HMS Diamond, a Type 45 Royal Navy air-defense destroyer, docked on the River Thames in Greenwich, served as the Royal Guardship during the coronation of King Charles III earlier today. While the purpose of the guard ship is to help protect the king during his coronation, the Diamond is also hosting a series of VIP cocktail parties and performances by the Royal Marines band.
Naval chiefs say the destroyer will be ready for action “at the flick of a switch”. Equipped with the cutting-edge Sea Viper missile system, which includes the Sampson radar and the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, the ship can effectively identify, track, and neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.
#TeamDIAMOND is proud to be the Royal Guardship for the King's Coronation. It is fantastic to be in our capital representing your Royal Navy. pic.twitter.com/mzCjJcZu1M
— HMS Diamond (@hmsdiamond) May 4, 2023
But can Diamond protect Charles from republicans with little bits of string in their pockets?
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/06/head-of-uks-leading-anti-monarchy-group-arrested-at-coronation-protest
It’s good to have a written constitution as opposed to “here’s how we feel about it right now.” 🙂
There was a marching manoeuvre that was absolutely spectacular created for this event. As the procession approached Buckingham Place the various squadrons had to change from a file of twelve to a file of six without holding up the parade. It was incredible but totally missed by the bonzo press. It can be found if you look for it, the Royal Navy absolutely nailed it but I cannot find recorded coverage anywhere.
It is visible on this recording at 5:45:30 and the front of the procession at 5:37:00.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je_fcAfd5_g
Saddest thing of all is these incredible military personnel were denied the opportunity to show their skills to a worldwide audience.