What three swords will be used in King Charles’ coronation?
DURING the Coronation of a Monarch many special objects with different meanings will be used.
One such artefact passed down from monarch to monarch is the three swords.
What swords will be used in King Charles’ coronation?
There are five swords in total that will be used during the ceremony. They each represent a kingly virtue.
They are:
- The Sword of Spiritual Justice
- The Sword of Mercy also referred to as the broken sword
- The Sword of Temporal Justice
- The Sword of Offering
- The Sword of State
The Sword of State is carried before the Sovereign at events such as the State Opening of Parliament to symbolise royal authority.
The Sword of Offering is invested to the Monarch after the anointing to symbolise the power of the Monarch to use the might of the state against its enemies, and their duty to preserve peace.
These swords were first used at the Coronation of King Charles I in 1926.
The steel blades date back to the 16th century and are carried during the ceremony without their scabbards with the point up.
As per tradition, Prince George will carry a small ceremonial sword as a Page of Honour to protect the King from any potential threat at the Coronation.
It is expected that there will be a total of four pages, each with their own ceremonial work while dressed in red coats, white breeches and stockings.
What is the Sword of Spiritual Justice?
The Sword of Spiritual Justice is one of three swords only used in the Coronation process.
The sword symbolises the Monarch as a defender of the faith.
What is the Sword of Mercy or the broken sword?
The Sword of Mercy is referred to by a few names due to its appearance of having a deliberately blunt tip.
It is otherwise known as the broken sword or Curtana.
This sword is to symbolise the sovereign’s mercy.
What is the Sword of Temporal Justice?
The Sword of Temporal Justice signifies the sovereign as the head of the armed forces.
How will these three swords be used in King Charles’ coronation?
The Sword of Offering is the only sword that King Charles will hold during the ceremony.
All the other swords are presented and held by various members of the Coronation party.
The Sword of State will be carried ahead of Charles when he goes to the Altar to give the Oath.