The King has chosen to pray aloud at his Coronation service – a first in the 1,000 year history of the crowning ceremony.
In what is expected to be a unique moment, His Majesty will pray aloud, using words specially written for the occasion.
It is expected that the prayer will reflect the duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities.
One of The King’s many titles is Defender of the Faith – a title the pope bestowed on Henry VIII, and has been used by all monarchs since.
However, King Charles has already expressed his desire to be the Defender of all Faiths – this being evident in his Coronation.
Before The King takes the Coronation Oath, in newly-written wording, the Archbishop of Canterbury will explain that the Church of England will seek to foster an environment where “people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely.”
For the first time, the Presentation of the Regalia will be made by by Peers who belong to different faith traditions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.
This includes Lord Singh of Wimbledon – a Sikh – who will present His Majesty with the Coronation Glove, while Lord Kamall – Muslim – will present The King with the Armills.
At the end of the procession at the close of the service, before His Majesty proceeds to the Gold State Coach, The King will receive and acknowledge a spoken greeting delivered in unison by Representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist communities.
