The role of Prince William in the coronation of his father, King Charles III, has been announced.
The Prince of Wales will pledge his loyalty and allegiance to the King during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6, according to the Liturgy of the Coronation Service. After being officially crowned, William, 40, will kneel before his father, place his hands between the king’s, and recite the words, also known as the Homage of Royal Blood.
“I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you, and I will bear you faith and truth as your liege man of life and limb.” So please, God, help me.”
During the ceremony, William will be the only royal to honor the King in this manner. There was no mention of a role for Prince Harry.
The words were last heard at a coronation in 1953, during Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremony. Her husband, Prince Philip, made the vow at the time and committed to being her “liege man of life and limb.”
William will also be present to assist Baroness Merron and the bishops in putting the King’s robe on.
Prince George, William, and Kate Middleton’s oldest son, is also involved in the festivities. The role of the 9-year-old as one of the King’s pages of honor marks the first time in modern history that a future monarch is involved in the service.
George, the second in line to the throne, is the ceremony’s youngest future King.
“We’re all very excited about Prince George’s role in the Coronation,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. It will be a truly memorable occasion.”
Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay, and Master Ralph Tollemache join George on the King’s side as pages of honor. Meanwhile, Her Majesty’s grandsons, Master Gus and Master Louis Lopes, and Master Freddy Parker Bowles, as well as Her Majesty’s great-nephew, Master Arthur Elliot, will serve as the Queen Consort’s honor pages.
The pages will accompany the King and Queen throughout the service, and they will be part of the procession through Westminster Abbey’s Nave.
