With the royal couple marching into Westminster Abbey, the solemn service for the coronation of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla started. The procession was led by representatives of various non-Christian faiths to reflect the diversity of religions in Britain.
This was followed by 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 followed. The opening song “I was Glad” to the text of Psalm 122 by Hubert Parry from 1902 was also played.
The Cross of Wales
The Cross of Wales was carried in advance of the royal couple: It is made from recycled silver bars provided by the Royal Mint in South Wales. Also includes a Welsh felled wood shaft and Welsh slate stand.
Stamped on the back are words from Saint David’s last sermon in Welsh: “Byddwch Lawn. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain” – in English: “Be cheerful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.” Two splinters are also incorporated, which are attributed to the Holy Cross on which, according to the Bible, Jesus was once crucified. This is a gift from Pope Francis.
The king – who bore the title of Prince of Wales as heir to the throne – had given the cross to the Church of Wales for its 100th birthday. He had personally put a leopard head on it as a royal mark in November 2022. After the coronation, the cross is to be used in Wales by the Anglican and Catholic Churches.
