The Africa Young Voices (AYV) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) will bring live coverage and analysis of the Coronation ceremony of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey in London tomorrow Saturday, 6th May, 2023.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AYV, Messeh Leone said: “This special event will be screened from our studios in the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone tomorrow starting at 9:00am exclusively on AYV Ch33, Ch34, DStv Ch399, Radio 101.7 FM and Online.
“AYV has established a strategic partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the world service programme in London. This partnership offers both AYV and the BBC a world – class broadcasting platform and resources for audiences across the world” Messeh said.
AYV is the only Sierra Leonean owned television station with a broadcasting house in London.
AYV also broadcasts on DStv Channel 399 in Sierra Leone and across Africa. AYV International is headquartered in London, United Kingdom with networks across the world including in Africa, Asia, Europe, Pacific, the Americas, and Caribbean.
Sierra Leone is a member of the Commonwealth and has a special relationship with the United Kingdom. Sierra Leone’s president, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and wife Dr. Fatima Maada Bio will be part of tomorrow’s Coronation ceremony.
President Bio was invited to attend in his capacity as head of state of a Commonwealth member nation.
The last coronation ceremony took place in Britain exactly 70 years ago when Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne after the death of her father in 1953.
King Charles III ascends to the British throne after the passing of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
His Majesty King Charles III has become head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.5 billion people.
Communications and Campaigns Officer, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Antoinette George said: “Tomorrow will be a big moment for the UK and for all Commonwealth countries like Sierra Leone as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort”.
She said world leaders from far and wide will be in London for the Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey – the first since Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in June 1953.
“This year, I’ll be watching the ceremony live in Freetown with my colleagues and friends whilst millions around the globe tune in alongside me. The crowning of King Charles will be a celebration of a modern Commonwealth, firmly focused on its future.
“At the last Coronation, we shared a Head of State. This Coronation comes a week after Sierra Leoneans celebrated over 60 years of independence. In the UK, the monarch as Head of State provides checks and balances to the elected Government.
“In Sierra Leone, you have a constitution. What endures between these moments is our deep friendship, as shown during the Foreign Secretary’s visit just two months ago.
“Today, our Commonwealth family has over 2.5 billion people of different nationalities and religions. Most are young – with over 60% are under 30. His Majesty has already done a huge amount of work across the UK and the Commonwealth on causes dear to him – empowering young people, promoting tolerance and understanding between different faiths and communities, and protecting nature.
“King Charles has founded nearly 20 charities, the most famous of which is the Prince’s Trust which helps 11-to-30-year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives.
“The Commonwealth is not just about our values – it’s about collective action. As Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles wants to see even more benefits for all of its 56 states by involving youth in solving problems in society, deepening trade and investment partnerships, responding to the global threat of climate change and championing democracy. His Majesty also wants to inspire citizens around the world to get involved in in their local communities”.
