What happens at a coronation?
THE Coronation of King Charles III has all eyes focused on the UK.
But what actually happens during the ceremony?
What happens at a coronation?
A coronation is the ceremony of crowning a new King or Queen.
It traditionally takes place at Westminster Abbey.
In England it dates back to the 10th century, and the crowning of Edgar in 973AD, but the first documented coronation at the Abbey is that of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day in 1066.
A coronation occurs several months after the new monarch's accession to the throne.
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Since the crowning of King Edward VII in 1902, a coronation consists of five main elements:
- The recognition
- The oath
- The anointing
- The investiture
- The crowning
As well as this the ceremony includes hymns, songs, music and prayers and the singing of God Save The King/Queen.
The event includes royal processions from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and the return before appearing on the Palace balcony.
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What is the Coronation Procession?
The Coronation Procession is the second procession of the day.
It takes place after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, as the newly crowned sovereigns, make the journey back to Buckingham Palace.
Travelling in the Gold State Coach, they are accompanied by armed forces from the UK and Commonwealth, the Sovereign's Bodyguard, marching bands and flag bearers.
Brigade Major Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw will be at the front of the procession.
Other members of the Royal Family also may be included in the procession, following the monarch in carriages.
The journey from the Palace to Westminster is called the King's Procession.
On May, 6, 2023, King Charles III will make this journey with Queen Consort Camilla in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
The service itself begins with the procession of faith leaders, representatives of faith communities, ecumenical leaders, realms and choir and finally, the procession of the King and Queen Consort.
What is the recognition?
The King will stand in the central space in Westminster Abbey, known as standing in theatre, and turn to show himself to the people by facing east, south, west and north.
The Archbishop of Canterbury makes the first declaration towards the High Altar.
He will say: "I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King.
"Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same?"
Upon which the congregation and choir reply: "God save King Charles."
The words are then repeated by those chosen to take part in the act of recognition.
What is the Coronation Oath?
The Coronation Oath is when the new monarch proclaims his or her commitment to uphold the duties of his station.
However, at King Charles' Coronation, the oath will be prefaced by the Archbishop who says that the Church of England "will foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely".
He will ask the monarch: "Are you willing to take the Oath?"
The sovereign will reply: "I am willing."
They will then place their hand on the Bible - which has previously been presented to the sovereign - as the Archbishop administers the oath.
The Archbishop will say: "Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, your other Realms and the Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?"
The monarch replies: "I solemnly promise so to do."
The oath will finish with the promise: "I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my
powers according to law."
After the oath an anthem is sung, followed by prayers, songs, Bible readings and a sermon
At King Charles's Coronation one of the readings is being given by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
What is the anointing?
The anointing of a new monarch is the central act of the religious ceremony, this part will not be televised.
It will be accompanied by the singing of Handel's Zadok The Priest.
A brand new 2.6-metre high three-sided screen will be arranged around the Coronation Chair to hide King Charles from view.
The Dean of Westminster will pour the oil from the Ampulla into the Coronation Spoon and then, using his fingers, the Archbishop anoints the King on his hands, breast and head.
The screen is then removed and the King will kneel on a faldstool in front of the high altar and the Archbishop will give the Oil of Gladness prayer of blessing.
The new monarch is then dressed in the historic coronation vestments - the Colobium Sindonis, Supertunica and girdle.
What is the investiture?
The investiture is where the King will be presented with the Coronation Regalia, which is part of the Crown Jewels.
In recognition of the many faiths of Britain, peers from non-Christian groups have been chosen to take part in the presentation for the first time.
The regalia includes:
- The Golden Spurs
- The Jewelled Sword of Offering
- The Armills
- The Robe and Stole Royal
- The Sovereign's Orb
- The Sovereign's Ring
- The Coronation Glove
- The Sceptre with Cross and Rod with Dove
- The Crown
What happens during the crowning?
The crowning is when the crown is placed upon the King's head.
The Dean of Westminster will pass the crown to the Archbishop who will then give a blessing.
As the crown is placed on Charles' head, the congregation proclaim "God save the King!"
A fanfare is then performed with the Abbey bells ringing for two minutes, followed by a blessing and anthem.
What is the enthronement?
This part of the ceremony is when the sovereign is seated on the throne for the first time wearing the crown.
The enthronement traditionally represents the monarch taking possession of his kingdom.
What is the homage?
There are three homages during Charles' Coronation, they are:
- The homage of the Church of England
- The homage or royal blood
- The new homage of the people
The Prince of Wales is the only blood prince to pay homage in a break with tradition.
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He will pledge his loyalty to the King as a "liege man of life and limb".
The homage of the people is a new feature where people across the UK and in the King's realms overseas will be invited to swear allegiance to the King.