This day follows customs that date back to the tenth century – and yet many things will be different at Charles’s coronation. All important information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
The coronation of Charles III. will be special. The new British king invites around 2,000 guests to Westminster Abbey – at least 6,000 fewer than his mother Elizabeth II in 1953 on her special day. The two-hour service for Charles starts at 12 noon German time inside the church.
At 1 p.m. the Edwardian crown is placed on his head. Then his wife Camilla is also crowned: She is the first king’s wife in almost 300 years not to have her own crown made. Instead, she receives the crown from Queen Mary, the king’s great-grandmother. You can find all information and background information here in our blog.
The Anointing
12:47 p.m.: To the singing of the chorus, a screen is placed around King Charles III. built. The king takes off his state robes. He’s just wearing a plain shirt. The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, pours oil on a spoon. The archbishop uses the oil to draw a sign of the cross on the king’s head, chest and hands. But all of this happens in secret.
Thanksgiving for the holy oil
12:43 p.m.: Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum presents Welby with the oil for the anointing of the king and queen. It was made from olives from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where Charles’ grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, was buried. Alice was the mother of Charles’ father, Prince Philip. The oil was dedicated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the place where Jesus is said to have been crucified and resurrected. The Archbishop of Canterbury says a prayer.
Charlotte and Louis hold hands
12:32 p.m.: However, the sweet moments happen away from the ceremony. Prince George was photographed accidentally sticking his tongue out. William and Kate’s nine-year-old son is one of King Charles III’s page honours.
His siblings Charlotte and Louis have no particular role at the coronation. The two entered Westminster Abbey hand in hand behind their parents. During the ceremony, Louis and Charlotte sit between William and Kate.
The prayer
12.20 p.m.: Charles becomes the first monarch to recite a prayer written for him personally, asking God to be “a blessing upon all your children, of every creed and belief.” “That together we may discover the ways of gentleness.” Now the song “Mass for Four Voices” by the English composer William Byrd (1540-1623) can be heard.
The vow
12:16 p.m.: The Archbishop of Canterbury takes the oath from Charles. It contains various components. What is new is an introduction that emphasizes the commitment to safeguarding the freedom of belief of all people.
Then Charles puts his hand on the Bible and affirms the oath formulas read to him. This includes a commitment to uphold law and order and to ensure that Britain and its Royalty remain Protestant. Then he kisses the Bible. A song follows.
The recognition
12:09 p.m.: The king is now symbolically presented to the people by the Archbishop and the representatives of the two oldest knightly orders in England (Order of the Garter) and Scotland (Order of the Thistle) as well as a bearer of the George’s Cross, the highest civil decoration in the country.
