Spectators, fresh-faced choristers, flower-girls, prelates in embroidered copes, family in jewels were supported by highly polished cars, police, soldiers, and carriages. Royal procession in the 21st century.
Clifford Geertz, anthropologist, wrote about 16th century procession. The display of Elizabeth I made her authority visible.
Geertz also wrote about 14th century royal procession. Hayam Wuruk was suspended in the Javanese cosmos between his people and the gods. His authority was apparent in the length of his retinue, the magnificence of his gold and jewellery.
Later, down at the Thames, all was quiet. I watched the tide, surging against a bollard, and made a drawing.
