It was a feat that would have daunted a muscle-bound twentysomething, let alone a 50-year-old woman who is not conspicuously 'ripped'.Īfter 25 years of working as a fitness trainer, and with more than two million YouTube subscribers, I know that as well as requiring balance, physical alignment and, of course, strength - the prolonged use of her arms, deltoids (the thick muscles hugging the top of your shoulders), upper back and transversus abdominis (part of the deepest stomach muscles) - Penny's feat required real endurance and mental grit. And that we should cherish one another, and the differences and obligations between us.' At times like this, we are reminded of what we all have in common. 'Some think democracies are weak because of this and believe autocracies are somehow doing better. 'Most would also defend their right to express them. She wrote: 'Where we were from on Saturday was diverse. But we're British, so we prefer the word duty.' What we saw on Saturday was a form of love. There are a thousand types of love and a thousand ways of showing it. She said: 'The overriding emotion was one of great love. She wrote that since Saturday, she had been 'asked hundreds of times about how I felt about the coronation'. Her performance of the highly visible role in proceedings attracted much praise from across the political spectrum. The real recognition for Saturday, though, belongs to all of us.' But my gratitude and thanks are reserved for all who took part. 'If people chose to recognise my role, then I'm grateful. It takes courage, patience and judgment to listen to all views. His Majesty the King served longer than anyone in history as Prince of Wales. All came to bear witness to love, service and sacrifice. Crowned heads and world leaders were just faces in the congregation. She added: 'It was a humbling day in every respect. Writing in the Telegraph, she described the occasion as a 'humbling day' and said she was 'grateful' that people had decided to recognise her role in the event. The sword was later drawn and she carried it in its 'naked' form - without its scabbard - before the King for the rest of the service. It was then placed on the altar and redeemed with 'redemption money' by Ms Mordaunt. The second sword was briefly clipped to the King's coronation sword belt and then after a proclamation by the archbishop, the King stepped forward and offered up the sword. Later in the ceremony, Ms Mordaunt, 50, exchanged the Sword of State for the Jewelled Sword of Offering and delivered it to the archbishop. Its silver-gilt hilt features the form of a lion and unicorn and the wooden scabbard is covered in red velvet with silver-gilt rose, thistle and fleur-de-lis emblems. The Leader of the House of Commons, and former Conservative leadership frontrunner, carried the 17th-century Sword of State in procession to the abbey. 'I say well done to the Great British public', she replied. She said: 'I was not in the gym for six months prior to this,' but added: 'You want to make sure you are in good nick.' The Tory MP for Portsmouth North said her Royal Navy training in the city equipped her with the knowledge that 'wriggling your toes' will ensure improved circulation while standing for long periods. Speaking to the BBC she said: 'I did take a couple of painkillers before just to make sure I was going to be alright', adding that 'practice', 'a good breakfast', and 'comfortable shoes' also helped her. Then, a few minutes after surrendering the first sword, she was handed the slightly lighter Jewelled Sword of Offering for the rest of the two-hour ceremony. Penny Mordaunt today revealed how 'popping' painkillers, practice and toe wiggling helped her ace carrying heavy ceremonial swords during the King's Coronation.Īs Lord President of the Council, she was responsible for bearing The Sword of State and presenting The Jewelled Sword of Offering to the King - the first time it has been carried and presented by a woman.ĭressed in a custom-made teal outfit with a matching cape and headband with gold feather embroidery, she held and carried the pieces for the majority of the service - and became one of the stars of the Coronation.įor 51 minutes straight, wearing heels, she carried the Sword of State, which weighs 8lb (3.6kg) - the same as a newborn baby or six pints of milk.
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