Yes, not too taxing, and maybe that was intentional, to hook some of the new readers who buy the paper for the coronation wrapper.
The theme fell with the first such clue I encountered, unfortunately, and that took a little of the magic out of it for me. I think I'd have added some complexity into it to keep the solver guessing for a little longer - maybe hide a preamble instruction in clues or answers. Alternatively (and I think I'd have done this) make a jigsaw out of it.
Thanks Aedites - it was a fun solve.