ALL HAIL THE KING!

It may have rained on the royal parade but there was nothing gloomy about the day that cemented the new monarch’s place in history. Filled with pomp and ceremony, awash with tradition and studded with joy, this was the occasion King Charles III had spent 70 years preparing for – and the eyes of the world were on him as he was crowned in London’s magnificent Westminster Abbey alongside the woman he loves

- NICI DE WET

THE CEREMONY

It was a service steeped in tradition yet contained many modern twists and nods to the variety of faiths, cultures and beliefs that make up the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, presided over the ceremony, which acknowledged the new monarch’s role as both the head of state and head of the Church of England.

Since the late 14th century, coronations have followed instructions laid out in the Liber Regalis or “Royal Book” – a 34-page medieval Latin manuscript that describes the order of service.

Kickstarting proceedings was 14-year-old chorister Samuel Strachan, who addressed the king. “Your Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the king of kings.”

Charles replied, “In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.” And so the service began.

THE RECOGNITION AND THE OATH

Attendees recognised the new monarch and recited “God save the king”.

Charles pledged to serve the people and rule according to law. He was seated on the coronation chair – a 700-year-old wooden throne which sits atop an ancient rock.

With a hand on the Bible he stated, “The things I have here before promised, I will perform and keep, so help me God.” The archbishop then proclaimed, “God save the king”, and the audience responded with “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the king live forever”. The monarch then signed the oath.