May 06, (THEWILL) – His Majesty, King Charles III, has been crowned King of the United Kingdom.
The Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St. Edward’s Crown on the King’s head during a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
“Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity, which is yours by the authority of Almighty God. May that same God, whose throne endures forever, establish your throne in righteousness, that it may stand fast for evermore,” the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said as he placed the solid-gold crown on Charles’ head.
The wearing of the crown on Charles III was immediately preceded by a royal honour by his son, Prince William, as a royal pledge known as ‘The Homage of Royal Blood’.
William kneeled before his father, placing his hands in between Charles’ hands as he said, “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Following William’s oath, the ‘Homage of The People’, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, invited the general public to declare: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
The ceremonious vow took place shortly after Charles’ crowning and ‘The Homage of The Church of England’.
Charles was crowned with St. Edward’s crown. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, wore the same crown at her 1953 coronation.
His wife, Queen Camilla, has also been crowned. Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s crown, marking the first time an existing crown was used for the queen consort’s coronation.
“May thy servant Camilla, who wears this 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,” the Archbishop of Canterbury said as he placed the crown on Camilla’s head.
