Poetry Cafe 168: British Pageantry

British Pageantry 2022-2023

Our programme covers how the nation mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, the pageantry surrounding it, and the commemorative music played. We quote from the report of a friend’s experiences queuing and paying her respects at the Lying-in-State of the Queen in Westminster Hall. We also look at the Coronation of her son, King Charles III this month. We consider the purpose of the Coronation, with a look back to earlier coronations. We read extracts from relevant poems and prayers.

Music played

Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 by Sir Edward Elgar

Sleep, Dearie, Sleep, played on the pipes by the Queen’s personal piper, Major Paul Burns

The Flowers of the Forest, played on the bagpipes

The Immortal Memory, played on the bagpipes by Alan Hasson

Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks

Romanza by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Sospiri Opus 70 for Strings, Orchestra and Harp by Sir Edward Elgar

Zadok the Priest by George Frederick Handel sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey

Poetry, prose and prayer

Get Better Soon Your Majesty, poem by @allontheboard displayed on an information board on the London Underground, February 2022

Excerpts from recollections of attending the Lying-in-State of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, September 2022, by Vivienne Tilsley

Excerpt from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s poem on the Queen’s death

Excerpt from poet Pam Ayres’ poem written for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Excerpts from the then Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s poem The Throne, written to mark the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

Quatrain for the Silver Jubilee by Philip Larkin, read by Ben W. Smith

A Prayer for the New King and Queen by John Masefield, 1937