Tight security as Prince Charles and David Cameron visit for Archbishop Welby enthronement
by Gerry Warren
A huge security operation is being planned for the arrival
of Prince Charles and David Cameron to Canterbury next month.
Although not officially confirmed, the pair are expected to be
among hundreds of VIPs from around the world attending the
enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
(pictured right) on March 21.
The ceremony will be held in Canterbury Cathedral, with 2,000
people set to attend.
Police spokesman Jon Green said: “The scale of this operation
and the number of police officers involved will reflect the
importance of the event and the associated safety and security
issues that need to be considered.
“We are working with Canterbury Cathedral and the city
council on plans to ensure all those attending the event can do so
in a safe and secure environment.”
The police cannot reveal further specific measures, but both
armed and Special Branch officers are likely to be involved.
Cathedral spokesman Chris Robinson said arrangements for the
90-minute service have been under way for months – even before
Archbishop Welby was appointed.
He said: “The enthronement of a new Archbishop is one of the
biggest events at the cathedral. But we can only fit in 2,000
people.
“Two days later there will be another service especially for
members of the Canterbury Diocese, when the new Archbishop will
have a chance to meet and talk to them.”
The Cathedral precincts will be closed to the public on March
21, but bystanders are expected to line Burgate and the
Buttermarket hoping to catch sight of arriving VIPs.
Canterbury Cathedral,
where the enthronement takes place next month
The enthronement has several key features: the new Archbishop
has to knock on the Great Door with his crook to be allowed into
the cathedral.
He will swear an oath on the Canterbury Gospels – a book brought
to the city by St Augustine in the 6th century.
Choristers are rehearsing the music, which will include a piece
especially written for the service by composer Michael
Berkeley.
06/02/13
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