Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt has emerged as the quiet star of the Coronation ceremony – one that nobody saw coming. For the ceremony, Mordaunt was required to carry the 17th-Century Sword of State into the Abbey in the King's Procession, and continue to hold it aloft for much of the service – specifically at right angles to her body. The sword, decorated with royal symbols including the lion and union and fleur de lis, is also used during the state opening of Parliament. She had prepared for the moment though, drawing on her training as a Royal Navy reservist to ensure that she could hold it aloft for the whole ceremony. "It was one of two swords made for Charles II and only one survives.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 07, 2023 18:35 UTC