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The coronation ofKing Charleswas the first in 70 years, and the world has become a much more equitable place for women in those decades sinceQueen ElizabethII was crowned in 1953.
With that inspiration, meet the boundary breakers who hit the history books with their pivotal positions in King Charles andQueen Camilla’s crowning on May 6.
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Penny Mordaunt
As Lord President of the Privy Council, it wasPenny Mordaunt’s job to carry theSword of State. The 8 lb. ceremonial sword is bejeweled with 2,141 diamonds, 12 emeralds and 14 rubies — and holding it for hours was no easy feat! The 50-year-old politician did push-ups to prepare and curated a custom outfit featuring the fern motif of the Privy Council and teal color of her constituency.
“I was so honored to be part of the coronation along with thousands of others who played their part,” Mordaunt tells PEOPLE. “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.”
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Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally
Adding to the accolade, Mullally’s clergy work is her second career. She was a nurse for 20 years, rising to Chief Nursing Officer for the English government.
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Amy Taylor
Royal Navy Petty Officer Amy Taylor became the first woman in history to carry theSword of Offering, one of the glitteringcrown jewels. The visible role called her to present the item to theArchbishop of Canterbury, who blessed it and handed it to King Charles, 74, explaining the ceremonial weapon should be used to protect good and defend against evil.
In doing the duty, Taylor had the honor of representing all service personnel in the U.K.
source: people.com
