According to the Order of Service, King Charles’ coronation will seek to blend the ancient ritual of a ceremony that dates back nearly 1,000 years with the modern, more diverse face of Britain and its many faiths.
Charles will be crowned on Saturday in front of about 100 heads of state and dignitaries at Westminster Abbey, which has hosted all coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066.
According to the Order of Service, the coronation rite has been modified over the centuries to meet changing needs, and Charles’ ceremony will include a procession of faith leaders and the participation of those who “reflect the diversity of the United Kingdom and its peoples, in striking contrast to seventy years ago.”
Charles, who as a monarch is the supreme governor of the Church of England and holds the title “Defender of the Faith,” has long argued that he wishes to be a defender of all religions and has frequently spoken of his devotion to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and others.
According to the Order of Service, the king will pray publicly for grace to be “a blessing to all… of every faith and belief” for the first time at a Coronation.
It also states that those presenting the historic regalia to the king will “reflect the diversity of the United Kingdom and its peoples, in striking contrast to seventy years ago.”
The king’s love of nature will be reflected in his wife, Queen Camilla, who will also be crowned. Her robe will be decorated with bees, a beetle, and various plants.
