King Charles III has spent his life in service of the Crown, the United Kingdom, and, for 70 years, his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
In that time, the world watched as he became the longest-serving heir apparent, then the longest-serving Prince of Wales, and then, the oldest monarch to ever ascend the throne.
In that time, the King had ample time to prove that his life—“throughout the remaining time God grants me,” as he said last September upon his accession—would be one of service.
And on Saturday morning in Westminster Abbey, the King finally had the chance to fulfill that life’s promise. For as soon as he arrived at the Chair of Estate, he renewed his pledge of service.
The King was greeted by Samuel Strachan, a Child of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, who said: “Your Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.”
King Charles replied: “In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.”
Strachan is the longest-serving chorister at the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
Immediately following this moment, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, said a prayer for King Charles.
He said, in part, that all the assembled guests were there to “celebrate the life of our nations; to pray for Charles, our King; to recognise and to give thanks for his life of service to this Nation, the Realms, and the Commonwealth; and to witness with joy his anointing and crowning, his being set apart and consecrated for the service of his people. Let us dedicate ourselves alike, in body, mind, and spirit, to a renewed faith, a joyful hope, and a commitment to serve one another in love.”
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