From Lord Rothschild and Simon Sebag Montefiore to Sir Lloyd Dorfman and the second-ever Jewish Lord Lieutenant in England, prominent figures from our community describe witnessing the magnificent coronation of Charles III beneath the vaulted roof of Westminster Abbey

Lord Rothschild

The occasion was a brilliant and magical one, throughout which one could not but feel that the principle of diversity was foremost.

It was deeply moving that the King, knowing that the Chief Rabbi could not be driven to Westminster Abbey on the Saturday, invited him to his home at Clarence House to spend the night there. He was then able to walk from St James’s to Westminster Abbey in the early morning.

It was the Chief Rabbi who had reminded us that nearly 1,000 years ago, in 1189, when Jewish leaders came bearing gifts at the Coronation of Richard I, that the Jews were stripped and flogged and thrown out of the Abbey.

No fewer than 30 Jews were murdered on the day.

The contrast is unimaginable. The Coronation Service brought home to us how the cause of diversity has been championed by the King, together with his passionate concern for so many worthy good causes, including the environment, the arts and architecture.
I think it’s fair to say that never in its history has the Jewish community enjoyed wholehearted friendship and support demonstrated and felt by his Majesty King Charles III.

Simon Sebag Montefiore

Sebag FvclsI9XsAAqflyaa

Simon and Santa Sebag Montefiore

l It was momentous, magical and successful, both traditional and modern – and such an honour to be there for [my wife] Santa and I.

As a Jewish person and a historian, it says a lot about modern Britain that so many Jews were there and I was very proud to be one of them.

I think probably like every Jew there, I was thinking: ‘If only my mother had been alive to see this’.

Robert Voss

One of the greatest honours of my life to represent #Hertfordshire at the Coronation of King Charles III. An emotional moment in history. What an amazing day. ⁦@RoyalFamily⁩ pic.twitter.com/1HT1TXS7wY

— The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire (@hertslieutenant) May 6, 2023

l From the moment I sat in my front row seat at Westminster Abbey at 7.40am until we were allowed to leave almost five hours later, I felt proud to be part of an event of such huge significance combining, as it did, our country’s historical, religious, ceremonial and constitutional traditions.

I was moved to witness the raw emotions of the 40th monarch to be crowned in the Abbey — 957 years since the first — William the Conqueror in 1066.

From my position, I had watched as the Abbey filled.

Well-known faces from the world of film, television and the arts were joined by others from a wide variety of voluntary and public-facing organisations, among those who had come to the forefront during the pandemic, and others who had served the monarch and the country.

As the hour approached, I was pleased to see the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Mirvis, and also my good friend the Rt Revd Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who had until recently been Bishop of Hertford. He would play such a significant role in the proceedings, standing alongside the King during the ceremony.

Then the Commonwealth representatives arrived, carrying their country’s flags, followed by foreign leaders, and members of the Royal Family.

Finally we saw the gold and black royal carriage, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, draw up at the entrance.

First the Queen and then the King entered the Abbey and passed just a couple of feet in front of me. The ceremony — filled with music and hymns — brought tears to a great many eyes, including my own.

Why was I so emotional?

Perhaps it was due to the pride I knew my late parents would have felt as their son attended an event of such historical significance only a generation after they had arrived in this country as refugees having escaped Nazi Germany.

Maybe it was because of the pride I feel, as a British Jew, at being the personal representative of the monarch?

Or because — as the Chief Rabbi said — there was an “aura” that captivated not only those privileged to be in the abbey but also the hundreds of millions around the world who watched the wonderful ceremony.

Robert Voss CBE is the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Sir Lloyd Dorfman

l I was incredibly honoured to attend the Coronation at Westminster Abbey last Saturday, a truly historic and momentous occasion. Being among the 2,200 guests was a real privilege and an unforgettable experience. We were in the presence of history.

My connection with the King and his work began through the Prince’s Trust. Of the different programmes the charity ran, I was particularly struck by its work in helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds to start businesses.

That kicked off the relationship and I was then asked to join its development committee, later becoming chairman.

Away from the Trust, I have seen the King’s commitment, passion and care from a number of other charities and initiatives with which I’ve been involved.

He has lent his support to many Jewish charities and causes over the years, including Holocaust-related organisations and World Jewish Relief. Four years ago, he organised a fantastic reception for our community at Buckingham Palace at a time when there was significant and rising antisemitism. The community was feeling more vulnerable and insecure than it had felt for a long time.

The King intuitively understood this and his words that evening were powerful and reassuring.

He has been very concerned about the increase in hate crime affecting different communities. He has a wider concern for and sensitivity to all minority and faith communities. Having seen him at close quarters, I have no doubt that the British Jewish community could have no greater friend.  I am sure that we will continue to see this over the course of his reign.

Sir Lloyd Dorfman CVO CBE is Vice-President of Prince’s Trust International

Marie van Der Zyl

Marie coronation day

Marie van der Zyl at the coronation (Courtesy)

l The emotion in the room was palpable. To be one of the hundreds of thousands who converged on London to celebrate an occasion of this magnitude was something I will never forget.

In a slightly surreal moment, I saw Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and crossed to the other side of the cathedral to wish him and his wife a Shabbat Shalom.

The time seemed to pass so quickly. One moment I was in the grandeur of Westminster Abbey and the next I was outside in the pouring London rain. However, it is a memory I will never forget.

The ceremony itself was wonderful and unique – I was so grateful for the opportunity represent my community and pass on the sincere congratulations and warm feelings of Jews from all around the UK.

From my seat in The North Transept, only nine rows from the front, I had an unforgettably clear view of the King and Queen sitting in their chairs of state.

What one cannot appreciate from the TV coverage of the event is that the ceremony is not just a visual spectacle but also an assault on the senses. There was a potent mix of grandeur, pomp and circumstance and it had such a feeling of excitement.

Having experienced King Charles’ warmth towards our community on several occasions, I know he will be a wonderful monarch both for the Jewish community and the wider nation. I wish him happiness and success.

Marie van der Zyl is President of the Board of Deputies