President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed recently concluded their official visit to the United Kingdom. They attended the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London.
The grand event saw the attendance of over 2,200 guests, including members of the Royal Family and approximately 100 Heads of State. Representatives from the community and charitable organizations also attended.
Global media coverage estimated that more than 18 million viewers worldwide witnessed the Coronation Service. There was a peak of 20.4 million viewers during the moment of the King’s crowning. However, these figures were slightly lower compared to the average of 26.5 million viewers who watched Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The Royal Cavalcade, starting from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, made its way to Westminster Abbey. Once the Royal Couple took their seats on the historic chairs initially forged for Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, the service commenced. Westminster Abbey holds a significant place in history, having hosted 38 coronations since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror.
King Charles III, formerly known as the Prince of Wales, was born in 1948 during the reign of his maternal grandfather. Upon the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, he ascended to the throne. He was the longest-serving British heir apparent. This transition marks a significant moment in British history.
The Maldives gained independence from British Protectorship in 1965. Since then, both the island nation and the United Kingdom have maintained friendly and mutually beneficial relations. This July will commemorate the 58th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Notably, nearly 100,000 British tourists visit the Maldives annually to explore its breathtaking natural beauty.