What happens at a coronation?
THE King’s Coronation is expected to be one of the most-watched events in 2023, as the world gathers to see our monarch crowned.
But what actually happens during the ceremony? Read on to find out more.
What happens at a coronation?
Coronation ceremonies, which is crowning a new King or Queen of England, can be traced back over 1000 years.
The Coronation remains an important event at the beginning of a new monarch‘s reign.
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
There are also royal processions of the new monarch from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and inside the Abbey itself, before the newly-crowned King or Queen make their final procession back to Buckingham Palace in front of thousands of spectators.
What is the coronation procession?
During the Coronation, the service 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.
The procession will start at Buckingham Palace and continue all the way to Westminister Abbey.
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 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.”
What is the coronation oath?
The Coronation Oath is when Charles proclaims his commitment to uphold the duties of his station.
However, for the first time, 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.”
During this part of the ceremony, there will also be hymns sung, the King’s prayer, Bible readings, a thanksgiving for the Holy Oil and a sermon.
One of the Bible readings will be read 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.
A brand new 2.6-metre high three-sided screen will be arranged around the Coronation Chair to hide the King from view.
The Dean of Westminister will pour the oil into the Coronation spoon and then, using his fingers, anoint the King on his hands, breast and head.
The screen is then removed and the King will then kneel on a faldstool in front of the high altar and the archbishop will give the Oil of Gladness prayer of blessing.
What is the investiture?
The Investiture is where the King will be presented with the Coronation Regalia.
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 Sovreign’s Orb
- The Sovreign’s Ring
- The Coronation Glove
- The Sceptre with Cross and Rod with Dove
- The Crown
What happens during the crowning?
The crowning is literally when the Crown is placed upon the King’s head.
When the Crown is placed on Charles’ head, the congregation proclaim “God save the King!”
What is the enthronement?
This part of the ceremony is when the King is set 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.
The homage of the people is a new feature where people across the UK and in the King’s reals overseas will be invited to swear allegiance to the King.