Dame Penny Mordaunt has disclosed that following her prominent role at the King's Coronation, a member of the Royal Family jokingly suggested she had stolen the spotlight. Appearing in a teal blue dress adorned with gold detailing and a matching cape, Dame Penny carried the 4ft 17th-century Sword of State into Westminster Abbey before presenting it to the King upon his throne. This marked the first instance a woman had ever performed this ceremonial duty.
Historic Role and Global Recognition
As Lord President of the Privy Council, she was assigned this responsibility and received widespread acclaim for her ability to hold the substantial sword aloft for over an hour. The event propelled her to social media stardom, earning praise from political adversaries and even accolades from the cast of Game of Thrones, a series renowned for its medieval fantasy and political intrigue.
Her iconic performance did not escape the notice of the Royal Family, as the former MP revealed during her appearance at the Oxford Literary Festival. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2023 Coronation, she remarked, 'I was clearly the lightning rod on the day for attention. Very embarrassing. I had thousands of letters sent to me after that event—actually, more letters than I received votes in any election.'
A Humorous Royal Remark
She added, 'One letter in particular was very embarrassing. It was from a member of the Royal Family and it began, "How kind of the King and Queen to come to your event."' Dame Penny has since co-authored a book titled Pomp and Circumstance, which examines coronations and national ceremonies worldwide.
In her speech, documented by The Telegraph, she explained how the Coronation transformed her life and elevated her political profile internationally. 'The Coronation did change my life, not just UK-wise but globally as well, and it’s nice. Normally, if you’re a politician, the first thing people say to you is that there aren’t enough dog poo bins or whatever issue they want to raise with you. [Now] usually the first thing they mention is the Coronation,' she stated.
Gender and Historical Significance
Dame Penny believes the King assigned her this prominent role because she was a woman and the inaugural female Lord President at that time. She speculated that 'if she was a bloke,' the role might not have been retained. However, as she had the opportunity to be the first woman to undertake this duty, she feels that was the rationale behind the King's decision.
Previously, she disclosed undergoing a rigorous training regimen involving press-ups and practising with a weighted replica of the 7lb 5oz sword originally crafted for Charles II. Dame Penny assumed the position of Lord President of the Privy Council on September 6, 2022, merely two days prior to Queen Elizabeth II's passing.
Navigating New Responsibilities
She revealed that the role was so unfamiliar to her that she had to Google 'Accession Council' before leading the meeting four days later to formally declare Charles III as the new King. The proclamation was subsequently made from a balcony at St James's Palace.
Against a backdrop of political turmoil under Liz Truss and the demise of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, she noted it 'wasn't a foregone conclusion' that the British public would embrace the new King. Nevertheless, when the proclamation was announced, she could hear thousands chanting for the King from beyond the palace walls and 'knew it was going to be all right.'
Political Trajectory and Public Persona
Following the 2023 Coronation, Dame Penny emerged as a frontrunner to become the next Conservative Party leader. She had contested the leadership twice, losing to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, but was unable to run again after losing her seat in the 2024 General Election.
Dame Penny mentioned she had previously gained recognition for her appearance on the diving gameshow Splash! in 2014. Her television stint, alongside B-list celebrities such as Gemma Collins from The Only Way Is Essex, involved training under celebrity diver Tom Daley. She was the ninth celebrity eliminated, following participants like Paul Young and stand-up comedian Patrick Monahan.
Additionally, she was once voted 'Britain's sexiest MP' in a poll. Named after the battleship HMS Penelope, she grew up in Portsmouth, where her father served as a paratrooper before transitioning to teaching. Her mother succumbed to breast cancer when she was 15—the same year her father was diagnosed with cancer—transforming her into a 'child carer.'
Early Career and Political Ascent
She financed her sixth-form college education by working as an assistant to a Portsmouth magician named Will Ayling, a former president of The Magic Circle. Engaged in Conservative circles since university, she worked for John Major and William Hague at CCHQ and in communications prior to her election in 2010 as MP for Portsmouth North, where she resided during a childhood marked by family tragedy and financial hardships.
Towards the end of that Parliament, she reached a milestone when David Cameron appointed her as a communities minister. In 2015, she was promoted to Armed Forces minister, becoming the first woman to hold that position. However, her relationship with Mr Cameron deteriorated the following year when Dame Penny emerged as one of the most vocal campaigners for Brexit during the referendum.
Brexit Advocacy and Cabinet Roles
She famously challenged the PM on the BBC Andrew Marr show, dismissing his assertion that there was no risk of Turkey joining the EU and exacerbating immigration concerns. She supported Andrea Leadsom in her unsuccessful bid to succeed Mr Cameron in 2016 but retained ministerial office under Theresa May, becoming minister for disabled people after May won the contest.
Dame Penny entered Cabinet for the first time the subsequent year as Development Secretary, following the dismissal of Priti Patel over unauthorized contacts with the Israeli government. In 2019, she reached a new pinnacle when Gavin Williamson's resignation over alleged national security leaks led to her elevation to Defence Secretary.
Leadership Contests and Recent Developments
Yet, this peak was short-lived, as she strongly backed Jeremy Hunt over Boris Johnson in the Tory leadership contest a few months later. Johnson dismissed her when he became PM in July, and it was only after his substantial election victory that Christmas that she regained favour. Dame Penny served in lower-ranking roles as a Cabinet Office minister and trade minister, though she divided opinions, with some alleging she focused more on touring local Tory associations to bolster future leadership aspirations.
She seized her opportunity when Mr Johnson resigned but faced criticism for her perceived liberal views on trans rights. After overcoming Mr Sunak's challenge, Liz Truss appointed her as Commons Leader, which involved leading the Accession Council after Queen Elizabeth II's death last September.
Mr Sunak retained her in the role despite her previous leadership challenge and efforts to leverage broad support among MPs and activists for a significant promotion. Instead of rebelling, she loyally adhered to the PM's line until her party's devastating defeat in the General Election.
