This is Trendrod’s live blog coverage of King Charles III’s Coronation Day. Stay tuned today for the latest developments from London, United Kingdom.
Today, May 6, 2023, will be the first time for most of the younger generations who were not present during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 to witness one. This is the day that her son, King Charles III, will be officially crowned and ascend to the throne.
The new monarch, King Charles III, had been the longest-serving heir apparent in the British monarchy’s history — for a record of 73 years. Aside from him, his wife Queen Consort Camilla is also set to be crowned on Coronation Day.
The Philippines will be represented in the official Coronation guest list by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise ‘Liza’ Marcos.
Trendrod will begin its ‘The Coronation of King Charles III‘ special coverage at 5:00 pm (Manila time) / 10:00 am (London time).
Inside the Westminster Abbey, the Musical service has begun with the choir and the orchestra performing their pieces.
Meanwhile, the parade at The Mall outside Buckingham Palace is also underway.
Guests have also started arriving at the Westminster Abbey since early morning (UK time). Well-known personalities, local politicians, former and current Prime Ministers, leaders of and representatives from the Commonwealth and Realms, dignitaries from other nations, and religious leaders, and members of the community are some of those invited to be inside the Abbey during the ceremony.
Members of the Royal Family have also begun arriving at the Abbey. The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, son of King Charles III, is also in attendance sans the Duchess Meghan.
The Royal Carriage that will be used by King Charles III has arrived at the Buckingham Palace. The King himself have also traveled back to the Palace and even waved at the people on The Mall.
The procession of King Charles III and Camilla, The Queen Consort begins at 10:20 am (UK time). They will travel from the Buckingham Palace to the Westminster Abbey through the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. The coach was used by the late Queen Elizabeth when she celebrated her 60th year on the throne.
En route, he passes by The Mall, then to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square, before arriving at the Westminster Abbey. He will enter through the Abbey’s Royal Entrance, where he is met by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.
King Charles III is the 40th monarch to be crowned inside the Westminster Abbey in London, a tradition that began with William The Conqueror in 1066.
The Coronation will also make Charles III the official head figure of the Church of England. Hence, making the occasion a religious event as well.
The Royal Regalia, which include the St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown, are now inside the Abbey. The coronation ceremony is the only event during the reign of King Charles III where he will be seen donning the 362-year-old St. Edward’s Crown in public.
The Coronation Service is now underway.
• Samuel Strachan, Child of His Majesty’s Royal Chapel, addressed the King as a “children of the Kingdom of God.” King replies, “In His name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.”
• The Archbishop of Canterbury gives the greeting and introduction.
• Kyrie eleison is sung.
• The King has been recognized.
• The Holy Bible is presented to the King Charles III.
• King Charles III takes his Oath before the Archbishop and with his hand on top of the Holy Bible. After that, he signs copy of the Oaths.
• After signing, the King kneels before the Altar.
God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing
to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• He then returns to the Chair of Estate while the choir sings ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo.’
• The Archbishop then proceeds to the Collect.
• PM Rishi Sunak reads the Epistle.
• Dame Sarah Mullally reads the Gospel.
• The Ascension Choir sings Alleluia.
• The Archbishop preaches his Sermon.
• The anointing begins with the King and Queen kneeling before the Chairs of Estate. They will be blessed with the Holy Oil made of olive extract.
• The King and Queen are hidden from public view as they are disrobed of their ‘Robes of State’ and will wear the Colobium Sindonis to signify “standing bare before God.”
• The King will then sit on the wooden Coronation Chair, a tradition that started 8 centuries ago.
• Investiture and crowning now underway, with the Jewelled Sword of Offering placed upon the King. The King offers the Sword of Altar, which is then brought to the Altar by the Archbishop.
• The Armills are also offered to the King.
• The Robe Royal was then given and worn by the King.
• The Orb is presented, before it is placed back to the Altar.
• The Ring, the Gloves, and the Royal Sceptre with Cross and the Royal Sceptre with Dove are given to the King.
• The highlight, being the St. Edward’s Crown is blessed by the Archbishop. He then places the crown on the hands of the King. The Archbishop then places the crown on top of his head.
• The Archbishop then shouts “God Save The King.”
• According to the Order of Service, this is also when “The bells of the Abbey are rung. A Gun Salute is fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery on Horse Guards Parade. This is accompanied by Gun Salutes at His Majesty’s Fortress the Tower of London fired by the Honourable Artillery Company, and at Saluting Stations throughout the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Bermuda, and ships at Sea,” are simultaneously conducted.
• The leaders of various churches then prays for the King.
• King Charles III is then assisted to be enthroned. The Archbishop, Prince William, and the congregation pays homage to the King.
• Camilla, The Queen is then given the Ring and Queen Mary’s Crown. She also receives the Rod of Equity and the Queen’s Sceptre.
• The Queen is then enthroned.
• The service continues with Hymns and a Communion.
• The Coronation Service ends with the singing of the National Anthem ‘God Save The King’ and a procession of the King and the Queen.
• The King has also begun donning the Robe of Estate.
• The King and Queen Consort made their way back to the Buckingham Palace using the Gold State Coach, which is already 260 years old.
• Upon the King’s return to the Palace, the Royal Guards gave their salutes to the new King, Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at the field at Buckingham Palace. ‘God Save The King’ is also played anew.
• The King and Queen will then join the Royal Buffet, where the official portrait will be taken.
• The Royal Forces also made their fly past over the Buckingham Palace.
• The King and Queen Consort made their first appearance at the Balcony of Bukcingham Palace at around 2:30 pm (London time)