Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the House of Commons, left viewers of the King’s Coronation impressed as she performed her ceremonial duties during the ceremony.
The Conservative MP also holds the role of Lord President of the Privy Council, a team of advisors to the monarch, and was required to carry the 17th-Century Sword of State, which weighs 8lbs, into Westminster Abbey.
The sword was then exchanged for the Jewelled Sword of Offering, which is encrusted with diamonds, rubies and emeralds and was made for the coronation of George IV in 1821.
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It marked the first time in history that a woman carried and presented the sword to the monarch. During the ceremony, the sword was then delivered to the archbishop before being exchanged again for 100 newly-minted 50p pieces bearing the King's image.
Viewers were quick to point out that the MP was left holding the swords for ‘more than an hour’ during the Coronation, with many being impressed with her strength and poise throughout.
Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell tweeted: "Don't let anyone ever say I never say anything positive about the Tories... I am in awe of @PennyMordaunt arm and shoulder strength.”
Podcaster Jon Sopel said: “The Penny mightier than the sword”. He later added: “I think money should come from the Sovereign Grant to pay for a neck and shoulder massage for @PennyMordaunt after that.”
TV presenter Dan Walker said: “Penny Mordaunt’s shoulder power is impressive”, before adding: “What a shift from Penny Mordaunt. Finally she gets to put the sword down. Get her in the Olympics.”
Historian Dan Snow posted: “Penny Mordaunt though. Guns of steel. Would be a brave Jacobite who goes up against her.”
Comments about Penny quickly went viral, with many claiming she was now the surprise star of the Coronation. Writer Caitlin Moran posted: “Penny Mordaunt's sword is the "Pippa Middleton's Bum" of the Coronation.”
TV star Dom Joly added: “Who had “Penny Mordaunt overshadowing everything” on their bingo card?”
Her custom-made teal outfit, which included a matching cape and a Jane Taylor headband with gold fern embroidery featuring the Privy council motif, also caught the attention of viewers who pointed out close similarities with Anne Boleyn and characters from Star Trek.
One person tweeted: "Penny Mordaunt has absolutely stolen the show at the Abbe today! She is rocking that Anne Boleyn look!"
Posting a comparison of the character Serena Joy from The Handmaid's Tale, another person said: “I thought Penny Mordaunt looked great today.”
Whilst someone else commented: “Penny Mordaunt out here dressed like she's about to report Captain Kirk to Starfleet Command for interfering with her society.”
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