The coronation of Carlos III is a ceremony that combines tradition and modernity, as it is a reduced version of that of his mother, Isabel II, in 1953. There is the crown that weighs more than two kilograms, the “stone of fate” or the carriage with two centuries of history. But there is also openness to the religious diversity of the United Kingdom, the “choir of millions” with the oath of allegiance to the monarch or a new screen behind which Charles III will be anointed. And if the coronation of Isabel II was the first to be televised, then this is the first in the era of social networks.
The venue for the ceremony is Westminster Abbey, where English kings have been crowned since 1066.. But thousands of people are expected along the two-kilometer route that separates the abbey from Buckingham Palace, despite forecasts of rain. It is from the official residence that the consort of the King and Queen depart at 10:20 a.m., aboard a modern carriage (with air conditioning and electric windows) drawn by six horses, first used in 2014.
After the ceremony, at 1 p.m., the journey will be more uncomfortable – Elizabeth II called the experience in the Gold State Coach, drawn by eight horses, “appalling”. It is 260 years old, has been used at every coronation since 1831 and is so heavy that the journey back to the palace will be made at a rate of 108 steps per minute – below normal.
Who was excluded?
But let’s go back to the ceremony and the more than two thousand guests, a quarter of those who were in the abbey in 1953 – one of them Carlos himself, who was four years old at the time. Among the guests are relatives of the King and Queen’s consort, including her ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. Prince George, 9, the son of William and Kate and second in line to his father, will be one of eight pageboys at the ceremony. wearing the king’s mantle at the entrance of the abbey. Prince Harry, who stepped down from royal duties, confirmed his presence, but his wife Meghan will be absent, as will the couple’s two children, who remained in California. Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, was not invited.
Among world leaders, one of them Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the great absentee is US head of state Joe Biden, represented by the first lady, Jill Biden. No U.S. president has attended the coronation of a British monarch since independence. Leaders from Russia, Iran, Syria or Venezuela were not even invited.
European royal houses will be present, as well as the heads of government of the 15 countries of which Carlos III is monarch. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will deliver one of the lectures at the ceremony. But many MPs and Lords were left out – together they would occupy nearly half of the available seats. A large portion of the 2,300 invitations went to community representatives, volunteers or members of charitable organizations in recognition of the work done.
the symbols
The crowns and sceptres, normally kept in the Tower of London, will not be mere props. The different objects represent different aspects of the monarch’s service and responsibility. For example, the globe dates from 1661, with the cross on top of the globe representing the Christian world. Two scepters are also used: one with a cross, representing royal power and justice, another with a white dove, symbolizing the monarch’s spiritual role.
There is also the coronation chair, in oak, dating from 1300, with its own space for the “stone of fate”. This stone, symbol of the Scottish monarchy, was seized by King Edward I in 1296 and has been part of coronations ever since. Returned to Scotland in 1996 and returned to London for today’s event.
The ceremony itself is divided into several steps. The first is recognition, when Charles III is presented to the “people” and proclaimed “undoubtedly king”. The oath follows, before the anointing. At this time, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who is conducting the ceremony, will use a 12th-century silver spoon and consecrated oil in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The moment serves to remind the monarch that he has been chosen by God and is therefore private – it takes place behind a screen specially designed for the occasion.
crown of two kilograms
The next step is the investiture, when the monarch then receives the royal symbols – the orb, scepters, a sword and a ring. Finally, the coronation with the crown of Saint Edward, weighing more than two kilograms, which is placed on the head of the monarch. It’s the only time you’ll use it in your life. At that time, the abbey bells will ring for two minutes and cannon fire will also sound throughout the country. For the various musical moments during the ceremony, 12 new pieces were commissioned by the King, including composer Andrew Lloyd Weber.
The tributes follow, one from the Prince of Wales, William. The oath of allegiance, normally taken by other nobles before the king, will be replaced for the first time by the “choir of millions”. The archbishop will invite those present in the abbey, but also those who stay at home, to take this oath. Equally unprecedented will be the participation of other religious leaders – Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists – who will make a joint statement recognizing the king’s service.
After all these steps it will also be Camilla’s turn to crown, who will no longer be queen consort and will be queen alone. The ceremony is much simpler, using Queen Mary’s crown, which dates back to 1911.. Then the kings take communion before leaving the abbey. Carlos III will then wear the imperial crown, which dates from 1937, has almost two thousand diamonds and precious stones, but weighs only one kilogram.
To close the holiday, the monarchs will wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace at 2.15pm and watch the air show, rain permitting.
Source: DN
