden orb symbolizing the monarch’s sovereignty in a medieval tradition celebrated with liturgy, singing, and boisterous cheers of “God save the king.”

The most ceremonial military procession since Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 70 years earlier escorted the pair through the streets in a golden horse-drawn carriage. Marching bands, including one on horseback, played drums and bugles as 4,000 troops marched through the streets in formation.

Hundreds of thousands watched it in the rain. Barb, a research company, reported about 19 million extra U.K. television viewers. The September Queen Elizabeth II funeral had 40% fewer viewers.

Charles and Camilla stated Sunday that they were “deeply touched” by the event and “profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support.”

However, more than 50 demonstrators, including republicans chanting “Not my king” and environmentalists seeking to limit fossil fuel consumption, were arrested.

Graham Smith, leader of Republic, a monarchy-abolition group, says he was arrested for a peaceful rally and held for 16 hours.

“These arrests are a direct attack on our democracy and the fundamental rights of every citizen,” Smith added. “Every police officer on the ground should hang their heads in shame.”

The Metropolitan Police expressed worries about the arrests but defended them.

Commander Karen Findlay said the coronation is a once-in-a-generation event.

On Sunday, hundreds of troops marched through Glasgow to commemorate the coronation.