The Monty Python star caused heated discussion on Twitter when he suggested King Charles and former US President Donald Trump were similar for this reason.
On May 6, 2023, the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla, as the king and queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, was held at Westminster Abbey. Over 20 million people in the UK watched the coronation of King Charles III. Although this was lower than the number of people who watched the funeral of his mother last year, His Majesty's Coronation still remains among the most anticipated events of the year.
However, not every British is impressed by the historic event, including Monty Python legend John Cleese. The 83-year-old sparked a fierce debate on Twitter recently after he compared former US President Donald Trump with King Charles.
John Cleese's brutal dig at King Charles' Coronation
According to The Mirror, the comparison was made in the context of the oath of allegiance recited by UK citizens during the coronation of the King.
The oath of allegiance has been a part of British life for centuries, and it is considered an important part of the country's traditions. It requires those living in the UK to pledge allegiance to the monarch, while foreign nationals who achieve citizenship also receive the oath as part of the process. The oath states: 'I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.'
On Saturday, John Cleese took to Twitter to question the oath of allegiance, implying that it is an ego-stroking statement. He tweeted:
'The pledge of allegiance idea would certainly please Donald Trump. But, since we no longer live in a feudal society, our pledge of allegiance should be to the Rule of Law, not to an individual.'
The pledge of allegiance idea would certainly please
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) May 6, 2023
Donald Trump
But, since we no longer live in a feudal society, our pledge of allegiance should be to the Rule of Law, not to an individual
Mixed reactions from fans
While many of Cleese's followers agreed with him, others took issue with his comparison to Trump, while still others felt he was missing the point of the pledge.
One follower responded: 'I think it’s to a great deal more than both an individual and the rule of law. It is loyalty to hundreds of years of tradition, and over 2k years of loyalty to Christian beliefs, and to eternal archetypes.'
Another follower wrote: 'Think the world of you John but having served for 35+ years I still stand by the oath I FREELY took. So I have to say - B*****ks.'
Some followers accused John Cleese of bashing the former US President, with one musing: 'And just like that, the pivot to Trump is checked off for the hour.'
Nevertheless, some backed John's sentiment. They believe that the oath of allegiance is a relic of the past and that we should focus on the rule of law instead of pledging allegiance to an individual.
One wrote: 'Thank you Mr Cleese for being a voice of wisdom and intelligence. Thanks for all your years of entertainment and thoughtfulness. World is better because of you.'
Another follower wrote: 'Relax. Everyone knows that this is all ceremonial pantomime. We are celebrating our history, tradition, and culture. The monarchy and this coronation are just symbols of our national heritage.'
Cleese's history of bashing the Royal Family
Previously, Cleese said he considered the historic coronation of King Charles III as a satire worthy of one of his classic Monty Python sketches.
In an interview with GB News, Cleese further clarified his comments on the coronation of King Charles III. He admitted that he 'lost it' after starting to watch the historic televised event with his wife.
'I couldn’t stop laughing,' he shared, barely able to contain himself through his harsh-yet-candid recollection. 'All these people in these silly costumes, all taking things so seriously. I thought it was a [Monty] Python sketch.'
According to The Daily Express, Cleese has a history of rejecting honors from the Royal Family. He famously turned down numerous honors over the years, including a CBE in 1996, calling them 'silly,' and then declined a life peerage for political services in 1999.
Earlier this year, John criticized King Charles after Meghan and Harry were evicted from Frogmore Cottage, which was then offered to Prince Andrew. The couple had to 'vacate' the property after the release of Harry's memoir, Spare.
Read more:
⋙ Sharon Osbourne spills King Charles's surprising reaction to her swearing in front of him
⋙ Inside King Charles III’s coronation of bizarre traditions and rules
⋙ King Charles' coronation slammed as 'nonsense' by Matthew Wright in This Morning row
⋙ Monty Python legend John Cleese to host new show on GB News
