"Reflections on the 2023 Coronation" with David White - Garter King of Arms.

David White was born in Scotland, but gained his degrees at Cambridge and London University. Building on his early interest in heraldry, he was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant at The College of Arms, then in 2004 became Somerset Herald. He was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms in July 2021 and Inspector of Regimental Colours to the British Army in August 2022. It was he who proclaimed the accession of King Charles III at St James's Palace in September 2022.

Talk:

Reflections on the 2023 Coronation:

Many people watched the Coronation of Charles III on television in May 2023 and listened to the commentaries. But what was it like to be involved in the planning and taking part in the ceremony? David White, who as Garter Principal King of Arms played a major part in the activities, will be talking about the run-up to the Coronation as well as his recollections of the day itself.

For those of you who are wondering why on earth an archaeological society should have a talk on a coronation, it is because your President, when watching the ceremony on TV, realised that there was a great deal of ritual going on which was of great significance, but which would not leave any archaeological trace and might even escape the written word which historians rely on. This is something to bear in mind when we talk about rituals in other periods.