King Charles became the monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September. However, his coronation will take place in May in a ceremony filled with grandeur and religious significance. So why is the coronation held, and what does it all mean?
**History**
Coronations of Kings and Queens of England and Britain have taken place for much of the past thousand years at Westminster Abbey in London, and the ceremonies have not changed much over the centuries. The Abbey has witnessed the coronation of 38 kings and queens, but Edward V did not receive a coronation, being one of two young princes believed to have been murdered in the Tower of London in the 15th century. Edward VIII also did not get crowned, as he abdicated the throne to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson.
**A Unique Ceremony**
The coronation is not mandatory, and no other monarchy in the world holds a ceremony like it. Royal historian Alice Hunt stated, "The form of the ceremony we will witness at the coronation of Charles III is unique to this country, distinguished by its continuity." The event is organized by the Earl Marshal, who has supervised official events for centuries. This position has long been held by the Duke of Norfolk and the Howard family. Currently, Edward Fitzalan Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, holds the position and also organized the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
**Why Are the Ceremonies Held?**
Historically, a coronation for a king was necessary, but now it has become merely a ceremonial event. Hunt explained, "In this country, the coronation still continues to be the moment where the king receives legitimacy in public." She added, "The (coronation) ceremony has always carried within it something akin to a moment of religious transformation. Even though the king inherits the throne upon the death of his predecessor, the preamble of the coronation ceremony since its establishment in the 14th century still clarifies that a change occurs for the king or queen during the ceremony."
**What Happens?**
The coronation mass is a solemn religious event filled with symbolism. Charles will swear to uphold the law and the Church of England. He will sit on the historic coronation chair, known as Edward's Chair, which contains the Stone of Scone, and he will be blessed with holy oil consecrated in Jerusalem by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion worldwide. This is the most significant part of the celebration, indicating divine blessing for the king. Hunt noted, "It is very easy in religious ceremonies to let what is said overwhelm you a bit... but listen to what is said about what happens during the anointing (with holy oil). This is truly unique and very powerful and has a very long history."
Charles will be presented with the orb, scepters, swords, and a ring, all of which, adorned with numerous golden decorations, are part of the British Crown Jewels and symbolize in various ways the king's power, authority, duties, and divine right. The Archbishop will then place the heavy Crown of Saint Edward on the king's head. Charles will not be crowned alone; a scaled-down and simpler ceremony will also be held for his wife, Camilla. After the coronation, Charles will leave the church wearing a different crown, the Imperial State Crown.
