Penny Mordaunt did push-ups to prepare to hold a giant coronation sword | UK News
All eyes were on King Charles and Queen Camilla during their coronation at Westminster Abbey – but one attendee at the service also drew plenty of attention.
Penny Mordaunt, a former Secretary of Defense who fought as Tory leader at the same time as Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, is the first female Lord President of the Privy Council.
She was responsible for carrying the sword of state for more than an hour during the ceremony and for presenting the jeweled sacrificial sword to the king – the first time a woman had played this role at a coronation.
We suspect the average person would struggle to carry an object this heavy for as long as she did without any visible slips or struggles – so how did she manage it?
Mrs. Mordaunt said Times Radio: “On the day that I represent the authority of the king.
“The Sword of State is the heaviest sword, so I did some push-ups to train for it.
“It is one of two swords made for Charles II, only one survives today.
“It has to be carried perpendicular to the body and pointing up, hence the need to do push-ups.
“We can practice with some replicas that are equally weighted.
“Being in the Navy has proven to be handy, especially standing for a long time and not fainting.
Coronation of King Charles III. At latest
The historic coronation of Her Majesties King Charles III. and Queen Camilla takes place today (6 May) at Westminster Abbey.
For the latest royal updates, see Metro.co.uk’s special coronation site.
“It is a great honor to do this.”
Mrs. Mordaunt was also distinguished by her tailored outfit, a teal dress and cape embroidered with gold ferns in a nod to the outfits normally worn by members of the Privy Council.
If you were inspired by what she wore, you can take a look at our guide on how to steal her look.
Speaking of her outfit, she said: “I don’t think it was appropriate to wear the male uniform in the modern sense, but I take a cue from that.
“I had something made and it’s going to be modern, it’s definitely going to be made for a woman, but it’s also going to highlight the Privy Council embroidery and I had a great group of people that helped me get something, that goes work in the day.’
In her role as Lord President, she solemnly announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II and two days later proclaimed Charles the new British king.
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