Hopes of a 'great cry around the world to support the King'

THE nation will be urged to join in a rousing coronation homage to the new monarch, chanting in unison: "May The King live forever."

- RUSSELL MYERS

Religious leaders behind this Saturday's event say TV audiences here and around the Commonwealth can join the 2,000 in Westminster Abbey to swear allegiance in an "Homage of the People".

Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, said it hoped the change would result in "a great cry around the nation, and around the world, of support for the King".

It replaces the traditional Homage of Peers, in which a long line of hereditary peers would kneel and make their pledge in person.

Prince William will also have a starring role, reciting the vow made by Prince Philip to the late Queen at her coronation in 1953. The two-hour ceremony will be seen by millions around the world for the first time and is set to be the most inclusive and diverse ever.

In a collection of firsts, traditional languages of the four home nations of the UK will form part of the service.