All eyes were on King Charles at his historic Coronation on Saturday afternoon – but many fans were unexpectedly distracted by another recognisable face.
Penny Mordaunt is known to most as a Conservative MP but she also serves as Lord President of the Privy Council, a position bestowed upon her by then-prime minister Liz Truss last September.
Holding the position meant Penny played a large role in the days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death and she was thrust into the spotlight again on Saturday as she undertook an incredibly unusual role.
Throughout the majority of the two-hour ceremony, the 50 year old could be seen holding a gigantic sword.
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Many fans at home were somewhat distracted by the sight of Penny clutching the embellished relic with some even dubbing her the Coronation’s very own Pippa Middleton, in a nod to Kate’s scene-stealing sister.
One person tweeted: This might all be a bit much but Penny Mordaunt is absolutely serving it as sword bearer. She wins this week’s runway challenge.”
“Penny Mordaunt is the new Pippa Middleton,” wrote BBC presenter Tina Daheley.
Plenty of viewers also commended the MP’s arm strength, with one quipping: “Penny Mordaunt's upper arm sessions have paid off.”
“Penny Mordaunt tricep workout DVD guaranteed for Christmas 2023,” joked another.
“So, we’re all going as sword-carrying Penny Mordaunt to Halloween parties this year, yes?” asked a third.
Penny’s outfit also attracted positive attention. The MP sported a fitted teal number with a cape and matching headdress. Her headwear and flattering dress both featured the golden fern motif of the Privy Council.
“I think we can all agree that Penny is SLAYING it today,” wrote one fan.
“Who had ‘Penny Mordaunt overshadowing everything’ on their bingo card?” asked TV star Dom Joly.
Penny held the sword for the majority of the two-hour long Coronation service after exchanging one hundred newly-minted 50p pieces for it as part of an unusual ancient tradition.
The sword – which was made for the 1821 coronation of George IV – was then blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury before Penny later carried it to the King and handed it to him.
Saturday’s Coronation saw Charles and Camilla officially crowned King and Queen, almost eight months after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Numerous famous faces were part of the congregation, with Ant and Dec among the celebrities who scored an invite.
The event was also attended by working and non-working members of the Royal Family and Prince Harry arrived with his cousins after jetting into the UK on Friday.
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attended alongside their parents, Kate Middleton and Prince William, while their older sibling Prince George served as a Page Boy.
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