Anglophiles On LI To Mark Coronation Day With Tea, Trifle, Festivities

LONG ISLAND, NY — Tea and scones, quiche and crumpets, coronation chicken and trifle will be on the menu Saturday as Anglophiles in the United States gear up to watch the coronation of King Charles III across the pond — the first coronation in 70 years.

The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey 11 a.m. BST, or 6 a.m. ET, which means many in the United States will be up with the birds to get a glimpse of Charles and Camilla, as well as Prince William, Princess Kate and their children during the royal festivities, rife with pomp and pageantry — and to celebrate with coronation-themed parties all day long.

On Long Island, many are eagerly gearing up to mark the momentous day. Gwen Groocock, who lives in Cutchogue, is a dual US/UK citizen who travels back to visit with friends and family every few years.

Reflecting on the coronation excitement, Groocock said: "The monarchy and the Royal Family are justifiably controversial, and I can see both sides of that. I think the balance tips in favor of them, primarily as a driver of tourism, which is of great economic importance. And while they may be a tad overpaid, the working royals do work."

Groocock was busy polishing the silver Thursday in advance of coronation day.

"I really enjoy the ceremony and pageantry of major royal events. They’re visually stunning, cultural, and evoke an emotional connection to our identity and past," she said. "They’re basically tribal rituals, of course, but far more elegant and complex than, say, a noisy rally by some populist politician."

Groocock and her family are celebrating with friends, some of whom are also English or have lived there.

"I hope it will be all a bit fun and silly," she said. "There is bunting! And flags! And there will be bubbly and sausage rolls, strawberry cake and proper English cheeses. The main course is grilled rib-eye steaks from our herd of Red Devon cattle, which is an English heritage breed, so I guess that counts? I’m hoping that at some point, everyone will be inspired to burst into a rousing chorus of 'Jerusalem,' but I might be on my own there!" she laughed.

Groocock is also making coronation chicken for the gathering.

Joanna Lane, also of Cutchogue, was born and raised in the UK and didn’t move to the United States until 1999. "I’m still a British citizen," she said.

Lane said she'll be up early, glued to the television: "Is Catherine wearing a tiara or flowers? My guess is tiara, but she took the Tube today to the Dog and Duck for a pint, so who knows?" she said. "I totally love all the accouterments that typically accompany such pageantry, not least the glove that will hold the scepter and the breathtaking handcrafted privacy screen for the anointing."

She added that she loves the fact that the Royal School of Needlework was commissioned to help create the screen. "It reminds of my time at the BBC when we were honored by a Papal visit, and I was delighted that the Royal School of Needlework accepted the commission to embroider the papal crest on silk that was used in the opening titles and throughout the visit as a key image."

Charles, she said, "is a strong supporter of the arts and I admire and respect him for that."

Lane said it is also significant that although Charles is head of the Church of England, he has included so many other faiths. "I think that will prove to be a masterful balancing act. We shall see, but I’m anticipating that unlike Elizabeth, who was almost objectified on her coronation, Charles has had a lifetime to put his own stamp on it and will do so sensitively," she said.

And, she added, there's much to look forward to during Saturday's proceedings: "The children will steal the show on the balcony, as they always do!"

Dawn Bennett, who is also British and lives on both the North Fork and in Florida, is also anticipating the once-in-a-lifetime coronation.

"I'm very excited, but I wish Diana was here," she said.

She said she and her husband are having a Bloody Mary breakfast/coronation party with friends.

"The Queen is dead. Long live the King," she said.