The upcoming coronation of King Charles will be a historic event as the public will be given an active role in the ceremony. For the first time in history, millions of people around the world will be asked to say a pledge of allegiance to the new King. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, is calling on those watching or listening to the event to take part in a “great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King”.
Homage of the People to Replace Homage of Peers
The Homage of the People will replace the traditional Homage of Peers, where a line of hereditary peers knelt to make a pledge to the newly crowned monarch in person. During the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury will ask “all persons of goodwill in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and the Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all”.
Words for All to Share In
The order of service will read: “All who so desire, in the Abbey, and elsewhere, say together: All: I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.” There will then be a fanfare, after which Mr Welby will say: “God Save The King”, with all asked to respond: “God Save King Charles. Long Live King Charles. May The King live forever.”
Reduction of Service Length
The Homage of the People is expected to reduce the length of the service, which is expected to be around two hours. Before the Homage of the People, Mr Welby will perform the Homage of Royal Blood, where Prince William will kneel before his father, place his hands between the monarch’s, and pledge his loyalty to him. The removal of the Homage of Peers will allow more people to participate in the ceremony, including those watching at home on television or online, gathered in parks or churches, or at big screens.
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