As I arrived at the Stormont Estate this morning, I noticed that the Union Flag was flying from both flagpoles on Parliament Buildings. The reason, of course, is for the fifty-sixth Anniversary of the Coronation of our Sovereign Lady, the Most High and Mighty Princess Elizabeth II, of this Realm, and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. 

I walked down to Dundonald House and found that the Flag was flying upside down. I pointed this out to the porter on duty and she stated that she would go and correct it. We don’t want to think that the Northern Ireland Departments in Dundonald House were in distress.

On my walk back up to Parliament Buildings, I found a plaque next to some oak trees. On reading this, I found the oak trees to be the Coronation Oaks, planted from acorns collected from Windsor Great Park, and planted in 1953. 

I’m glad that there are so many references to the commemoration of the Coronation of Her Majesty here, however I am still sad that the Ceremonial Gun Salute is no longer fired from outside Parliament Buildings. But these are now fired at Government House, Hillsborough Castle.

Vivat Regina! Vivat Regina Elizabetha! Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!