A Royal Spectacle: Stage by Stage Guide to The Coronation
- James S.
- May 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Almost a thousand years of tradition, there's lots to know!
The Coronation of the Monarch is an ancient tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, and it is a ceremony filled with rich symbolism and pageantry. The coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey, where he will be presented with the regalia, the symbols of royalty. The ceremony will last for a little under two hours and is expected to begin at 11:00 am. Here is a breakdown of each stage of the coronation ceremony:
Stage 1: The Recognition This stage of the coronation ceremony involves King Charles being presented to "the people" and is a tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Standing beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the King will turn to face the four sides of the abbey and be proclaimed the "undoubted King" before the congregation is asked to show their homage and service.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will make the first declaration, followed by the Lady of the Garter and the Lady of the Thistle, representing the oldest orders of chivalry in England and Scotland, respectively, and a George Cross holder from the armed forces.
Stage 2: The Oath The Archbishop of Canterbury will then administer the Coronation Oath, which is a legal requirement. The Archbishop will ask King Charles to confirm that he will uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign, and the King will place his hand on the Holy Gospel and pledge to "perform and keep" those promises.
The King will also take a second oath, the Accession Declaration Oath, stating that he is a "faithful Protestant" and vowing to be "Defender of the Faith".
Stage 3: The Anointing
The next stage of the ceremony involves the King's anointing. The King's ceremonial robe will be removed, and he will sit in the Coronation Chair to be anointed, emphasizing the spiritual status of the sovereign, who is also the head of the Church of England.
The Archbishop will pour special oil from the Ampulla, a gold flask, on to the Coronation Spoon before anointing the King in the form of a cross on his head, breast, and hands.
Stage 4: The Investiture and Crowning
After the anointing, the King will be vested with the Armills, Stole, and Robe Royal, followed by the placing of the Crown of St. Edward on his head.
The King will then receive the Orb, the Sceptre with the Cross, and the Sceptre with the Dove, each symbolising different aspects of the service and responsibilities of the monarch.
Stage 5: The Homage
The next stage of the ceremony involves the homage. This is a symbolic act in which the peers and senior clergy present in the Abbey will pledge their loyalty to the new monarch by kneeling and kissing the King's cheek.
Following the homage, the congregation will shout "God Save the King!" and trumpets will sound.
Stage 6: The Enthronement and Benediction
The final stage of the ceremony is the enthronement and benediction. The King will be enthroned on the Coronation Chair and presented to the people as their new monarch.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will then deliver the benediction, a prayer of blessing for the new monarch and his reign.
In conclusion, the coronation of the King is a significant event steeped in history and tradition, with each stage of the ceremony filled with rich symbolism and pageantry.
Only time will tell what kind of monarch he will be, but the coronation will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his reign and in the history of the United Kingdom.
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