![]() The coach might be lavish but it’s not all that practical. The dazzling Gold State Coach, first built for George III in 1762 and used at every coronation since that of his son, George IV, will carry The King and Queen Consort to Westminster Abbey. Handel’s rousing anthem Zadok The Priest, which he composed for George II’s coronation in 1727, has been played at every coronation since. Other aspects of this ancient service have changed little over the centuries. Finally, they are invested with the royal insignia (robe, ring, orb, sceptre) and crowned. The most sacred part of the ceremony follows, when the sovereign is anointed with holy oil. Next comes the oath, when the monarch swears to uphold the law and the church. It begins with the new monarch being presented to the congregation by the presiding cleric (who since 1154 has always been the Archbishop of Canterbury). ![]() ![]() The ceremony followed at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 was almost exactly the same as that used for King Edgar in 973. ![]() Bettmann // Getty ImagesĪlthough there has been incredible change over the centuries, the crowning of a new king or queen has remained surprisingly constant. King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) with his mother and father after being crowned Prince of Wales, 1969. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |