The final act of the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey was seen but not heard – and there was a very good reason for that.
As the newly crowned Monarch left the Abbey on May 6th 2023, a group of faith leaders approached him, to offer a welcome at this special time in his reign. But because the Coronation took place on a Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, no microphones were allowed to pick it up so that the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, could continue to observe Shabbat.
It meant that this milestone moment was heard only by The King and those immediately around him. There was no public broadcast of it and it won’t be heard in the permanent, historic records of the Coronation.
Shabbat rules take into account the use of electricity. Although there are some debates around it, microphones are taken to use the human voice to affect the conduction of electricity while concerns about amplification through speakers or, in this case, broadcast media, are also reasons that the devices are usually forbidden on Shabbat.
Sir Ephraim told the Jewish Chronicle that King Charles was aware of this and said ”here is one of many examples of the King’s sensitivity to the Jewish faith.”
The Chief Rabbi was one of five faith leaders to offer the special welcome to King Charles. They told him ”Your Majesty, as neighbours in faith, we acknowledge the value of public service. We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good.”
The other leaders were Lord Singh from the Sikh community and Radha Mohan Das of the Hindu community. Aliya Azam of the Christian Muslim Forum and Bogoda Seelawimala Thera, leader of the London Buddhist Vehara, also took part.
King Charles also invited Sir Ephraim to spend the night before the Coronation at St. James’ Palace to allow him to walk to the Abbey, again to allow him to observe Shabbat.
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