Solomon Islands celebrated The King's Coronation in Honiara
The Coronation celebration began with a wake-up call by drumbeaters, pan pipers and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force band who travelled from west to east Honiara.
Cutting of the Coronation cake by their Excellencies the Acting Governor-General of Solomon Islands Hon John Patterson Oti and British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands H.E Thomas Coward.
While London celebrated the Coronation of their majesties The King and Queen Consort on Saturday 6 May 2023, Honiara also celebrated the event recently.
The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort took place at Westminster Abbey.
The Service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and reflected on the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.
Their Majesties arrived at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’.
After the Service, Their Majesties returned to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Their Majesties were joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family.
At Buckingham Palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, appeared on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events.
In Honiara on Saturday 6 May, coronation celebrations began with a wake-up call by drumbeaters, pan pipers and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force band who travelled in a convoy from White River to Henderson. They then travelled via the Vura-Naha roads on their return from Henderson.
At the St Barnabas Provincial Cathedral, a special commemorative church service was started at 10am. Guests arrived at the cathedral from 8:30am.
British High Commissioner, His Excellency Thomas Edward Coward and Acting Governor General, His Excellency John Patterson Oti delivered statements during the church service.
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare and Madam Sogavare were also among guests invited to attend the church service.
Other guests include Lord Mayor of Honiara City Edward Siapu and Madam Siapu, His Lordship Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer CBE and Lady Palmer and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Commins Mewa MP and Madam Mewa. Other VIP guests were also invited to the programme that concluded by 12:25pm on the day of celebrations.
A live music performance by One Drop Band was also held at the Unity Square, Ports area where the general public was encouraged to attend. A slideshow of historical portraits and pictures of members of the Royal Family who visited Solomon Islands in the 70s and recently was also displayed.
An exhibition that started on 5 May 2023 at the National Art Gallery will close on 12 May to display portraits, historical records, and visits by members of the Royal Family to Solomon Islands. Members of the public are welcome to view the exhibitions during this period.