Lord Mayor of London hails historic friendship between City and Crown
The Lord Mayor of London, Nicholas Lyons, celebrated the enduring bond between the City of London and the monarchy during an evening event at The Mansion House, commemorating the City’s contribution to the Coronation.
The gathering, hosted by the City of London Corporation, was graced by the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen. Among those in attendance were elected officials from the City Corporation’s Court of Common Council, affiliates of City livery companies, and key figures from the UK’s financial sector, who are at the forefront of sustainability efforts.
Although, the event marked a significant traditional ceremony, initiated in 1689 with King William III, carried out during a reigning monarch’s inaugural visit to the City of London. Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons handed over the City Corporation’s Pearl Sword to His Majesty, symbolizing the Lord Mayor’s jurisdiction within the City. This sword is believed to have been a gift from Queen Elizabeth I in 1571. Accepting and then returning the sword, His Majesty reaffirmed the Lord Mayor’s governance within the Square Mile in the absence of the Sovereign. A similar ritual was conducted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, as well as during her Jubilees in 1977 and 2002.
Within the venue, Their Majesties examined the Anointing Screen, a contribution from the City Corporation and City Livery Companies for the Coronation’s most hallowed rite, the Sovereign’s Anointing. Also exhibited was the Lord Mayor’s Coronation Robe, initially donned by Lyons’ predecessor for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
Addressing those gathered, Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons expressed:
“Our alliance with the Crown is profound, rooted in mutual principles and national ambitions.
“The international community recognizes the Square Mile as the paramount financial hub, supported by an elite legal and regulatory framework, and an unmatched pool of skill and creativity.
“This prestige is bolstered by His Majesty’s efforts in elevating the UK’s global stance, and the continuity offered by a constitutional monarchy.
“Despite the transitions of sovereigns and Lord Mayors, the intimate liaison between the City and the Crown is perpetual. We recognize that Your Majesties’ commitment to our nation’s prosperity is steadfast. Your advocacy for our collective ideals serves as an essential constant, guiding our nation’s endeavors for the collective good.”