US Presidents Not Attending British Coronations

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Medusa

Medusa

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I didn't want to derail @hollydolly's lovely thread about the coronation so am creating a new one.

Lemme just start by saying that I love my country. I. LOVE. MY. COUNTRY.

Having said that, I gotta also say that I'm a bit embarrassed at our President's glaring absence at the coronation. In fact, it was bothering me such that I looked into it a little and found that it's actually a tradition. No US President has ever attended a British Coronation.

Turns out it's a thing, has to do with our breaking away from a monarchy in the first place, etc.

I can see that, a hundred+ years ago, but now it seems unnecessarily snubbish (no matter how much the White House says it isn't) and I think makes us look petty.

This is Great Briton, our closest ally and dearest friend. And as these things, coronations, don't happen very often, this one, this time, would have been a good time to break that tradition.

On reading the excerpt below of John Addams' speech during his audience with King George III after the war, I see a different viewpoint and attitude being extended and wonder when that changed and who changed it.

John Adams’s remarks to King George III

“Sir, The United States of America have appointed me their Minister Plenipotentiary to your Majesty . . . It is in Obedience to their express Commands that I have the Honor to assure your Majesty of their unanimous Disposition and Desire to cultivate the most friendly and liberal Intercourse between your Majesty’s Subjects and their Citizens . . . The appointment of a Minister from the United States to your Majesty’s Court, will form an Epocha in the History of England & of America. I think myself more fortunate than all my fellow Citizens in having the distinguished Honor to be the first to stand in your Majesty’s royal Presence in a diplomatic Character . . .”

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/eyewitness/html.php?section=19
 

Given the propensity for saying or doing something stupid maybe in this instance it's best.

And yes as a tradition it's way past due for recognition of the ceremony important to one of our best allies.
 

If this U.S. president went, there would be so many cough, cough, people up in arms. A certain cough, hack, hack, cable news station would be having a field day. I think the right decision is being done. The first lady is there and she's good enough representation. I think according to Holly's post, a granddaughter is with her.

I will look forward to watching all this tomorrow evening and/or Sunday since I work tomorrow.
 
Remy said:
If this U.S. president went, there would be so many cough, cough, people up in arms. A certain cough, hack, hack, cable news station would be having a field day. I think the right decision is being done. The first lady is there and she's good enough representation. I think according to Holly's post, a granddaughter is with her.

I will look forward to watching all this tomorrow evening and/or Sunday since I work tomorrow.
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Good point, and I suspect it would be more than the cough cough station. Remember the controversy over Nancy Regan's curtsey (or not) to the queen?
 
When the US president travels to another country it’s a security nightmare. Seems to me the Brits have enough to handle without that.

Did Queen Elizabeth attend any of our inaugurations? Maybe it’s just me but there are other times that might be better for a visit.
 
Medusa said:
I didn't want to derail @hollydolly's lovely thread about the coronation so am creating a new one.

Lemme just start by saying that I love my country. I. LOVE. MY. COUNTRY.

Having said that, I gotta also say that I'm a bit embarrassed at our President's glaring absence at the coronation. In fact, it was bothering me such that I looked into it a little and found that it's actually a tradition. No US President has ever attended a British Coronation.

Turns out it's a thing, has to do with our breaking away from a monarchy in the first place, etc.

I can see that, a hundred+ years ago, but now it seems unnecessarily snubbish (no matter how much the White House says it isn't) and I think makes us look petty.

This is Great Briton, our closest ally and dearest friend. And as these things, coronations, don't happen very often, this one, this time, would have been a good time to break that tradition.

On reading the excerpt below of John Addams' speech during his audience with King George III after the war, I see a different viewpoint and attitude being extended and wonder when that changed and who changed it.

John Adams’s remarks to King George III

“Sir, The United States of America have appointed me their Minister Plenipotentiary to your Majesty . . . It is in Obedience to their express Commands that I have the Honor to assure your Majesty of their unanimous Disposition and Desire to cultivate the most friendly and liberal Intercourse between your Majesty’s Subjects and their Citizens . . . The appointment of a Minister from the United States to your Majesty’s Court, will form an Epocha in the History of England & of America. I think myself more fortunate than all my fellow Citizens in having the distinguished Honor to be the first to stand in your Majesty’s royal Presence in a diplomatic Character . . .”

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/eyewitness/html.php?section=19
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@Medusa I agree with your sentiments! Nevertheless I am deeply hurt since I always believed that Canada was your dearest friend and ally! We will have to call in your ambassador to express our displeasure!
 
Thanks to peeps who have shared their opinions here. :)

I've "Liked" all of them whether I completely agree or not because I've shared my opinion on the subject and don't feel the need to press it further, but rather to enjoy and benefit from the opinions of others.
 
Medusa said:
I've "Liked" all of them whether I completely agree or not
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I've wondered what a "like" really means. I have often liked posts that I completely disagree with so long as the opinions were honestly expressed and not an attack on anyone. Particularly when its apparent the poster had put thought into it and isn't just repeating sound bites they heard somewhere.

However I have to admit I'm not very consistent.

Sometimes I think we need an "agree and like" or "really like" icon.
 
We shoulda sent Kamala Harris, who could use some more positive exposure, anyways, and might enjoy a British holiday. Veeps are good to send places when the Pres is busy, or might draw too much attention away from the main event…
 
Hey! We should have sent the moderators of SeniorForums! King Charles is of our age group, anyways! You’d just have to wear your dress clothing, no jeans to this affair. And bring us all back souvenirs, please. There hasn’t been a British coronation in 70 years, after all… 🙂
 
I doubt that the Monarchy cares if he comes or not, and from what I understand, much of the UK isn't that interested in the Monarchy anyway. We are allies of the British people, and I hope we will always be. Our governing body negotiates with Britain's governing body, and we have strong ties with the British government in spite of our past differences, but not with the Royal Family or them with us.
 
Myrtle said:
When the US president travels to another country it’s a security nightmare. Seems to me the Brits have enough to handle without that.

Did Queen Elizabeth attend any of our inaugurations? Maybe it’s just me but there are other times that might be better for a visit.
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This is a once in a century event*. Presidents get inaugurated every 4 years.

Actually, I wouldn't expect the US President to attend anymore than I would the Emperor of Japan. It is an event for the British people, the realms like Canada, New Zealand and Australia and members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Other leaders would probably be welcomed (not Putin though). President Macron of France was present.

* The next coronation will certainly take place in less than 25 years or less.
 
During my early days at the Naval Academy, we were taught that Great Britain, Australia, Italy and Germany are our closest ally’s. We have a bunch more, but those are considered the closest. Canada is considered our closest friend and it should be no surprise that the U.S. is Canada’s closest ally. The U.S. actually protects Canada. The country’s of Japan, Okinawa, South Korea and several others depend on the U.S. if war in their countries should break out.

My post may be argumentative, but that’s what I was taught back in 1979. A lot of history has changed since then.
 
Warrigal said:
This is a once in a century event*. Presidents get inaugurated every 4 years.

Actually, I wouldn't expect the US President to attend anymore than I would the Emperor of Japan. It is an event for the British people, the realms like Canada, New Zealand and Australia and members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Other leaders would probably be welcomed (not Putin though). President Macron of France was present.

* The next coronation will certainly take place in less than 25 years or less.
Click to expand...
Yes, every 4 years, so many more opportunities for the king or queen to attend. Actually, I'm joking. I don't expect foreign heads of state to attend a very American event. Usually, when heads of states visit other countries there is a period of time to discuss things that affect both countries. They are more working visits than anything else. But, that's just my opinion. I wouldn't be offended if the king shows up or if he doesn't but I'm not expecting him.
 
There is a scene in an old movie, Naked Gun: Files from Police Squad, where the head of Police Squad, Officer Frank Drebin, in charge of the Queen's security, welcomes the Queen on an unusual visit to America, with a well intended but utterly stupid and inappropriate speech that could only be delivered by actor, Leslie Nielsen. I couldn't find it on Utube to post here.
 

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