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The two-hour Coronation service on May 6 will both honour the ancient tradition of anointing and crowning monarchs while also reflecting the ways the UK has changed since the last such celebration 70 years ago.
Its theme is ‘Called to Serve’ and the authorised liturgy – released last night by the Church of England – details how it will involve leaders of different religions, women clergy and prayers in Welsh, Scots Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.
Below is everything that will happen during the historic day at Westminster Abbey.
The theme of the coronation is ‘Called to Serve’ and the authorised liturgy – released last night by the Church of England – details how it will involve leaders of different religions
Members of the Chapel Royal Boys’ Choir at St James’s Palace, London. Several hymns will be heard throughout the ceremony
The Procession of Faith Leaders & Representatives of Faith Communities and Realms
As part of the King’s desire to represent all faiths, leaders from the Jewish, Sunni and Shia Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Bahai and Zoroastrian communities will be part of the procession into Westminster Abbey.
They are followed by members of the Christian church in the UK and a procession of the 15 Realms which recognise the King as head of state.
The Procession of The King & The Queen
The anthem I Was Glad will be heard. It has been used at the entrance of the monarch since at least 1626. This version was composed by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (d 1918) for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902. It includes the cry ‘Vivat Rex!’ (Long Live The King!).
Greeting The King
The King will be met by one of the youngest people in the abbey – chorister Samuel Strachan, 14. Charles will tell Samuel: ‘I come not to be served but to serve.’
The anthem I Was Glad will be heard during the procession through Westminster Abbey. It has been used at the entrance of the monarch since at least 1626
A Moment of Silent Prayer
This reflects Charles and Camilla paying homage to God before anyone pays homage to them.
Greeting and Introduction
The service starts with a blessing of God’s love. The introduction invites all who participate to share in a commitment to serve one another.
Kyrie eleison
Kyrie eleison is Greek for ‘Lord, have mercy’ – an ancient prayer used for around 1,600 years. It will be sung in Welsh.
The Recognition
A powerful first element of the traditional Coronation Rite. The congregation on each of the four sides of the ‘theatre’ – the special platform inside the Abbey – affirms support for the King by shouting ‘God Save King Charles’ in turn.
New to this Coronation, the subsequent declarations are made by Lady of the Garter, Lady of the Thistle and a George Cross Holder from the Armed Forces.
The Presentation of the Bible
The Bible is the church’s first gift to the King. Its presentation dates back to the Coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689.
The Oath
The Archbishop of Canterbury reaffirms the belief of Queen Elizabeth II by saying the Church will ‘seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely’.
The Archbishop asks Charles III if he is willing to take the Oath and to ‘promise and swear to govern’ to which the King will reply: ‘I solemnly promise so to do.’
Anthem
‘Prevent us, o Lord’, by William Byrd (d 1623). This collect – a thematic prayer – is taken from the Book of Common Prayer and was written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (d 1556).
The King’s Prayer
The King offers a specially composed prayer, the first time such a personal prayer has been voiced so publicly by the Sovereign.
Gloria Mass for Four voices William Byrd
Gloria In Excelsis is one of the ancient songs of the Church, originally associated with Midnight Mass. Here it is used as a hymn of celebration, with this version composed by Byrd during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Collect
This prayer has been written specially and addresses the themes of loving service at the heart of the Coronation.
The Epistle Colossians 1 9:17
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read from the first chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians.
Sung Alleluia
By Debbie Wiseman (British composer for film and television). The music was commissioned for this service.
Gospel Luke 4:16-21
The Gospel – Greek meaning ‘Good News’ – is St Luke’s account of Jesus at worship in the synagogue.
Sung Alleluia
By Debbie Wiseman.
Sermon
Archbishop Justin Welby is seen during the Christmas morning Eucharist service at Canterbury Cathedral in 2022. He will deliver a sermon during the ceremony
The Archbishop of Canterbury revives the historic use of the Sermon, setting out the theme of the ceremony: Called to Serve.
Veni Creator
Plainsong, mode VIII
The Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit) will be sung for the first time in the traditional languages of the British Isles: English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.
Thanksgiving for the Holy Oil
With a newly composed prayer, the Archbishop is presented with the Coronation Oil by Reverend Dr Hosam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem.
The oil is created from olives harvested from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom.
The Anointing
Zadok The Priest, Frederic Handel
As the King prepares to be anointed upon the Coronation Chair, he removes the Robes of State.
Zadok The Priest was composed by Handel (d 1759) for the Coronation of George II in 1727. Zadok was the high priest of Israel at the time of King Solomon.
This sacred part of the ceremony will not be visible to the abbey congregation and to those watching on TV. It is the King’s only moment of privacy during the Service.
The Presentation of Regalia
Peers from the House of Lords and Senior Bishops in the Anglican Church make the presentation, which will include regalia without Christian motifs. The aim is to underline interdependence of neighbours, whatever the faith.
The Spurs
Made for Charles II in 1661, the use of spurs in the Coronation dates back to that of King Richard I in 1189. The Spurs’ original symbolism harks back to an era when the monarch rode at the head of an army and derives from ceremonies for the creation of knights.
Psalm 71
During Exchange of Swords
The Greek Choir has been commissioned to pay tribute to the King’s father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was born a Prince of Greece.
The Sword
The Sword of Offering was made in 1820 and has a steel blade, is mounted in gold and set with jewels
For the first time, the Sword of State and Sword of Offering will be presented by a woman – the Lord President is Penny Mordaunt MP.
The Sword of Offering was made in 1820 and has a steel blade, is mounted in gold and set with jewels. The sword was first used at the Coronation of King George IV. The Archbishop blesses the Sword and it is then delivered to the King to be used for the protection of the good.
The Armills
The Armills – or Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom – represent a bond between the Sovereign and the People
The Armills – or Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom – have deep echoes of coronations back to the time of King Solomon, who prayed for wisdom. They represent a bond between the Sovereign and the People.
The Robe and Stole Royal
These represent what the King, as Sovereign, has been given by God. A new Stole (from the ancient Greek word for ‘scarf’) has been specially commissioned.
The Orb
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The Orb is a representation of the sovereign’s power. It symbolises the Christian world with its cross mounted on a globe
The Coronation Glove that was worn on Queen Elizabeth II’s right hand during her Investiture in 1953
The Orb, made in the 17th Century and divided into three sections with bands of jewels, symbolises the world under the cross of Christ.
The Ring
Acknowledged – but not worn – by Charles. Its significance compares to rings exchanged in marriage and is a symbol of commitment.
The Glove
A demonstration of the Sovereign as advocate and challenger for the protection of the People.
The Sceptre and Rod
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross 1661. Later additions included gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, spinels, amethyst and enamel, and it is known as the ‘First Star of Africa’
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661, when the monarchy was restored
Delivered to Charles’s gloved hands and represents the Sovereign’s temporal power and authority.
The Crowning
St Edward’s Crown (made in 1661) represents the King’s vocation before God and is a reminder of the promises and vows he has made to the People, who cry the prayer, ‘God, Save The King!’
St Edward’s Crown (made in 1661) represents the King’s vocation before God and is a reminder of the promises and vows he has made to the People
The Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare
By Richard Strauss (d 1949). The Abbey bells will then ring for two minutes.
The Blessing
This will summarise all that has gone before and entreat God’s protection upon the King.
Anthem
By Thomas Weelkes (d 1623). This anthem sets verses from Psalm 61.
Enthroning The King
The King, wearing his crown, is settled on the Throne in a moment of historic significance.
The Homage of The Church of England
The Archbishop describes the King as ‘Defender of the Faith’.
The Homage of Royal Blood
Prince William kneels to pay homage to his father, placing his hands between the King’s hands and pledging to be his ‘liege man of life and limb’.
The Homage of The People
The public is called to swear their ‘true allegiance’ to the King and his heirs. The Archbishop will invite those who wish, including those watching at home, to make their homage by sharing in the same words: ‘God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live for ever.’
Anthem Confortare
By Sir Henry Walford-Davies (d 1941), written for the Coronation of George V in 1911.
The Coronation of the Queen
In a shorter sequence to that of the King, Queen Camilla has her own Coronation which begins with a brief anointing – this time in full public view.
The Ring
The Consort’s Ring is presented to Camilla – a symbol that ‘marries’ Consort to King, and them both to God in duty and to the People.
The Crowning
The Queen is crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown.
The Rod & Sceptre
In a shorter sequence to that of the King, Queen Camilla has her own Coronation which begins with a brief anointing (pictured in 2013)
Queen Consort’s Ivory Rod with Dove, a controversial item as it contains ivory, which the Prince of Wales has campaigned against
These are presented to Camilla as she commits herself to a life of service in support of her husband and her Sovereign.
Enthroning The Queen
Andrew Lloyd-Webber
Camilla joins the King on her own Throne next to him.
Offertory Hymn
Gifts of bread and wine are brought before the King.
Prayer over the Gifts
This prayer over the offerings was used at the 1953 Coronation.
Eucharistic Prayer
This prayer begins with words used at the 1953 Coronation and adds further words from the Bible.
Sanctus
By Roxanna Panufnik (British composer of Polish heritage).
Eucharistic Prayer continues
Words recalling the Last Supper that Jesus held with his disciples before he died.
The Lord’s Prayer
The Archbishop will invite everyone to join, in the language they use for prayer.
Agnus Dei
Composed by Tarik O’Regan (London-born but based in San Francisco, whose work is influenced by his dual Arab and Irish heritages).
Prayer after Communion
Taken from the Book of Common Prayer.
A member of the Royal School of Needlework hand embroiders Camilla, the Queen Consort’s cypher onto her Robe of Estate ahead of the coronation on May 6
The Final Blessing
Given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by sung Amen by Orlando Gibbons (d 1625).
Hymn
Praise My Soul, written by Henry Francis Lyte (d 1847). This is based on Psalm 103.
Anthem
Set from verses from Psalm 21. This version was composed for the Coronation of George III by William Boyce (d 1779).
Te Deum
Sir William Walton
Dates back to the 4th Century and is sometimes called The Hymn Of The Church. This is sung as Their Majesties go to St Edward’s Chapel to be vested in the Robes of Estate and Charles puts on the Imperial State Crown.
The National Anthem
The King’s Outward Procession & Organ Voluntaries will then play Edward Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No 4, and Parry’s March from The Birds.
Greeting Faith Leaders & Representatives and The Governors-Generals
In an unprecedented gesture marking the significance of the religious diversity of the Realms, the Sovereign will spend his final moments in the abbey receiving a greeting from the leaders and representatives from the major non-Christian faith traditions.
