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King Charles' coronation march composer likens the exquisite event to a cinematic experience.
Patrick Doylehad the honor of composing the “King Charles III Coronation March” for thecrowning ceremonyatWestminster Abbeyon Saturday and was among the 2,200guestsinvited inside. The Oscar-nominated composer, 70, exclusively tells PEOPLE about what the crowning ceremony was like, and how it was “heavenly” to hear his piece played in the historic venue.
Doyle had a front-row view ofthe processionsfrom his seat in the quire with the other composers, recalling that a real camaraderie radiated through the group includingAndrew Lloyd Webberas their original compositions were played.
“All the composers got on so well. It’s a wonderful instance of fraternity,” Doyle tells PEOPLE. “I turned around to Nigel Hess and said, ‘I’ll pinch you and then you can pinch me. Then we know this is real.’ That was very funny,” he laughs.
Courtesy of Patrick Doyle
“I thought of my family at home, all my family, relatives in Scotland. I was representing my country. I felt very proud to be part of this international community of people who have got together all over the world and this wonderful diverse program,” says the composer behind scores forHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,Cinderella, Thorand more.
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From his prime place in the pew, Doyle said it was spectacular to see the King’s royal regalia up close — not to mention thecrown jewels!
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The composer’s corner in the quire also meant he also got a good glimpse of the royal entries and exits.
“They all looked as if they were having a beautiful time. I’m sure they were immensely proud. Proud to be part of this historic occasion. They would smile and people would smile in the audience. I’m sure they recognized some of the Members of Parliament or some of the dignitaries,” Doyle tells PEOPLE of the family.
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The eyewitness adds thatQueen Camilla"looked very dignified" and kept precise pacing whilePrincess CharlotteandPrince Louismade a sweet team together.
“They were just two normal kids walking along. Very handsome young children. It was really lovely to see them. They’ll never forget it,” Doyle says of the day — and neither will he.
Queen Camilla.Queen Camilla.PHOTO: GettyPHOTO: Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty
Queen Camilla.
Queen Camilla.PHOTO: GettyPHOTO: Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty
While the joyful “King Charles III Coronation March” was performedin rehearsals, “it wasn’t the same without the finery and the color and the real glamour and the theater of it,” the celebrated composer tells PEOPLE of the practice. “So to hear it played to its intended audience was a different experience completely.”
“I cannot emphasize how much the reverberation almost lifts the music into another sphere. There’s something about the reverberation in these large spaces and cathedrals that is heavenly. So it felt heavenly to hear my music played. The feeling of sheer joy,” Doyle tells PEOPLE of the epic experience and lifetime achievement.
“I didn’t actually shed tears till after that moment, because it was so exciting and overwhelming. In retrospect, it really sunk in how privileged I was to be part of this extraordinary day.”
source: people.com
