A constitutional conundrum - or simply a king-size spectacle?

The Coronation this weekend was an historic event that anointed a new head of state for us for the first time in 70 years - and also a made-for-media spectacle that captivated broadcasters. After the death of QE2 last year, pundits predicted a debate about cutting ties with the Crown would follow, but the media have shown little appetite for it. The Coronation this weekend was an historic event that anointed a new head of state for us for the first time in 70 years - and also a made-for-media spectacle that captivated broadcasters.After the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year, pundits predicted a debate about cutting ties with the Crown would follow, but the media have shown little appetite for it. Last Monday, Morning Report listeners heard from royalty fan Barbara Larsen about how much she was looking forward to the Coronation. She has collected royal stuff since she was a child which now lines the walls of her house in New Plymouth. TVNZ this week was certainly banking on New Zealanders wanting wall-to-wall royalty this past week. The state-owned broadcaster - which turned down an invitation to air the state memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II last year - began last Wednesday night with last year's Royal Variety Command Performance on TVNZ1 (though Coronation Street on after that was just a coincidence). Then on Friday there was a King Charles Special of The Repair Shop; followed by My King Charles III - billed as "a uniquely intimate picture of the man behind the crown" - and then King Charles III: A New Era - billed as a "ground-breaking and moving documentary" including a never-before-seen interview with his former butler. TVNZ kicked off the coverage at 10am on Coronation Saturday itself, with another big gig: The Platinum Party at the Palace. After that, TVNZ1 showed a documentary called Fergie & Meghan: Inconvenient Royals before Catherine Our Queen in Waiting, a profile of the Princess of Wales.That was followed by Charles and the Women Who Could Have Been Queen which was all about Charles' search for a bride down the years - including the one who is now Her Majesty.Then At 7pm, TVNZ news hosts Melissa Stokes and Daniel Faitaua took over joining the BBC's coverage from London later on. For those wanting an alternative to TVNZ's Their Majesties' Coronation, Three offered The Coronation of their Majesties on Saturday night, also hooking in to coverage from the BBC. …Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details