THE AUTHORISED LITURGY

FOR THE CORONATION RITE OF

HIS MAJEST Y KING CHARLES III

For use on Saturday 6th May 2023, 11:00am

at Westminster Abbey

Commissioned and Authorised by

The Most Reverend & Right Honourable
Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
 The Procession of Faith Leaders
& Representatives of Faith Communities
Faith Leaders and representatives from the Jewish, Sunni and Shia Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain,
Bahá'í and Zoroastrian communities will be part of the procession into Westminster Abbey.

This represents the multi-faith nature of our society and the importance of inclusion of other faiths whilst
respecting the integrities of the different traditions.

The Procession of Ecumenical Leaders

This reflects the diversity and richness of the Christian church in the UK today.

The Realms Procession

A procession of the national flags of the Realms. These are the nations
of which His Majesty is Head of State, in total fifteen.

The Procession of The Choir

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 The Procession of The King & The Queen
I was Glad, Sir Hubert Parry

The anthem ‘I was Glad’ is a version of Psalm 122. It has been used at the Entrance of the Monarch since
at least 1626. The celebrated setting by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848-1918) composed for the
Coronation of Edward VII in 1902 includes the cry ‘Vivat Rex!’ (Long Live The King!) which is, by tradition,
loudly proclaimed by scholars from Westminster School. Throughout the service you will hear the familiar
cries of ‘God save King Charles’, ‘God save The King’ or ‘Long Live The King’. These are in themselves a form
of prayer calling upon God to protect The King.

Greeting The King

Young Person (Chapel Royal chorister): The Kingdom of God is not a place, but a way of
being – a reign of justice, mercy, and love which
Your Majesty, Jesus came to bring (Mark 1.15). King of Kings is a
as children of the Kingdom of God title that is given to Jesus in the Bible (Revelation
we welcome you 19.16). Christians profess the belief that He reigns
in the name of for ever as ‘King of Kings’ and Lord of Lords. In
the King of Kings this greeting, His Majesty’s reply echoes the
truth of Jesus Christ who came, not to wield
The King: power by force, but to show the power of love
(Matthew 20.28).
In his name, and after his example,
I come not to be served This new inclusion marks the tone of the service
from its beginning. The magnificence and beauty
but to serve.
of the processions and costumes is a great
celebration of tradition and joy. But behind the
pageantry lies another message which the words
and ceremonies to come will demonstrate – our
King commits himself, through prayers and oaths,
to follow the Lord he serves in a life of loving
service in his role as Monarch.

Silent Prayer

The King stands at his Chair of Estate, A moment of silent prayer in which Their Majesties
head bowed, in a moment of silent prayer. can reflect, contemplate and bring themselves
and the Coronation service before God. As in
1953, this reflects Their Majesties’ homage to God
before any person pays homage to them.

Words or sections of text that appear in red are rubrics. Rubrics are traditionally written or printed in red
ink to indicate that they provide instruction for clergy in what they must do during the liturgy. Words to be
spoken aloud are written in black.

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 Greeting and Introduction
Archbishop of Canterbury: All services of Holy Communion begin with a
greeting and introduction. Therefore the service
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, starts with a blessing of God's love, grace
the love of God, and presence for all who have gathered in
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit God's name. The congregation reciprocate the
be with you. blessing: 'And with thy spirit.' The introduction
And with thy spirit. seeks to focus the service as a whole, laying
out its theological, geographical, historical
Alleluia. Christ is risen. and personal contexts, declaring before all the
He is risen indeed. Alleluia. service’s intention.

The Coronation takes place during the season

Dearly beloved, of Easter, which lasts from Easter Sunday until
we are gathered to offer worship Pentecost, when the church remembers and
celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit, coming
and praise to Almighty God;
upon the church, a sign of God's constant
to celebrate the life of our nations; presence with us. It is because of Easter that
to pray for Charles, our King; the greeting is ‘Alleluia’, a word which means
to recognise and to give thanks for his ‘praise God’, and is especially associated with the
life of service to this nation, resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 20).
to the realms, and to the The introduction which follows, written for the
Commonwealth; Coronation, sets out what is to take place, and
and to witness with joy invites all those who participate, wherever they
his crowning and anointing, are, to share in a commitment to love and serve
as he is set apart and consecrated one another.

for the service of his people.

Let us dedicate ourselves alike,
in body, mind, and spirit,
to a renewed faith, a joyful hope,
and a commitment to serve one
another in love.

Kyrie eleison
Paul Mealor

A sung Kyrie Kyrie eleison is Greek for ‘Lord, have mercy’. Kyrie
eleison is an ancient prayer of the church that has
Arglwydd, trugarha. been used at the beginning of the Eucharist (Holy
Crist, trugarha. Communion) for around 1600 years. We use it
Arglwydd, trugarha. still to remind ourselves that no human being is
perfect in their actions, thoughts and relationships;
Lord, have mercy. in other words, 'all have sinned' (Romans 3.23). It is
Christ, have mercy. therefore a moment in a service where all are on a
Lord, have mercy. level, as human beings who are frail and imperfect,
coming before a God who reaches out to them.

In this service the Kyrie is a new commission sung

in Welsh.

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 The Recognition

Archbishop of Canterbury: The Recognition is the first element of the

traditional English Coronation Rite. It became
I here present unto you known as the Recognition in mediaeval times,
King Charles, your undoubted King: though a version of it, an election by the bishops
Wherefore all you who are come this day and nobles of the Kingdom, is attested for the
to do your homage and service: Coronation of King Edgar in Bath Abbey on
are you willing to do the same? Whitsunday 973 AD.

Although the ceremony is now entirely symbolic,

All: it is a powerful moment. The four sides of the
‘theatre’ (the special platform built inside the
God save King Charles.
Abbey) are the four points of the compass.
Each time that His Majesty is presented to the
Lady Angiolini, LT (A Lady of The Thistle): people, they are given the opportunity to show
I here present unto you their support for him as their King by shouting
‘God save King Charles’. It is a moment for the
King Charles, your undoubted King:
congregation, as representatives of the Realms,
Wherefore all you who are come this day to affirm and acknowledge that The King is the
to do your homage and service: one they ‘recognise’ as Head of State.
are you willing to do the same?
The Archbishop makes the first declaration,
facing towards the High Altar. New to this
All: Coronation, the subsequent declarations are
God save King Charles. made by a Lady of the Garter (representing
the oldest Order of Chivalry in England), a
Lady of the Thistle (representing the oldest
Christopher Finney, GC Order of Chivalry in Scotland), and a George
(Chair of the Victoria Cross & Cross Holder from the Armed Forces, chosen
for their distinguished service and bravery
George Cross Association):
as a representative of those who serve the
I here present unto you Crown, and as Chair of the VC & GC Association,
King Charles, your undoubted King: representing all recipients of those medals.
Wherefore all you who are come this day
All the representatives demonstrate different
to do your homage and service: elements of service, honour, and duty, and have
are you willing to do the same? historic links to the Crown.

All:
God save King Charles.

Baroness Amos, LG (A Lady of The Garter):

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?

All:
God save King Charles.

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 The Presentation of the Bible
Moderator of the General Assembly of The Bible (‘the Word of God') is the church’s
first gift to the King. The words, spoken by the
the Church of Scotland:
Moderator of the General Assembly of the
Sir: to keep you ever mindful of the law Church of Scotland, sets the ‘word of God’ above
and the Gospel of God as the Rule all human laws: “This is the royal Law”. To accept
for the whole life and government of the gift is for The King to recognise its authority
and to accept that constitutionally there should
Christian Princes,
not be any attempt by human authorities to
receive this Book, the most valuable overrule it. Because it is “lively” it should be
thing that this world affords. studied so that its words may speak into The
Here is Wisdom; King’s life. Its presentation before any of the
This is the royal Law; regalia reminds us all, as well as The King, that
These are the lively Oracles of God. he is called to govern with good conscience in
the sight of God.

The formal Presentation of the Bible to the

Sovereign dates back to the joint Coronation
of William III and Mary II in 1689. In 1953 it was
brought towards the start of the service; it was
also in 1953 that the Moderator of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland took part in
the service for the first time.

The increased involvement and support in

the service by the Moderator is in its own way
symbolic of the progression and improvement of
ecumenical relations and how as Christians we
are united in our diversity under the word of God.

This service is full of Scripture. This presentation,

and the beautiful language which accompanies
it, is a reminder that careful and prayerful
attention to the Bible is at the heart of Christian
worship and devotion, as well as being the
historical foundation of so much of Britain's
culture and ethics.

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 The Oath
Archbishop of Canterbury: The wording before the Oath explains that
the Church of England seeks to foster an
Your Majesty, environment where people of all faiths and
the Church established by law, whose beliefs may live freely. In the words of Her
settlement you will swear to maintain, Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, “gently and
is committed to the true profession of assuredly, the Church of England has created
the Gospel, and, in so doing, will seek to an environment for other faith communities and
indeed people of no faith to live freely”. King
foster an environment in which people
Charles III, at a reception at Buckingham Palace
of all faiths and beliefs may live freely. days before his late mother’s funeral, drew
The Coronation Oath has stood for attention to this same fact. He reflected that his
centuries and is enshrined in law. Anglican Christian confession committed him to
Are you willing to take the Oath? the common good of freedom for all faith and
belief traditions, as articulated in this wording.

The King: An oath or promise made by the monarch has

I am willing. always been part of the Coronation Rite. In 973
King Edgar’s promise was to defend the church
in peace, to forbid extortion and crime, and to
The King places his hand on the Bible, be equable and merciful in his judgements.
and the Archbishop administers the Oath. King Edgar’s promise was largely unchanged
for three hundred years, when a fourth clause
was added. In 1689 the Oath was expanded and
Archbishop of Canterbury: reformulated for the joint Coronation of William
Will you solemnly promise and swear and Mary.
to govern the Peoples of the United This Oath is prescribed by the Coronation Oath
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Act 1688, an Act of Parliament. An innovation
Ireland, your other Realms and the in this service is that the Oath is preceded by
Territories to any of them belonging or a short paragraph in which the Archbishop
pertaining, according to their respective reflects that the church will continue to seek
to foster an environment where all people may
laws and customs?
live freely. This reflects the words of Her Late
Majesty in 2012, when she said ‘The concept
The King: of our established Church is occasionally
I solemnly promise so to do. misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-
appreciated. Its role is not to defend Anglicanism
to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the
Archbishop of Canterbury: Church has a duty to protect the free practice of
Will you to your power cause Law and all faiths in this country.’
Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all
your judgements?

The King:
I will.

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Archbishop of Canterbury:
Will you to the utmost of your power
maintain the Laws of God and the true
profession of the Gospel? Will you to
the utmost of your power maintain in
the United Kingdom the Protestant
Reformed Religion established by
law? Will you maintain and preserve
inviolably the settlement of the Church
of England, and the doctrine, worship,
discipline, and government thereof,
as by law established in England? And
will you preserve unto the Bishops and
Clergy of England, and to the Churches
there committed to their charge, all such
rights and privileges as by law do or shall
appertain to them or any of them?

The King:
All this I promise to do.

The things which I have here before

promised I will perform and keep.
So help me God.

Archbishop of Canterbury:
Your Majesty, are you willing to make,
subscribe and declare to the statutory
Accession Declaration Oath?

The King:
I am willing.

The King:
I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in
the presence of God profess, testify, and
declare that I am a faithful Protestant,
and that I will, according to the true
intent of the enactments which secure
the Protestant succession to the
Throne, uphold and maintain the said
enactments to the best of my powers
according to law.

A short anthem is sung during the signing

of the Oath.

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 Anthem
Prevent Us, O Lord, William Byrd

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with This Collect (prayer) was written by Archbishop
thy most gracious favour, and further us Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) for the Book of
Common Prayer, first published in 1549. ‘Prevent’
with thy continual help; that in all our
here means ‘go before’. The Book of Common
works begun, continued, and ended in Prayer is the foundational text of the Church
thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and of England’s doctrine and worship, as well as
finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting being a major contribution to British literature.
life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Cranmer’s words are still used in churches and
cathedrals every day.

The King’s Prayer

God of compassion and mercy Having fulfilled his legal and constitutional
whose Son was sent not to be served but obligations to the nation and the realms, The
King offers this, and the vows he has made
to serve, give grace that I may find in
to God, in a prayer specially composed for
thy service perfect freedom and in His Majesty to pray alone in response to the
that freedom knowledge of thy truth. promises made. The prayer continues to reflect
Grant that I may be a blessing to all the theme of loving service. It is inspired by
thy children, of every faith and biblical language (Galatians 5) and also the
conviction, that together we may language of the much-loved hymn ‘I vow to thee
my country’, itself inspired by words from the
discover the ways of gentleness
Bible (Proverbs 3.17).
and be led into the paths of peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is possibly the first time in our history that
Amen. such a personal prayer has been voiced so
publicly by the Sovereign.

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 Gloria
Mass for Four Voices, William Byrd

Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis is one of the ancient songs of

et in terra pax hominibus bonae the church. Based on the song of the angels
at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2.14) it was originally
voluntatis.
associated with the service of Midnight Mass at
Laudamus te, Christmas. This joyful song has become a part
benedicimus te, of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) service on
adoramus te, Sundays and Feast Days, and so is used today as
glorificamus te, a hymn of celebration and praise.
gratias agimus tibi propter magnam
The Mass for Four Voices is a choral Mass
gloriam tuam, setting by the English composer William Byrd
Domine Deus, Rex cælestis, (c.1540–1623). It was written around 1592–1593
Deus Pater omnipotens. during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and is one
Domine Fili Unigenite, Iesu Christe, of three settings of the Mass Ordinary which he
published. It is composed as a musical setting
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris,
for a four-part choir.
qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis;
qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe This Gloria comes from a Mass setting originally
deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad composed for recusant Roman Catholics
(those who refused to adopt the doctrine of
dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
the newly established Church of England after
Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus the Reformation). It has since been embraced
Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, into the central repertoire of many Anglican
Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Cathedrals and choral foundations. It provides a
Dei Patris. delicate simplicity and intimacy that musically
Amen and thematically balance some of the grander
and stronger pieces of music in this service.

Glory be to God on high,

and in earth peace, goodwill towards men.
We praise thee,
we bless thee,
we worship thee,
we glorify thee,
we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father
almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the
world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God
the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art the
Lord; thou only,
O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most
high in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

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 Collect
Archbishop of Canterbury: This prayer is a Collect - a summary and
thematic type of prayer generally used at
Let us pray. every Church of England service. This Collect
Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour: has been written specially for this service. The
first line is taken from the popular hymn ‘Lord,
look with favour upon thy servant
Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour’ and continues
Charles our King, to expound the themes of loving service which
and bestow upon him such gifts of are at the heart of the Coronation celebrations.
wisdom and love
that we and all thy people
may live in peace and prosperity
and in loving service one to another,
to thine eternal glory;
who with the Father and the Holy Spirit
reigns supreme over all things,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The Epistle
Colossians 1: 9-17

Reader: The Prime Minister – Epistle is Greek for ‘letter’, and the epistles of St
The Rt. Hon Rishi Sunak, MP Paul and others are the major component of the
New Testament. The Epistle to the Colossians
The reading is taken from the first chapter proclaims the loving rule of Christ over all
of the Epistle to the Colossians, beginning at people and all things. Jesus Christ is the image
the ninth verse. (ikon) of the God we cannot see – it is through
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, Jesus’ teaching and example that we discover
do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that the love and truth of God. As well as declaring
ye might be filled with the knowledge of his the Lordship of Christ, the reading is a prayer
which we can use for The King today.
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto The Archbishop of Canterbury has selected
all pleasing, being fruitful in every good this reading. Colossians refers to the Christian
work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; community in Colossae (now a part of Turkey).
Strengthened with all might, according to his Colossae was one of the first churches to be
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering established after the resurrection of Jesus.
with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father,
The Prime Minister is invited to read, as has
which hath made us meet to be partakers of
become modern custom seen at other State
the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath Ceremonies, by virtue of his public office, being
delivered us from the power of darkness, and the Prime Minister of the nation in which the
hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Coronation takes place.
Son: In whom we have redemption through
his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn
of every creature: For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all
things were created by him, and for him: And he is
before all things, and by him all things consist.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

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 Sung Alleluia
Psalm 47:1-2
Debbie Wiseman

Alleluia, Alleluia! A gospel acclamation is the welcoming and

O clap your hands together, all ye celebration of the word of the gospel.
people; O sing unto God with the voice The music is a new commission composed for
of melody. this service.
For the Lord is high and to be feared;
he is the great King upon all the earth.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Gospel
Luke 4:16-21

Reader: The Rt Revd & Rt Hon. The Gospel (from the Old English word
‘Godspell’, which is itself a translation of a
Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE,
Greek word meaning ‘Good News’) is St Luke’s
Dean of HM Chapels Royal: account of Jesus at worship in the synagogue.
A synagogue is a local place of Jewish worship
The Lord be with you and teaching, and there are many in this country.
and with thy spirit. Jesus was an observant Jew and is here shown
reading from the prophet Isaiah. Jesus applies
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the words of the text to himself, and it is these
according to Luke. words which are the hallmark of what Christians
Glory be to thee, O Lord. understand the kingdom of God to be about:
healing, freedom, justice, and peace. The
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had language of anointing points to the most solemn
been brought up: and, as his custom element in this Coronation service, when His
was, he went into the synagogue on the Majesty will himself be anointed – set apart – for
sabbath day, and stood up for to read. service of his people.
And there was delivered unto him the The St Augustine Gospels, a Latin translation
book of the prophet Isaiah. And when of the Gospels, are a UNESCO World Heritage
he had opened the book, he found the object, and precious historic artefact. As a
place where it was written, The Spirit of tangible link to this country's faith heritage
throughout the centuries, they are the liturgical
the Lord is upon me, because he hath
Gospel Book for the procession and reading.
anointed me to preach the gospel to The St Augustine Gospels were carried to
the poor; he hath sent me to heal the England by St Augustine of Canterbury from
broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to Rome in 597, where Pope Gregory the Great had
the captives, and recovering of sight to presented them to him.
the blind, to set at liberty them that are
bruised, To preach the acceptable year
of the Lord. And he closed the book, and
he gave it again to the minister, and sat
down. And the eyes of all them that were
in the synagogue were fastened on him.
And he began to say unto them, This day
is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.

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 Sung Alleluia
Psalm 47:6-7
Debbie Wiseman

Alleluia, Alleluia! The music is a new commission composed for

O sing praises, sing praises unto our God: this service.
O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
For God is the King of all the earth.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Sermon
Given by the Archbishop of Canterbury
This is an opportunity for the Archbishop to address Their Majesties, the congregation, and those
participating elsewhere, drawing on and contextualising what we have already seen, and setting out the
themes and desires of the Coronation, and how they relate not only to Their Majesties but to all people.

A sermon is an essential aspect and feature of Anglican liturgy. It is a moment to reflect on Scripture
readings, to learn, to be challenged and to explore the core themes and motifs of a Eucharistic service, to
hear the call of God’s Word, and discover within our own context how we are being called to serve.

With very few exceptions a sermon has always been a part of the Coronation service.

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 Veni Creator
Plainsong, mode VIII

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire. And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art, Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
(Welsh)
O gynorthwyydd oddi fry, Thy blessèd unction from above
rhodd gwerthfawrocaf Duw wyt ti: Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
ffynhonnell bywyd, dwyfol dân Enable with perpetual light
enneinia ni â’th Ysbryd Glân. The dullness of our blinded sight.
(Scots Gaelic)
Fada bhuain iomain ar nàmh Anoint and cheer our soiled face
Agus builich sa bhad do ghràs With the abundance of thy grace.
Ò, treòraich sinn, a Cheannaird àrd Keep far our foes, give peace at home:
Bho bhuaidh gach beud agus cràdh. Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
(Irish Gaelic)
Go dtí dhíot gurb aithnid dúinn Teach us to know the Father, Son,
an tAthair Mhac, a Spioraid, a rún, And thee, of both, to be but One.
Tú leo an Triúr i néinphearsa That, through the ages all along,
Creidimis ionaibh tré bhiotha na This may be our endless song:
mbeatha.
Praise to thy eternal merit, Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Veni Creator Spiritus (Come Creator Spirit)

The Veni Creator Spiritus is a significant moment. It follows the oaths and prayers that state and illuminate
the unique demands of monarchy. In so doing it recognises that such a calling can only be fulfilled with the
sustaining strength and grace of God.
This ancient text became part of the Coronation Service in the fourteenth century. It is always a part of
ordination services in the Church of England, and echoes some of the themes of the Gospel reading. It is
best known in the translation by Bishop John Cosin (1594-1672): Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire. Today
we hear it sung in a variety of languages associated with the United Kingdom, and in a new arrangement of
the plainsong tune.
The languages used are the traditional languages of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom.
The use of languages from around the United Kingdom here is a beautiful way to acknowledge the rich
heritage of our country and these communities, while demonstrating the importance of maintaining and
preserving these languages.

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 Thanksgiving for the Holy Oil

The Archbishop of Canterbury is At this moment in the service the Archbishop

presented with the oil, by The Most is presented with and formally receives the
Coronation Oil, praying and giving thanks for it.
Reverend Dr Hosam Naoum, The
Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. The Coronation Oil has been created using
olives harvested from two groves on the Mount
of Olives, at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene
Archbishop of Canterbury: and the Monastery of the Ascension. The
Blessed art thou, Sovereign God, Monastery of Mary Magdalene is the burial place
of His Majesty’s grandmother, Princess Alice of
upholding with thy grace all who are
Greece, and the olives were pressed just outside
called to thy service. Bethlehem.
Thy prophets of old anointed priests and
kings to serve in thy name The oil has then been perfumed with essential
oils - sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli,
and in the fullness of time
benzoin, amber and orange blossom.
thine only Son was anointed
by the Holy Spirit The oil was co-consecrated by the Patriarch of
to be the Christ, the Saviour and Servant Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III,
and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, The
of all.
Most Reverend Dr Hosam Naoum.
By the power of the same Spirit,
bless and sanctify this oil, The Archbishop in Jerusalem presents the oil in
that it may be for thy servant Charles this moment, symbolically completing the oil’s
a sign of joy and gladness; journey and helping to emphasise the strong
historic link between the Coronation, The Old
that as King he may know the abundance
Testament and the Holy Land, drawing on the
of thy grace imagery of the oil and the narrative thread that
and the power of thy mercy, runs from King Saul.
and that we may be made a royal
This is a newly composed prayer for this service,
priesthood, a holy nation,
but it remains faithful to the style of the Book
a people for thine own possession. of Common Prayer. The prayer recalls how
Blessed be God, kings were anointed in the Old Testament (1
our strength and our salvation, Kings 1.38-40). It also serves to be a reminder
now and for ever. that the word Christ itself means ‘anointed
one’ (in Hebrew, Messiah). The language of
Amen.
royal priesthood comes from the First Epistle
of Peter (1 Peter 1.9), and makes connections
between the consecration - setting apart - of His
Majesty, and our own callings to serve God and
one another.

15
 The Anointing
Zadok the Priest, George Frideric Handel

The choir sing the anthem: As The King prepares to be anointed upon the
Coronation Chair, he removes the Robes of State.
Zadok the priest Drawing upon the imagery and symbolism of
and Nathan the prophet The King’s simple clothing, we see him prepare
anointed Solomon king. to undergo an anointing or consecration. The
And all the people rejoiced and said: King’s anointing sets him apart to fulfil a vocation
and begin a new life as Sovereign, dedicated to
God save the King!
the service of all.
Long live the King!
May the King live forever! The Coronation Chair was made by order of
Alleluia! Amen! King Edward I, and has been part of Coronation
Services in the abbey since 1399. It has a rich
and fascinating history.
The Anointing screen is arranged around
the Coronation Chair. It is designed to hold the Stone of Scone, the
ancient stone on which the Kings of Scotland
The Dean pours oil from the ampulla into were inaugurated. Since 1996 the Stone has
the spoon and the Archbishop anoints been kept in Edinburgh Castle, but is returned
to the Abbey for the Coronation. A beautiful and
the King.
ancient legend suggests that it is the stone upon
The King is anointed on Hands, Breast, which the prophet Jacob rested his head at
Bethel (Genesis 28.10-17).
and Head, with the associated words
(sotto voce): The placement of the Scottish Stone within the
English Coronation Chair, lent for this Coronation
with the consent of the Scottish Government and
Archbishop of Canterbury: people, is an important symbol of unity of shared
Be your hands anointed with holy oil. history and heritage between the nations of the
United Kingdom.
Be your breast anointed with holy oil.
Be your head anointed with holy oil, The text of the anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’ has
as kings, priests, and prophets were always been a part of the English Coronation
anointed. Rite, but most famously since it was set to music
by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) for the
Coronation of George II.
And as Solomon was anointed king
by Zadok the priest and Nathan the As the anthem is sung the Archbishop anoints
prophet, so may you be anointed, The King on his hands, breast and head.
blessed, and consecrated King over the
peoples, whom the Lord your God has
given you to rule and govern; in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

16
The Archbishops and Dean return Throughout the known history of Coronations
to the High Altar. in England, the anointing has been a constant
feature. Anointing emphasises the spiritual role
The screen is removed to the Shrine. of the Sovereign.

The King moves to the faldstool in front The Anointing is the most sacred part of the
of the High Altar, kneeling. service, using the Ampulla and Spoon, the latter
dating back to either Richard I or Henry II. The
The Archbishop continues with the ‘Oil of Ampulla was supplied for the Coronation of
King Charles II in 1661 and is based on an earlier,
Gladness’ prayer of blessing (sotto voce):
smaller vessel, which in turn was based on a
fourteenth-century legend in which the Virgin
Archbishop of Canterbury: Mary appeared to Archbishop Thomas Becket
and presented him with a golden eagle and a
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, vial of oil for anointing future Kings of England.
who by his Father was anointed
with the Oil of gladness As was the case in 1953, this ceremony will not
be visible to those watching on television (or
above his fellows,
online, nor indeed for those people in the Abbey)
by his holy Anointing pour down upon due to the presence of a newly-commissioned
your Head and Heart screen that will be held around the Coronation
the blessing of the Holy Spirit, Chair. It is The King’s only moment of privacy
and prosper the works of your Hands: during the Service, as he contemplates how he
that by the assistance of his heavenly is called by God. Canopies such as these can be
traced back to the Old Testament. In the Middle
grace
Ages it was custom for Sovereigns to travel
you may govern and preserve beneath such a canopy. In this context, it is to
the People committed to your charge signify the presence of God over this covenant
in wealth, peace, and godliness; of anointing. In this Coronation it also symbolizes
and after a long and glorious course the embrace, enveloping power, and presence
of God during this moment.
of ruling a temporal kingdom
wisely, justly, and religiously, The prayer of blessing is adapted from the
you may at last be made partaker of an Latin prayer also used for the Coronation of
eternal kingdom, King Edgar.
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The King is vested in the Colobium The Colobium Sindonis is a sleeveless linen
Sindonis, Supertunica and girdle. tunic which corresponds to garments worn in the
ancient world by many, and is not unlike some
of the white robes we see clergy wearing today.
It symbolises purity and simplicity. The King,
divested of all worldly honours and adornments,
anointed under God stands humbly and simply,
ready to begin a new dedicated life of service.

The King is then vested with the Supertunica, an

embroidered gold coat. Its origins can be traced
back to royal ceremonies across Europe and as
far away as ancient Byzantium. The Supertunica
is a form of priestly robe, which reminds all
who see it that The King has been consecrated
before God and in service of God.

17
 The Presentation of Regalia
The Presentation of the Regalia will be made by Peers from the House of Lords, and Senior Bishops in the
Anglican Church.

In acknowledgement to tradition some of those presenting regalia have an historic claim, as established
through the Coronation Claims process.

The regalia presented by peers from non-Christian faith traditions have been chosen because they do
not bear explicit Christian motifs. Each contribution affirms our mutual interdependence as neighbours of
whatever faith tradition or belief, and that His Majesty is invested with these ‘instruments of state’ by all
people, not just the Christian Church.

The Spurs
The Spurs are brought forward from the The Spurs were made in 1661 for King Charles II,
altar by the Dean and handed to The but the use of spurs at Coronations dates back
to King Richard I, and his Coronation in 1189.
Lord Great Chamberlain.
The original symbolism of the Spurs dates
The Lord Great Chamberlain approaches from an era when the Monarch would have
The King, presenting the regalia. ridden at the head of an army and derives
from ceremonies for the creation of knights.
The King acknowledges them. The revised wording retains the significance
of courage associated with the symbol of the
Spurs whilst drawing out advocacy for those in
Archbishop of Canterbury:
need, whether that be in the area of defence
Receive these spurs, symbols of honour of the realm or in practical service for the most
and courage. May you be a brave vulnerable.
advocate for those in need.

The spurs are returned to the altar.

18
 Psalm 72 (Psalm 71 in the Greek Septuagint Psalter)
During Exchange of Swords

Ὁ Θεός, τὸ κρίμα σου τῷ βασιλεῖ δὸς καὶ τὴν Give the king your judgements, O God,
δικαιοσύνην σου τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ βασιλέως κρίνειν and your righteousness to the son of a
τὸν λαόν σου ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς king. Then shall he judge your people
σου ἐν κρίσει. Ἀλληλούΐα. righteously and your poor with justice.
Alleluia.

Κρινεῖ τοὺς πτωχοὺς τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ σώσει May he defend the poor among the
τοὺς υἱοὺς τῶν πενήτων καὶ ταπεινώσει people, deliver the children of the needy
συκοφάντην. Ἀλληλούΐα. and crush the oppressor. Alleluia.

Καὶ συμπαραμενεῖ τῷ ἡλίῳ καὶ πρὸ τῆς May he live as long as the sun and moon
σελήνης γενεὰς γενεῶν. Ἀλληλούΐα. endure, from one generation to another.
Alleluia.

Ἀνατελεῖ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτοῦ δικαιοσύνη In his time shall righteousness flourish,
καὶ πλῆθος εἰρήνης, ἕως οὗ ἀνταναιρεθῇ ἡ and abundance of peace till the moon
σελήνη. Ἀλληλούΐα. shall be no more. Alleluia.

Δόξα Πατρί, καὶ Υἱῷ, καὶ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ Glory to the Father and to the Son and to
νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τούς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning,
Ἀμήν. is now, and shall be for ever. Amen

Κύριε, σῶσον τὸν Βασιλέα καὶ ἐπάκουσον O Lord, save the king and answer us when
ἡμῶν ἐν ᾗ ἂν ἡμέρα ἐπικαλεσώμεθά σε. we call upon you.

Ἀλληλούϊα, Alleluia,
Ἀλληλούϊα, alleluia,
Ἀλληλούϊα. Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεός ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι. alleluia. Glory to you, our God, glory to you.

This moment has been specially commissioned to reflect His Majesty’s paternal heritage. His Late
Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was born a Prince of Greece, and as such, in a service so deeply
reminiscent and steeped in the memories of His Majesty’s Late Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, The Greek Choir
were invited to remind His Majesty of his Father’s influence, and dedicated service to the Late Queen, his
family, the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

19
 The Sword

The Jewelled Sword is presented to The This will be the first time that the Sword of
Lord President of the Council in its State and Sword of Offering will be carried and
presented by a woman - The Lord President is
scabbard and passed to the Archbishop. the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP.
It is held up, before the altar.
The Jewelled Sword or The Sword of Offering
The Archbishop says a prayer. was made in 1820, and has a steel blade,
mounted in gold and set with jewels, which form
a rose, a thistle, a shamrock, oak leaves, acorns,
Archbishop of Canterbury: and lion’s heads. The sword is contained in a
Hear our prayers, O Lord, we beseech thee, gold-covered leather scabbard. It was first used
and so direct and support thy servant at the Coronation of King George IV.

King Charles, The Jewelled Sword is a visual representation of

that he may not bear the Sword in vain; the meaning and symbolism of the other swords
but may use it as the minister of God on display in the Coronation:
to resist evil and defend the good,
The Sword of State
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Sword of Spiritual Justice
The Archbishop returns the sword to The Sword of Mercy or Curtana.
The Lord President and it is carried to
the King. The Archbishop blesses the Sword and it is then
delivered to The King with the injunction that it
The sword is placed in the King’s should be used for the protection of good. The
Sword is then offered on the altar.
right hand.
Swords in this context are not used as violent
weapons but are symbolic of defence, advocacy,
Archbishop of Canterbury:
and are an ancient symbol of authority and
Receive this kingly Sword. justice being served quickly and mercifully.
May it be to you, and to all who witness Justice and peace are inextricably linked
these things, a sign and symbol not of and thus the Sword sets a standard for good
government by the Crown and its officers.
judgement, but of justice;
not of might, but of mercy. The Sword has a double meaning – a symbol of
Trust always in the word of God, defence of the defenceless, but also of the word
which is the sword of the Spirit, of God which St Paul compares to a sharp sword
(Ephesians 6:17).
and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus
Christ in this life,
that you may reign for ever with him
in the life which is to come. Amen.

The King stands. The sword is

clipped on the girdle.
The King sits.

20
Archbishop of Canterbury:
With this sword do justice, stop the
growth of iniquity, protect the holy
Church of God and all people of
goodwill, help and defend widows and
orphans, restore the things that are
gone to decay, maintain the things that
are restored, punish and reform what
is amiss, and confirm what is in good
order: that doing these things you may
be glorious in all virtue; and so faithfully
serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life,
that you may reign for ever with him in
the life which is to come. Amen.

The King stands.

The sword is unclipped and The King
steps forward and offers the sword to the
Dean, who places it on the altar.
The sword is redeemed from the altar by
The Lord President of the Council, who
places the redemption money on the
almsdish, held by the Dean.
The sword is handed to the Lord
President of the Council, who carries it
thereafter before The King.

The Armills
The Armills are taken from the altar and The Armills or Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom
given to Lord Kamall by the Dean. have deep echoes of Coronations back to the
time of King Solomon, who prayed for wisdom.
The Peer approaches The King, They are a bond, uniting the Sovereign to
presenting the regalia. The King the People.

acknowledges them. The Armills bear symbolism about the protection

that God gives.

Archbishop of Canterbury:
Receive the Bracelets of sincerity and
wisdom, tokens of God’s protection
embracing you on every side.

The Armills are returned to the altar.

21
 The Robe and Stole Royal

HRH The Prince of Wales enters the At this point the ceremony returns to the sense
theatre. of ordination of a Christian minister. The Robe,
or Mantle, and Stole Royal represent what The
The Stole Royal and Robe Royal are King, as Sovereign, has been given by God.
brought to The King. A new Stole (from an ancient Greek word
The Bishop of Durham vests the King in meaning ‘scarf’) has been commissioned for
the Coronation as the traditional gift of the
the Stole Royal. Worshipful Company of Girdlers, bearing
significant Christian iconography, including the
Baroness Merron with The Prince of
gridirons of St Lawrence (the patron saint of the
Wales and Assisting Bishops clothe Girdlers Company who produced the Stole),
The King in the Robe. and palm branches. Palms are both a symbol of
martyrdom but also a reminder of the humble
entry of Jesus as a Servant King into Jerusalem.
Archbishop of Canterbury:
The words that provide the symbolism for the
Receive this Robe. May the Lord clothe
Robe echo the words of the Prophet Isaiah
you with the robe of righteousness, and (Chapter 61) in the Old Testament where the
with the garments of salvation. Servant of the Lord is clothed in ‘garments of
salvation’ and ‘the robe of righteousness’.

The Orb

The Dean gives the Anglican Archbishop The Orb is a representation of the Sovereign’s
of Armagh the Orb, who brings the Orb power, and symbolising the world under the
cross of Christ. The Sovereign’s Orb was made in
to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who the seventeenth century and is divided into three
places it in the King’s right hand. sections with bands of jewels, for each of the
three continents thought to exist in this period.

Archbishop of Canterbury:
Receive this Orb, set under the Cross,
and remember always the kingdoms of
this world are become the kingdoms of
our Lord, and of his Christ.

The Orb is retrieved by The Archbishop

of Armagh, who gives it to the Dean,
who places it back on the altar.

22
 The Ring

The Ring is taken from the altar and The symbolic significance of the Sovereign’s
given to The Lord Patel, KT, by the Dean. Ring is comparable to that of rings exchanged in
marriage, or papal, archiepiscopal or episcopal
The Peer approaches The King, rings: they are all a symbol of promise and
presenting the regalia. The King commitment. They signify covenant and
agreement, an unbroken bond, without end.
acknowledges it. It ‘marries’ The King to God in duty, and to the
People in loving service. In turn, it acts to assure
His Majesty of God’s unfailing love.
Archbishop of Canterbury:
Receive this Ring, a symbol of kingly
dignity, and a sign of the covenant sworn
this day between God and King, King
and people.
The Ring is returned to the altar.

The Glove

The Glove is taken from the altar The Glove is a demonstration of the Sovereign
and given to The Lord Singh of as advocate and challenger for the protection
and honour of the People. It also bears a
Wimbledon, CBE, by the Dean. second meaning, as a reminder of holding
The Peer approaches The King, power, symbolised in the Sceptre, gently in a
gloved hand.
presenting the regalia.

Archbishop of Canterbury:
Receive this glove. May you hold
authority with gentleness and grace,
trusting not in your own power but in
the mercy of God who has chosen you.
The King picks up the glove and places it
on his right hand.

23
 The Sceptre and Rod

The Sceptre and Rod are taken from the The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross represents
altar and given to The Archbishop of the Sovereign's temporal power and authority. It
is associated with good governance, which is to
Wales and The Primus of Scotland by be exercised wisely; hence the gloved hand in
the Dean. which The King holds that authority.

The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove, traditionally
them into The King’s right and left known as ‘the Rod of Equity and Mercy',
represents the Sovereign’s spiritual role, with
hands respectively.
the enamelled dove with outspread wings
representing the Holy Spirit, and the Monarch’s
Archbishop of Canterbury: pastoral care for the People.

Receive the Royal Sceptre, the ensign of

kingly power and justice; and the Rod of
equity and mercy, a symbol of covenant
and peace.
May the Spirit of the Lord which
anointed Jesus at his baptism, so anoint
you this day, that you might exercise
authority with wisdom, and direct your
counsels with grace; that by your service
and ministry to all your people, justice
and mercy may be seen in all the earth:
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

24
 The Crowning

The Dean brings The Crown of St Edward The St Edward's Crown was made for the
to The Archbishop, who says the prayer Coronation of Charles II in 1661, after the
previous one was melted down in 1649. It
of blessing. is made of solid gold and set with precious
King of kings and Lord of lords, stones. Though valuable beyond earthly price,
it is nevertheless surmounted with a cross - a
bless, we beseech thee, this Crown,
reminder that Jesus gave his life for us.
and so sanctify thy servant Charles The crown, therefore, signifies more than
upon whose head this day thou dost kingly dignity, but also costly sacrifice – the
place it for a sign of royal majesty, sacrifice of love.
that he may be crowned with thy
It is the visible symbol of one who has been
gracious favour anointed before God for this purpose and this
and filled with abundant grace and all service to the nation.
princely virtues;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, It represents The King's vocation before God. It
is a constant reminder of the promises and vows
who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth
he has made to the People, and of the virtues
and reigneth, supreme over all things, of the crown, demonstrated by its own crafted
one God, world without end. symbolism, that The King will strive to embody
Amen. every day, to which the people cry the prayer
’God, Save The King!’

The Archbishop brings the crown down The Crowning is a moment of joy and celebration
onto The King’s head. when past, present, and future are interlinked.

Archbishop: This prayer of blessing was used at the

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
God save The King!
The cries of ‘God save The King!’ became part
All: of the service at this point in 1689 and have
remained so ever since.
God save The King!

Fanfare
Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare, Richard Strauss

The Abbey bells ring for 2 minutes.

A fanfare is sounded followed by a Gun Salute which will be fired by The King’s Troop
Royal Horse Artillery stationed at Horse Guards Parade. This will be accompanied by
Gun Salutes at His Majesty’s Fortress the Tower of London fired by the Honourable
Artillery Company, and at all Saluting Stations throughout the United Kingdom,
Gibraltar, Bermuda, and Ships at Sea.

25
 The Blessing

The Archbishop of York: Blessings are a precious and valuable part of

services, especially in marriages and ordinations,
The Lord bless you and keep you. to both of which a Coronation can be compared.
The Lord make his face to shine upon They summarise all that has gone before,
you and be gracious to you. and entreat God’s love, protection, grace, and
The Lord lift up the light of his wisdom upon The King, now, and in all the days
countenance upon you, and give you of his reign.

his peace. The progress of ecumenical relations since

1953 means that, for the first time, this Blessing
The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of is to be shared by Christian leaders across the
Thyateira & Great Britain: country.

The Lord protect you in all your ways

and prosper all your work in his name.

The Moderator of The Free Churches:

The Lord give you hope and happiness,
that you may inspire all your people in
the imitation of his unchanging love.

The Secretary General of Churches

Together in England:
The Lord grant that wisdom and
knowledge will be the stability of your
times, and the fear of the Lord your
treasure.

The Cardinal Archbishop of

Westminster:
May God pour upon you the riches of his
grace, keep you in his holy fear,
prepare you for a happy eternity,
and receive you at the last into
immortal glory,

The Archbishop of Canterbury:

…and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you always.
Amen.

26
 Anthem
Thomas Weelkes

O Lord, grant the king a long life, that This anthem sets verses from Psalm 61. 2023
his years may endure throughout all marks the 400th anniversary of Thomas Weelkes'
death, as well as the death of William Byrd,
generations.
whose music was heard earlier.
He shall dwell before God for ever.
O prepare thy loving mercy and
faithfulness, that they may preserve
him.
So shall we always sing and praise
thy name.
Amen.

Enthroning The King

Archbishop of Canterbury: Setting The King in the crown upon his throne
is a moment which recalls the past through its
Stand firm, and hold fast from historic significance, but it also establishes the
henceforth this seat of royal dignity, present reign and looks forward with eternal
which is yours by the authority of hope through the prayer of blessing.
Almighty God.
The exhortation to ‘stand firm’ (Sta et retine) is
May that same God, whose throne another of the ancient texts attested for the
endures for ever, establish your throne Coronation of King Edgar. Its meaning is one of
stability and constancy. The throne is described
in righteousness, that it may stand fast
as a seat of royal dignity, a reminder of this seat’s
for evermore. enduring symbolism.

The Homage of The Church of England

The Archbishop leads the words Oaths of allegiance have always been sworn
of fealty. to the newly anointed and crowned Sovereign.
Historically this had great significance in
maintaining law and order within the Kingdom.
I, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury,
will be faithful and true, In accordance with tradition the Archbishop
leads the words of fealty on behalf of the
and faith and truth will bear unto you,
Church, of which The King is Supreme Governor.
our Sovereign Lord, Defender of Clergy within the Church of England swear an
the Faith, and unto your heirs and Oath of Allegiance to the Monarch and their heirs
successors according to law. and successors at their ordination, and again
So help me God. when consecrated as a Bishop. Those Bishops
present pledge these words of fealty here
symbolically on behalf of the church’s clergy,
demonstrating that continuity of allegiance
and support.

27
 The Homage of Royal Blood
HRH The Prince of Wales leads the words Giving homage in a symbolic act of kneeling
of fealty. before The King and placing his hands between
the hands of the King, the heir giving homage
I, William, Prince of Wales, becomes the ‘liege man’ of the Sovereign. A ‘liege
pledge my loyalty to you man’ has a mutual obligation to the Monarch.
and faith and truth I will bear unto you,
as your liege man of life and limb.
So help me God.

The Homage of The People

Archbishop of Canterbury: In previous Coronations the Homage has been
the prerogative of the Archbishop of Canterbury,
I call upon all persons of goodwill of the Heir to the Throne, followed by the Royal
The United Kingdom of Great Britain Dukes, and then the hereditary peerage in order
and Northern Ireland, and of the other of degree. The homage of peers alone has
Realms and the Territories to make their been replaced by the Homage of the People.
homage, in heart and voice, to their The Archbishop will invite those who wish, from
the United Kingdom and the other Realms
undoubted King, defender of all.
both within the Abbey, and those watching and
listening at home, to make their homage by
All who so desire, in the Abbey, and sharing in the same words - a chorus of millions
elsewhere, say together: of voices enabled for the first time in history to
participate in this solemn and joyful moment.

All: This is a new and significant moment in the

tradition of the Coronation. Never before in our
I swear that I will pay true allegiance
history have the general public been offered
to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and such an opportunity to join with national figures
successors according to law. So help me God. in declaring their allegiance to a new Sovereign.

A fanfare is played.

Archbishop of Canterbury:
God save The King.

All:
God save King Charles.
Long live King Charles.
May The King live for ever.

Anthem
Confortare, Sir Walford Davies

An anthem is sung This anthem was written for the Coronation of

King George VI in 1937. The text comes from
Be strong, and show thy worth: keep the 1 Kings 2.2, the final words to King Solomon from
commandments of the Lord thy God, his father, King David.
and walk in his ways.

28
 The Coronation of The Queen
The Dean pours oil from the ampulla The Coronation of a Sovereign’s Consort follows
into spoon, and holds the spoon for the a familiar albeit slightly different process to
that of the Sovereign’s own Coronation, as
Archbishop of Canterbury. this confers upon the consort the honour and
The Queen is anointed on the forehead position to serve beside their spouse.

with the associated words. The Crowning of the Consort is a ceremony last
seen at the Coronation of 1937, with Her Majesty
Archbishop of Canterbury: Queen Elizabeth, later The Queen Mother. It is
Be your head anointed with holy oil. a ceremony that is only conferred upon female
consorts, hence His Late Royal Highness Prince
Archbishop of Canterbury: Philip had no such ceremony or crowning.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness;
In a similar way to that of The King, The Queen
hear our prayer this day for thy servant is anointed by the Archbishop. However, this
Camilla, anointing will happen without a screen or canopy
whom in thy name, and with all devotion, to demonstrate the different nature of anointing
we consecrate our Queen. a consort compared to a reigning sovereign,
as this anointing is at the permission of the
Make her strong in faith and love,
Sovereign.
defend her on every side,
and guide her in truth and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Ring
The Ring is presented by The Keeper First to be presented is the Consort’s Ring. In
of The Jewel House to The Queen, She parallel to the Sovereign’s Ring it bears the same
symbolism of a ring exchanged in marriage, it is
acknowledges it. a symbol of promise, of commitment. It signifies
Archbishop of Canterbury: covenant and agreement, an unbroken bond,
without end. It “marries” Consort to King, and
Receive this Ring, a symbol of royal them both to God in duty and to the People in
dignity, and a sign of the covenant sworn loving service, and in turn acts as an assurance
this day. of God’s unfailing love.

The Ring is returned to the High Altar.

The Crowning
The Dean returns with the Crown, handing After the outward symbol and expression of The
it to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen’s anointing she is crowned with Queen
Mary’s Crown. It has undergone minor changes
and additions to include the Cullinan III, IV and V
Archbishop of Canterbury: diamonds which were part of Her Late Majesty’s
May thy servant Camilla, who wears this personal jewellery collection for many years.
crown, be filled by thine abundant grace
and with all princely virtues; reign in her
heart, O King of love, that, being certain
of thy protection, she may be crowned
with thy gracious favour; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

29
 The Rod & Sceptre

The Rod is presented by The Bishop of The presentation of sceptre and rod bears similar
Dover, and the Sceptre by Lord Chartres symbolism and significance to The King’s. As the
Consort is presented with, and acknowledges,
to The Queen, She acknowledges the responsibilities of such an undertaking, she
them both. commits herself to a life of service in support of
her husband and her sovereign.
Archbishop of Canterbury:
Receive the Royal Sceptre and the Rod of
equity and mercy. May the Spirit guide
you in wisdom and grace, that by your
service and ministry justice and mercy
may be seen in all the earth.

Enthroning The Queen

Make a Joyful Noise, Andrew Lloyd Webber

An anthem is sung. This is the moment in which The King and

The Queen are united in their joint vocation
before God. She too is set apart and
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord for ‘consecrated’ for service to the nation.’
he hath done marvellous things and his
This setting of verses from Psalm 98 was
holy arm hath gotten him the victory.
commissioned for this service.
He hath remembered his mercy and his
truth toward the house of Israel, all the
ends of the earth have seen the salvation
of our God.
O make a joyful noise unto the Lord all
the earth. Make a loud noise, rejoice and
sing his praise.
Let the sea roar, the world and they that
dwell within.
Let the floods clap their hands, let the
hills be joyful together.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all
the earth.
Rejoice and sing his praise. For he
cometh to judge the earth.
And with righteousness shall he judge
the world and the people with equity.
O make a joyful noise unto the Lord all
the earth. Sing unto the Lord with the
harp and the voice of a psalm. With
trumpets and sound of cornet make a
joyful noise before the Lord, the King.

30
 Offertory Hymn

Christ is made the sure foundation, The tune ‘Westminster Abbey’ comes from the
and the precious corner-stone, end of Henry Purcell’s anthem ‘O God thou art
my God’.
who, the two walls underlying,
bound in each, binds both in one, The words are well over one thousand years
holy Sion’s help for ever, old but were translated in the 19th century
and her confidence alone. by John Mason Neale, a Church of England
priest. The text is rooted in the Bible, based on
passages from the Old and New Testaments and
All that dedicated city,
the Psalms.
dearly loved by God on high,
in exultant jubilation During this moment, the gifts of bread and
pours perpetual melody, wine are brought before The King for him to
acknowledge, and in doing so, makes formal
God the One, in threefold glory,
presentation of them as they are taken to the
singing everlastingly. High Altar.

To this temple, where we call thee,

come, O Lord of hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness,
hear thy people as they pray;
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls for ay.

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants

what they supplicate to gain;
here to have and hold for ever,
those good things their prayers obtain,
and hereafter, in thy glory,
with thy blessed ones to reign.

Laud and honour to the Father;

laud and honour to the Son,
laud and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.

31
 Prayer over the Gifts

Archbishop of Canterbury: This prayer over the bread and wine is a

translation of another prayer to be found in the
Bless, O Lord, we beseech thee, Liber Regalis (The King’s Book), one of the oldest
these thy gifts, and most important sources for the English
and sanctify them unto this holy use, Coronation service. The prayer was used in this
that by them we may be made partakers form at Her Late Majesty’s Coronation in 1953.
of the Body and Blood
of thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ,
and fed unto everlasting life of soul
and body:
And that thy servant King Charles
may be enabled to the discharge of his
weighty office,
whereunto of thy great goodness thou
hast called and appointed him.
Grant this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ’s sake,
our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

32
 The Eucharistic Prayer

Archbishop of Canterbury: The Coronation has always been set within the
context of the celebration of the Eucharist (Holy
The Lord be with you Communion) and this is no exception. This is the
and with thy spirit. principal act of worship of the Christian church,
the ultimate act of remembering Jesus. The
Lift up your hearts. great prayer of thanksgiving and consecration
We lift them up unto the Lord. over the bread and wine is called the Eucharistic
Prayer (‘Eucharist’ is the New Testament word for
‘thanksgiving’). The central section of the prayer
Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God. recalls the words of Jesus over the bread and
It is meet and right so to do. wine at the Last Supper. The beginning of the
prayer takes words used at the 1953 Coronation,
It is very meet, right, and our bounden and adds further words from the Bible which
continue to emphasize the theme of loving
duty, that we should at all times and
service (Philippians 1.6).
in all places give thanks unto thee,
O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting
God, through Jesus Christ thine only
Son our Lord;

who hast at this time consecrated thy

servant Charles to be our King,
that, by the anointing of thy grace,
he may be the Defender of thy Faith
and the Protector of thy people;
that, with him, we may learn the ways
of service, compassion, and love,
and that the good work which thou hast
begun in him this day
may be brought to completion
in the day of Jesus Christ.

Therefore with angels and archangels,

and with all the company of heaven,
we laud and magnify thy glorious name,
evermore praising thee and saying:

Sanctus
Roxanna Panufnik

To be sung. Sanctus means ‘holy’. The Sanctus has been a

consistent part of the Eucharistic Prayer since
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, the fifth century. Its origins are found in the
heaven and earth are full of thy glory. angelic song heard by the prophet Isaiah in
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. the Temple (Isaiah 6) which becomes part of
the worship of heaven in the New Testament
(Revelation 4). In this service the Sanctus is a
new commission.

33
 Eucharistic Prayer continues

Archbishop of Canterbury: These words, which recall the Last Supper Jesus
held with his disciples before he died, are in two
All glory be to thee, sections. The first is a present-day realization
almighty God, our heavenly Father, of the second English language Communion
who, of thy tender mercy, Service written in the reign of Edward VI, with
didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ a strong emphasis on the salvation which was
to suffer death upon the cross for our wrought for us by Christ in the cross.

redemption; The second section recalls the words of Jesus

who made there, at the Last Supper which are recorded in the
by his one oblation of himself once Gospels, and in the First Epistle of St Paul to
offered, the Corinthians.

a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice,

oblation and satisfaction
for the sins of the whole world;
and did institute,
and in his holy gospel command us to
continue,
a perpetual memory of that his precious
death,
until his coming again.

Hear us, O merciful Father, we most

humbly beseech thee,
and grant that, by the power of thy
Holy Spirit,
we receiving these thy creatures of bread
and wine,
according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ’s holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and
passion,
may be partakers of his most blessed
body and blood;

who, in the same night that he was

betrayed, took bread;
and when he had given thanks to thee,
he broke it and gave it to his disciples,
saying:
Take, eat; this is my body which is given
for you;
do this in remembrance of me.

34
Likewise after supper he took the cup;
and when he had given thanks to thee,
he gave it to them, saying:
Drink ye all of this;
for this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for
the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it,
in remembrance of me.

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father,

we thy humble servants,
having in remembrance the precious
death and passion of thy dear Son,
his mighty resurrection and glorious
ascension,
entirely desire thy fatherly goodness
mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of
praise and thanksgiving;
most humbly beseeching thee to grant that
by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus
Christ,
and through faith in his blood,
we and all thy whole Church may obtain
remission of our sins,
and all other benefits of his passion.
And although we be unworthy, through
our manifold sins,
to offer unto thee any sacrifice,
yet we beseech thee to accept this our
bounden duty and service,
not weighing our merits, but pardoning
our offences;
and to grant that all we, who are partakers
of this holy communion,
may be fulfilled with thy grace and
heavenly benediction;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all honour and glory be unto thee,
O Father almighty,
world without end.

Amen.

35
 The Lord’s Prayer

Archbishop of Canterbury: The Our Father, known by English speakers as

‘The Lord’s Prayer’, was the gift of Jesus to his
Let us pray with confidence as our followers when they asked him how they should
Saviour has taught us: pray. We use this version, based on Jesus’ words
as they are recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. In his
Our Father, who art in heaven,
introduction, the Archbishop invites everyone to
hallowed be thy name; join in, wherever they may be, in the language
thy kingdom come; they use for prayer.
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

36
 Agnus Dei
Tarik O’Regan

To be sung: Agnus Dei is Latin for ‘Lamb of God’. This was

the title used by St John the Baptist to describe
O Lamb of God, Jesus (John 1). It probably became part of the
that takest away the sins of the world, Communion service in the seventh century as
have mercy upon us. a chant to be sung as the bread and wine were
prepared for distribution.
O Lamb of God, This setting was commissioned for this service.
that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God,
that takest away the sins of the world,
grant us thy peace.
During which Holy Communion is
received by The King & Queen.

Archbishop of Canterbury (sotto voce):

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
was given for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto
everlasting life:
Take and eat this in remembrance that
Christ died for thee,
and feed on him in thy heart by faith,
with thanksgiving.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which

was shed for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto
everlasting life:
Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s
Blood was shed for thee, and be
thankful.

37
 Prayer after Communion

Archbishop of Canterbury: This is a Collect from the Service of Holy

Communion in the Book of Common Prayer. It
O Almighty Lord, asks God to direct all of us in his holy ways, so
and everlasting God, vouchsafe, that we may live lives of service, and know his
we beseech thee, to direct, divine protection and peace.
sanctify and govern both our hearts and
bodies,
in the ways of thy laws,
and in the works of thy commandments;
that through thy most mighty
protection,
both here and ever, we may be preserved
in body and soul;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
Amen.

The Final Blessing

Archbishop of Canterbury:
Our help is in the Name of the Lord;
Who hath made heaven and earth.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord;

Now and henceforth, world without
end.

Christ our King, make you faithful and

strong to do his will,
that you may reign with him in glory;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
rest upon you, and all whom you serve,
this day, and all your days.
Amen.

Sung Amen
Gibbons

The setting of 'Amen' was composed by Orlando Gibbons.

38
 Hymn

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; The hymn ‘Praise my Soul’ was written by Henry
to his feet thy tribute bring. Francis Lyte (1793-1847), based on Psalm 103.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who like me his praise should sing?
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favour

to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise him! Praise him!
glorious in his faithfulness.

Father-like, he tends and spares us;

well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him! Praise him!
widely as his mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore him;

ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him;
dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.

Anthem
The King Shall Rejoice, William Boyce

An anthem is sung: This anthem was composed for the Coronation

of George III in 1761 by William Boyce (1711-79) It
The King shall rejoice in thy strength sets verses from Psalm 21.
O Lord,
Exceeding glad shall he be of thy
salvation.
Thou shalt prevent him with the
blessings of goodness:
And shalt set a crown of pure gold upon
his head.

39
 Te Deum
The Coronation Te Deum, Sir William Walton

We praise thee, O God: we knowledge thee to be Te Deum Laudamus is sometimes

the Lord. called ‘The Hymn of the Church’.
It dates from the fourth century
All the earth doth worship thee: which art the
and has always been a part of the
Father everlasting. Coronation Rite, sometimes at the
To thee all angels cry aloud: the heavens, and all beginning, more often towards the
the powers therein. end or at the very end. This setting
To thee cherubim, and seraphim: continually by Sir William Walton OM (1902-83)
do cry, was written for Her Late Majesty’s
Coronation.
Holy, holy, holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;
heaven and earth are replenished with the majesty: During the Te Deum Their Majesties
of thy glory. move into St Edward’s Chapel
The glorious company of the apostles: praise thee. behind the High Altar. Here they
are vested in the Robes of Estate,
The goodly fellowship of the prophets: praise thee.
and His Majesty exchanges the
The noble army of martyrs: praise thee. St Edward’s Crown for the Imperial
The holy Church throughout all the world: doth State Crown.
knowledge thee;
The term ‘Imperial State Crown’
the Father: of an infinite majesty; thine
dates back to the fifteenth century
honourable, true: and only Son; when English monarchs chose a
also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter. crown design closed by arches to
Thou art the King of glory: O Christ. demonstrate that England (and
Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father. now the United Kingdom) was not
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man: subject to any other earthly power.
This Imperial State Crown was
thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.
made for the Coronation of King
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of George VI in 1937, but is closely
death: based on a crown designed for
thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all Queen Victoria in 1838.
believers.
Thou sittest on the right hand of God: in the Glory
of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come: to be our Judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants:
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious
blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints: in
glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people: and bless thine heritage.
Govern them: and lift them up for ever. Day by day:
we magnify thee;
and we worship thy name: ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord: to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us: have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us: as our trust
is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted: let me never be
confounded.

40
 The National Anthem
Arranged by Gordon Jacob

God save our gracious King! ‘God save The King’ (…or Queen, when the
Long live our noble King! Sovereign is female) has been the national
anthem for more than 250 years.
God save The King!
Send him victorious, ‘God save The King’ is both anthem and prayer,
Happy and glorious, invoking God to spare and protect the Sovereign
Long to reign over us, to ensure good governance. The phrase is much
older than the song, appearing, for instance,
God save The King.
several times in The King James Bible.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save The King.

The King’s Outward Procession & Organ Voluntaries

Pomp & Circumstance March no 4, Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Iain Farrington
March from The Birds, Sir Hubert Parry, arranged by John Rutter

Greeting Faith Leaders & Representatives

and The Governors-Generals
At the end of the procession The King The newly-crowned monarch, His Majesty King
receives a greeting by Leaders and Charles III, will greet the Governors-General.

Representatives from Faith Communities In an unprecedented gesture consolidating

( Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist). the significance of the religious diversity of
the Realms, the Sovereign will take his final
As the King stands before the Leaders moments of the service to receive a greeting
and Representatives of the Faith from the leaders and representatives of the
major non-Christian faith traditions.
Communities, they deliver the following
greeting in unison. In a spoken greeting these faith leaders and
representatives speak with their own voices, as
Faith Leaders & Representatives: communities, but deliver the greeting in unison,
as a community of faiths, united in the service
Your Majesty, as neighbours in faith, we
of others, and in thanksgiving for His Majesty’s
acknowledge the value of public service. example this day, and every day of his reign.
We unite with people of all faiths and
We remain grateful to all faith communities
beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service
for exploring ways in which such an act of
with you for the common good. unity could be produced, and especially to the
Jewish community for finding ways to make this
The King acknowledges the greeting, and possible without compromising the observance
turns to greet the Governors-General. of Shabbat.

The King acknowledges their greeting

and proceeds to the Gold State Coach.

41
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churchofengland.org/coronation

The Coronation Liturgy for HM King Charles III has been commissioned by The Most Rev’d and
Rt Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and approved under Canon B 4. It includes newly devised
material as well as The Order for Holy Communion: Order One in Traditional Language from Common
Worship (2000) which is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, along with material
from the 1953 and earlier Coronation Services and from The Book of Common Prayer (1662) which is
© The Crown’s Patentee, Cambridge University Press.