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 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. 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.
A Bible is symbolically presented to the king to remind him that it contains the most important guidelines for life.
The greeting
12.05 p.m.: A choirboy salutes the king in Jesus name. He replies, “Following his name and example, I come, not to be served, but to serve.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby greets the congregation with a blessing, an introduction to Charles’s coronation and a prayer for the king. Now the Kyrie eleison (Greek for “Lord, have mercy”) is sung in Welsh.
Honorary page injured by Camilla
12:02 p.m.: “I was Glad” to the text of Psalm 122 by Hubert Parry from 1902 runs during the entry. Camilla and Charles’ heavy robes are worn by honorary pages. One of the honorary pages has a bandage on his hand. This is Camilla’s grandson, Gus Lopes, who broke his arm in a bicycle accident a few weeks ago.
The coronation ceremony for Charles and Camilla begins
11:53 am: For the royal couple it is now the church where the ceremony takes place. The ceremonial entry into Westminster Abbey will be led by representatives of various non-Christian faiths to reflect the diversity of religions in Britain.
Then come representatives of various Christian denominations and flag-bearers, representing all 15 countries whose head of state is King Charles III. is. After the members of the choir, the royal couple follows. Meanwhile, Kate and William have also been spotted. You will enter the church after Camilla and Charles.
