You might think #Republicans would understand why the #elected leader of a #republic doesn’t attend the #coronation of a foreign #monarch. Particularly when the republic in question established its existence by breaking away from *that particular* #monarchy. But apparently this is too much to ask.
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@freemo Yeah, I think that's what it comes down to: there is no protocol for a US President attending a British coronation, because there's never been a need for it!
I'm not opposed to the *existence* of the monarchy. My father, who was born in England and grew up in South Africa when it was still part of the Empire, has pointed out that there's real value in separating the head of state from the head of government: all the patriotic foofaraw can attach to the throne while Parliament gets on with the actual business of governing. In the US we have a bad habit of attaching quasi-mystical significance to the Presidency.
But I do think it would be inappropriate for the President to go to any coronation, and the British one in particular. Of course the Revolution was a long time ago, and the UK and the US have been steadfast allies for over a century. Nonetheless, there are parts of our shared history I'd rather not see forgotten.
@medigoth what has been the precedence for past coronations?