Coronation of the British monarch

The Coronation of the British monarch is a ceremony (specifically, initiation rite) in which the monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth Realms is formally crowned and invested with regalia. The coronation usually takes place several months after the death of the previous monarch, for the coronation is considered a joyous occasion that would be inappropriate when mourning still continues. (It also gives planners enough time to complete the elaborate arrangements required for great State ceremony.) For example, Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1953, despite having acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, the day of her father's death.

Anointing and crowning

After the Communion service is interrupted, the Sovereign removes the crimson robe and processes to King Edward's Chair, which has been set in a most prominent position. (In 1953 it stood atop a dais of several steps.) This ancient medieval chair has a slot in the base into which the Stone of Scone has been fitted for the ceremony. Also known as the "stone of destiny," it was used for ancient Scottish coronations until brought to England by Edward I. It has been used for every coronation at Westminster Abbey since. Until 1996 the stone was kept with the chair in Westminster Abbey between coronations; but it was returned that year to Scotland, where it will remain on display in Edinburgh Castle until it is needed for a coronation.

Related Topics:
King Edward's Chair - 1953 - Stone of Scone - Edward I - 1996 - Edinburgh Castle

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Once seated in this chair, a canopy is held over the monarch's head for the anointing. This element of the coronation service was considered so sacred in 1953 that it was not televised. 2 The Dean of Westminster pours consecrated oil into a spoon; the Archbishop of Canterbury then anoints the Sovereign on the hands, breast, and head. The eagle-shaped ampulla holding the oil and the filagreed spoon with which it is poured are the only parts of the mediæval crown jewels which survived the commonwealth. The Archbishop concludes by stating a blessing.

Related Topics:
Canopy - Anointing - 2 - Commonwealth

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The Sovereign is then enrobed in the colobium sindonis and the supertunica. The colobium sindonis is a white, loose, sleeveless gown worn beneath the supertunica. The latter is long coat reaching the ankles and made of gold silk. The supertunica derives from the uniform of imperial officials of the Byzantine Empire.

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The Lord Great Chamberlain presents the spurs, which represent chivalry. The Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by other bishops, then presents the Sword of State to the Sovereign. The Sovereign then changes robes once again, this time putting on the Robe Royal and Stole Royal, both of which are made of gold silk and are heavily decorated with floral and heraldic emblems. The Archbishop then delivers several Crown Jewels to the Sovereign. First, he delivers the Orb, a hollow golden sphere set with numerous precious and semi-precious stones. The Orb is surmounted by a cross, representing the rule of Jesus over the world; it is returned to the Altar immediately after being received. Next, the Sovereign receives a ring representing the "marriage" between him or her and the nation. The Sceptre with the Dove (so called because it is surmounted by a dove representing the Holy Spirit) and the Sceptre with the Cross (which incorporates Cullinan I, the largest cut diamond in the world) are delivered to the Sovereign. As the Sovereign holds the two sceptres, the Archbishop of Canterbury places St Edward's Crown (brought to him by the Lord High Steward) on his or her head. All cry "God Save the King ," placing their coronets and caps on their heads. Cannons are fired from the Tower of London.

Related Topics:
Spur - Chivalry - Orb - Jesus - Sceptre with the Dove - Holy Spirit - Sceptre with the Cross - Cullinan I - St Edward's Crown - Tower of London

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