An Unlikely Star Stole the Show at Charles’ Coronation — and a Royal Had Something to Say About It
Penny Mordaunt gave off main character energy when she carried an 8-pound sword, without a wobble or wince, during the Coronation service.
While the eyes of the world were on King Charles during his 2023 Coronation, his sword-wielding MP, Penny Mordaunt, ruled the internet. Tasked with carrying the ceremonial Sword of State during the service—an 8-pound sword for an hour, by the way—without a wobble or wince (and in heels!) was no easy feat, and the internet rightly praised her composure. Reflecting on her viral fame, Mordaunt recently revealed that it wasn't just the public she caught the eye of, but also a royal, who sent her a light-hearted letter.
Mordaunt, the former Lord President of the Privy Council, spoke at the Oxford Literary Festival, where she opened up about being the center of attention as she led the King and Queen in procession. As reported by PEOPLE, she said, "I had thousands of letters sent to me after that event — actually, more letters than I got votes at any election." Sharing an anecdote involving one of her 'royal' fans, she added, "One letter in particular was very embarrassing. It was from a member of the royal family, and it started, 'How kind of the King and Queen to come to your event,'" without revealing the royals' name.
Merely two days after becoming Lord President of the Privy Council, Mordaunt helped lead the Accession Council to crown Charles as King. She asserted that her participation in the ceremony reflected the King's desire for inclusivity. She became the first woman to perform this ceremonial duty, carrying out the physically demanding task without breaking a sweat. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, she stressed, "I'm very aware that our armed forces, police officers, and others have been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep us all safe. In comparison, my job was rather easier."
Interestingly, Mordaunt revealed the secret behind her indomitable strength to carry such a heavy sword. She told Nick Robinson for the BBC, "I was not in the gym for six months prior to this. You want to make sure you are in good nick. I did take a couple of painkillers before just to make sure I was going to be all right." She also said that her navy training in Portsmouth helped her know how to keep her circulation going by 'wriggling your toes.' "I had to carry the Sword of State, which is the really heavy one, and then I traded it in for the very exquisite Jewelled Sword of Offering."
According to the Royal Trust Collection, the Sword of State is entrusted with the reigning monarch "for the protection of good and the punishment of evil." At the same time, the Jewelled Sword of Offering denotes "the protection of good and the punishment of evil." Stunning in a teal Safiyaa dress and cape with stunning gold-leaf detail and a matching headband, her dress also stood out sharply against the traditional royal outfit.
