The coronation service for English and British monarchs is based on a rite that dates back to the 9th century. It has been modified over and over again over the years. There are also various innovations at the coronation of King Charles.
The entrance procession
The ceremonial entry into Westminster Abbey will be led by representatives of various non-Christian faiths to reflect the diversity of religions in Britain. Then come representatives of various Christian denominations and flag-bearers, representing all 15 countries whose head of state is King Charles. After the members of the choir, the royal couple follows. The opening song “I was Glad” to the text of Psalm 122 by Hubert Parry from 1902 is also played.
greeting of the king
A choirboy salutes the king in Jesus name. He replies with the words: “Following his name and example, I come, not to be served, but to serve”. A moment of silence follows.
Greeting the community
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby greets the congregation with a blessing, an introduction to Charles’s coronation and a prayer for the king. The Kyrie eleison (Greek for “Lord have mercy”) is then sung in Welsh.
The Recognition
The king is now symbolically presented to the people by the Archbishop and the representatives of the two oldest knightly orders in England (Order of the Garter) and Scotland (Order of the Thistle) as well as a bearer of the George’s Cross, the highest civil decoration in the country. The congregation always responds with “God save King Charles”.
The delivery of the Bible
A Bible is symbolically presented to the king to remind him that it contains the most important guidelines for life.
The vow
The Archbishop of Canterbury takes the oath from Charles. It contains different components. What is new is an introduction that emphasizes the commitment to safeguarding the freedom of belief of all people. Then Charles puts his hand on the Bible and affirms the oath formulas read to him. This includes a commitment to uphold law and order and to ensure that Britain and its Royalty remain Protestant. A song follows.
The King’s Prayer
After a brief prayer spoken by the Archbishop, it is Charles’ turn. It is the first monarch to recite a prayer written for him personally, asking God to be “a blessing upon all your children, of every faith and belief.” This is followed by another song (Gloria): The “Mass for Four Voices” by the English composer William Byrd (1540-1623).
Reading from the New Testament
After a prayer from the Archbishop, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reads from the New Testament. (Colossians 1:9-17)
Reading from the Gospel
After a chanted Hallelujah, the Dean of the Royal Chapels, Sarah Mullally, reads from the Gospel of Luke (Chapter 4, 16-21). This is followed by a chanted Hallelujah.
the sermon
The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers a short sermon reflecting on the meaning and purpose of the coronation. This is followed by the song “Veni Creator” in four UK languages: English, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.
Thanksgiving for the holy oil
Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum presents Welby with the oil for the anointing of the king and queen. It was made from olives from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where Charles’ grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, was buried. Alice was the mother of Charles’ father, Prince Philip. The oil was dedicated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the place where Jesus is said to have been crucified and resurrected. The Archbishop of Canterbury says a prayer.
The Anointing
A screen is erected around King Charles to the singing of the choir. The king takes off his state robes. He’s just wearing a plain shirt. The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, pours oil on a spoon. The archbishop uses the oil to draw a sign of the cross on the king’s head, chest and hands. But all of this happens in secret. With his words, the archbishop recalls the biblical tradition of the anointing of kings in the Old Testament. The screen is then removed and Charles kneels in front of the high altar. The archbishop says a prayer before the king is wrapped in his new clothes: the white “Colobium Sindonis”, the gold-embroidered “Supertunica” and a sword belt.
Presentation of the royal insignia
Various members of the House of Lords (House of Lords) and bishops symbolically present the king with the insignia or regalia – symbolizing sovereign rights and goods due to the king. These are spurs, a sword, bracelets, a robe and stole, the orb, a ring, a gauntlet, the scepter and the staff. Each item is presented with a small ceremony. The archbishop says a few words each time. The king does not keep all regalia. The clothes are put on Charles. He also puts on the glove and holds the scepter with it, in the other hand he holds the staff. Finally, the Archbishop says a prayer.
The coronation
The Dean of Westminster presents the Edwardian Crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Welby says a prayer asking for Charles to be “filled with grace in abundance and with all princely virtues”. Then he puts the crown on Charles’ head and shouts: “God save the King!”. The congregation also responds with “God save the King!” Then the “Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare” by Richard Strauss sounds.
the blessing
The representatives of various Christian denominations distribute the blessing. Then a song is sung.
Inthronisation
The king, crowned on his head, sits down on the throne to the solemn words of Welby.
The Pledges of Allegiance
The Archbishop of Canterbury swears allegiance to the King on behalf of the entire Church of England.
Prince William kneels before his father, places his hands in those of the king and says: “I, William, Prince of Wales pledge my allegiance to you, as your liege man in body and life I will show you loyalty and truthfulness, so help me God help.”
The Archbishop then calls on the congregation, as well as all of the King’s subjects watching the event in front of the screen, to say the following words: “I swear that I will faithfully obey Your Majesty and your heirs and heirs, as the law requires it provides, so help me God.”
This is followed by fanfare and shouts of “God save the King” before a song is sung.
The Queen’s Anointing
With the holy oil, the archbishop makes a sign of the cross on Queen Camilla’s forehead and says a prayer for her. This happens without any protection.
The presentation of the ring
Camilla is then presented with a ring which, like the king, symbolizes that she is now “married” to the country.
The Coronation of the Queen
The Dean of Westminster presents the Crown of Queen Mary to the Archbishop. He says a prayer and puts the crown on Camilla’s head.
The presentation of the staff and sceptre
Two dignitaries present Camilla with a scepter and staff. They symbolize the Queen’s dedication to a life of service to the country and support of her husband.
The enthronement of the queen
Camilla takes her seat on her throne at Charles’s side. Now the song “Making a Joyful Noise” will be sung by musical pope Andrew Lloyd Webber, which he composed especially for the occasion.
The celebration of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist)
The archbishop performs the ritual of the Eucharist, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion.
The final blessing and songs
The Archbishop recites a blessing before several hymns are sung. Finally, the national anthem “God Save the King” is sung. Then the clergy and the royal couple move in a procession towards the exit to play the organ. Before leaving the church and boarding the Gold State Coach with Camilla, Charles is greeted by dignitaries and ministers from non-Christian denominations.
