by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

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A family watches as King Charles III gives his first Christmas Message on December 25, 2022, in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The King paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.

At 3:00 PM British Time on December 25, the British Monarch’s pre-recorded Christmas Message is broadcast throughout the United Kingdom. It is also broadcast in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations at times convenient to those countries. In the United States, C-SPAN broadcasts the message at times that vary depending on the network’s schedule. On the internet, the Christmas Message is embargoed until 3:00 PM British Time. The Christmas Message is now written by the Monarch sometimes with input from family and advisors.

History of the Christmas Message

John Reith, the founding Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), suggested to King George V that he make a short speech on BBC radio in 1922, the founding year of the BBC. King George V considered the new radio just entertainment and declined. Ten years later, John Reith again asked King George V to make a speech, and with the encouragement of his wife Queen Mary and Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, he agreed. On December 25, 1932, King George V read the first Christmas Message, written by the renowned English novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist Rudyard Kipling.

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On December 25, 1952, Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas Message at Sandringham House

The Christmas Message has been broadcast every year since 1932 with several exceptions. There was no Christmas Message in 1936 because King Edward VIII had abdicated the throne just two weeks prior, on December 10, 1936. Because Queen Elizabeth II was weeks away from the births of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, there was no Christmas Message in 1959 and 1963. In 1969, it was decided to forgo the Christmas Message because a repeat of the documentary film Royal Family, televised in the summer in connection with the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales, was already scheduled for the holiday period. Instead, Queen Elizabeth II issued a written Christmas Message in 1969.

On December 25, 1957, Queen Elizabeth II gave the first televised Christmas Message in the Long Library at Sandringham House.

The Christmas Message

A family watching as Queen Elizabeth II gives what would be her last Christmas Message on December 25, 2021, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. The Queen marked the death of her husband Prince Philip earlier in the year.

The text of the Christmas Message usually reflects current issues and concerns along with the monarchy’s milestones and the Monarch’s personal feelings about Christmas. Several months before Christmas, the Monarch decides upon a theme, and related videos and photos are collected for inclusion in the broadcast. Queen Elizabeth II mostly wrote the text of her Christmas Messages, sometimes receiving input from her husband Prince Philip and her staff. King Charles III writes his own Christmas Messages without any input.

The Christmas Message is recorded a few days before Christmas. The location is usually Buckingham Palace, but recordings have also been made at Windsor Castle and Sandringham House. In 2003, a special broadcast from Combermere Barracks, the Household Cavalry Barracks in Windsor, was arranged at Queen Elizabeth II’s request. In 2022, King Charles III gave his first Christmas Message at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Traditionally, the Christmas Message broadcast begins with the British national anthem God Save the King/Queen except for 1968, 1986–2000, 2002, and 2007 when the national anthem was played at the end of the Christmas Message.

• Summaries of every Christmas Message can be seen at Wikipedia: Royal Christmas Message – Messages
• Texts of Queen Elizabeth II’s and King Charles III’s Christmas Messages can be read at The Royal Family: Christmas Broadcast transcripts

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
• The Christmas Broadcast. The Royal Family. (n.d.-c). https://www.royal.uk/the-christmas-broadcast
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Royal Christmas message. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Christmas_message

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March. However, there is not a worldwide uniform observance of the day in the member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, and it is not celebrated as a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries. Events which include the British Royal Family are held in London.

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

Originally created as the British Commonwealth of Nations through the Balfour Declaration of 1926 at the 1926 Imperial Conference in London, the Commonwealth of Nations is an international association of currently 56 member countries, most of which were former territories of the British Empire.

• The Commonwealth
• Wikipedia: Current Commonwealth Member Countries

The Head of the Commonwealth is a ceremonial leader who symbolizes “the free association of independent member nations” of the Commonwealth of Nations and keeps in touch with Commonwealth developments through regular contact with the Commonwealth Secretary General and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Head of the Commonwealth is not formally hereditary. The Commonwealth heads of government choose the successors. Once in office, there is no term limit. The Head of the Commonwealth has no constitutional role in any Commonwealth countries except the United Kingdom if the Head of the Commonwealth is also Sovereign of the United Kingdom. The first Head of the Commonwealth, chosen in 1949, was King George VI. Since then his successors as Sovereign of the United Kingdom, his daughter Queen Elizabeth II, and his grandson King Charles III, have been chosen as Head of the Commonwealth.

What is the history of Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day traces its origins to Empire Day, an event initially created to celebrate the British Empire. It was originally observed on Queen Victoria’s birthdate, May 24th, or the last weekday before it. In the latter half of the 20th century, the celebration’s focus shifted towards emphasizing the modern Commonwealth of Nations, with the event being renamed Commonwealth Day in 1958, and its date moved in 1977 to the second Monday in March.

What happens on Commonwealth Day?

Members of the British Royal Family attend the 2024 Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey. King Charles III and The Princess of Wales were unable to attend due to their cancer treatments.

Events and speeches each year focus on a theme. Past themes can be seen at Wikipedia: Commonwealth Day themes.

The Head of the Commonwealth, now King Charles III, broadcasts the Commonwealth Day Message throughout the entire Commonwealth of Nations. In some Commonwealth countries, the message is sometimes followed by a speech from a member country’s president, prime minister, or another senior government minister. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also issues a statement.

King Charles III (on left) delivers his Commonwealth Day Message during the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 13, 2023

Royal Family members along with 2,000 people attend an inter-denominational Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey in London. They listen to reflections on the year’s theme and view performances by artists from throughout the Commonwealth of Nations. The Head of the Commonwealth delivers their Commonwealth Day Message as King Charles III did in 2023.

Guests watch a video of King Charles III delivering his Commonwealth Day Message during the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London, on March 11, 2024

In 2024, King Charles II could not attend in person due to his cancer treatment, and a video of his Commonwealth Day Message was played during the service. Attending the service in 2024 were Queen Camilla, The Prince of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent.

• YouTube: King Charles III’s 2024 Commonwealth Day Message
• YouTube: BBC – A Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day 2024

King Charles III shakes hands with former British Prime Minister John Major during the Commonwealth Day Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2023

Later in the day, the Commonwealth Day Reception is held for members of the Commonwealth and diplomatic communities. In 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the first Commonwealth Day Reception of King Charles III’s reign at Buckingham Palace where they were joined by The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. In 2024, Queen Camilla attended the Commonwealth Day reception at Marlborough House, the international headquarters of the Commonwealth, where the reception is traditionally held.

• British Monarchy: Commonwealth Day 2024
• British Monarchy: Commonwealth Day 2023

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Celebrating 75 years of the Modern Commonwealth. (n.d.). https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/celebrating-75-years-of-the-commonwealth
• Celebrating the Commonwealth. Westminster Abbey. (n.d.). https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/celebrating-the-commonwealth
• Commonwealth. Westminster Abbey. (n.d.-c). https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/special-services/commonwealth-at-the-abbey
• Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth. (n.d.). https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-day
• Commonwealth Day 2024. The Royal Family. (n.d.-b). https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2024-03-11/commonwealth-day-2024
• Members of the Royal Family Celebrate Commonwealth Day at the Abbey. (2024). Westminster Abbey. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-news/commonwealth-day-service-2024
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Commonwealth Day. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_Day
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Commonwealth of Nations. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Each year around 2,600 people are personally invested with their honours by the Monarch or another senior member of the British Royal Family. Twice a year, in the New Year Honours and the June Birthday Honours, a list of the honour recipients is published. Most honours are awarded on the advice of the Cabinet Office, and anybody can make a recommendation if they know someone they believe to be worthy. To find out more visit https://www.gov.uk/honours

Investitures for those honours are held throughout the year usually in either the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace or the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle. Sometimes Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland, and other sites are used, even the field of battle as in the photo below.

What kind of honours are awarded?

The current honours system consists of six orders of chivalry and four orders of merit. Those who receive two orders of chivalry, the Most Noble Order of the Garter and the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, are invested with the order’s insignia at separate specific ceremonies just for those orders.

The following orders of chivalry and orders of merit are awarded at Investitures.

Orders of Chivalry

• Most Honourable Order of the Bath
• Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George
• Distinguished Service Order
• Royal Victorian Order

Orders of Merit

• Order of Merit
• Imperial Service Order
• Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
• Order of the Companions of Honour

Unofficial Royalty: British Orders and Honours

What happens at an Investiture?

King Charles III while Prince of Wales conducting an Investiture in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace in 1986

An Investiture is a formal ceremony in which those awarded an honour personally receive their insignia from a member of the Royal Family. The recipient will visit a royal residence with their family and friends to receive their honour. Around 60 recipients attend each Investiture. When the recipients arrive at the Investiture site, they are given a special pin to wear so that their insignia can be easily attached to their clothing when their honour is awarded. On the day of the Investiture, the insignia are carefully checked and laid out in the room where the Investiture will be held. The sword used for knighting is checked and put in its place.

The Monarch or senior member of the Royal Family enters the room attended by two Gurkha orderly officers, a tradition begun by Queen Victoria in 1876. On the dais are five members of the Yeomen of the Guard. Three Lady or Gentleman Ushers are on duty to help look after the recipients and their guests. The National Anthem is played, and then the military band or orchestra plays a selection of music during the Investiture.

Each year around 2,600 people are personally invested with their honours by the Monarch or another senior member of the British Royal Family. Twice a year, in either the New Year Honours or the June Birthday Honours, a list of the honour recipients is published. Most honours are awarded on the advice of the Cabinet Office, and anybody can make a recommendation if they know someone they believe to be worthy. To find out more, or to nominate someone for an honour, visit https://www.gov.uk/honours

King Charles III while Prince of Wales conducting an Investiture in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace in 2019

Either the Lord Chamberlain or the Lord Steward stands to the right of the Monarch or senior member of the Royal Family and announces the name of each recipient and the achievement for which they are being honoured. Each insignia is placed on a cushion and is then passed to the Royal Family member awarding the honour. The Monarch or senior member of the Royal Family is provided with a brief background for each recipient by their equerry as each recipient approaches, and then places the insignia on the person and congratulates them on their honour.

Men receiving a knighthood kneel on an Investiture stool to be dubbed. The Monarch or senior member of the Royal Family lays the sword blade on the right and then the left shoulder. Only men are dubbed. Women receiving a damehood, the female counterpart to a knighthood, receive that honour in the same fashion as those receiving decorations or medals.

After the Investiture, recipients gather outside in the quadrangle with their families and friends, where they can take photographs to remember the moment.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Behind the Scenes: Investitures. The Royal Family. (n.d.). https://www.royal.uk/behind-the-scenes-investitures
• Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
• Investiture. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investiture
• Investitures. Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). https://www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/a-royal-welcome-at-buckingham-palace/buckingham-palace/explore-the-exhibition/investitures
• Investitures. The Royal Family. (n.d.-b). https://www.royal.uk/investitures
• Mehl, Scott. (2012). British Orders and Honours. Unofficial Royalty. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/current-monarchies/british-royals/british-orders-and-honours/

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

In 2024, the Chelsea Flower Show will be held from May 21 to May 25. King Charles III and Queen Camilla along with The Duke of Gloucester and The Duchess of Gloucester will attend the preview show on May 20.

The Chelsea Flower Show, now held five days in May, is sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society and held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, an Old Soldiers’ retirement home and nursing home in Chelsea, London. 157,000 people attend the Chelsea Flower Show each year. The number of visitors is limited by the capacity of the 11-acre/4.5-hectare grounds, and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Members of the British Royal Family attend the Chelsea Flower Show.

• Royal Horticultural Society: Chelsea Flower Show

History

Chelsea Garden Show, May 19, 1914

Starting in 1833, the Royal Horticultural Society held flower shows at their gardens in Chiswick, a district in the London Borough of Hounslow, West London. In 1862, the flower show, called the Great Spring Show, was moved to Kensington Gardens in London and remained there until 1888 when the Royal Horticultural Society decided to move the flower show to Temple Gardens at The Temple, an area of the City of London surrounding Temple Church.

In 1912, the Great Spring Show was canceled at the Temple Gardens to allow an international horticultural exhibition to use the site. Instead, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea were used for the 1912 Great Spring Show. It proved such a good site that the Great Spring Show was permanently moved there in 1913 and has taken place almost every year since, except for breaks during World War I and World War II. Eventually, the flower show came to be called the Chelsea Flower Show.

What Happens?

Visitors view the roses at the David Austin display stand at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show

There are show gardens and competition gardens. Four grades of awards – gold, silver-gilt, silver, and bronze – are awarded for the competition gardens in the following categories: gardens and floral exhibits, exhibits of trees, exhibits of vegetables including herbs, exhibits of special educational or scientific interest and exhibits of pictures, photographs, floral arrangements, and floristry.

Sculptures made of wood at the 2023 Chelsea Garden Show

There are also special awards for best show garden, best courtyard garden, best chic garden, best city garden, sundries bowl, junior display trophy, floral arrangement trophies, floristry trophies, show certificates of merit, certificates for junior displays, Royal Horticultural Society President’s Award, Royal Horticultural Society Best Tradestand Award, and Royal Horticultural Society Director General’s Award for the Best Tradestand.

There have been several royalty-related show gardens including in 1937, the year of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) – “Coronation Year: The Empire Exhibition”, with displays of ornamental and economic plants from around the British Empire.

A display created by Simon Lycett for the 2022 show in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, featuring 70 terracotta pots – one for every year of The Queen’s reign – planted with Lily of the Valley

In 2022, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee – 2022 – “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Garden”, with laser-cut steel silhouettes of the Queen surrounded by 70 planted terracotta pots planted with Lily of the Valley, the Queen’s favorite flower.

The Back to Nature Garden

In 2019, Catherine, Princess of Wales, then Duchess of Cambridge, worked with the Royal Horticultural Society as one of the co-designers for a garden display “Back to Nature Garden”. The garden featured a tree house, a waterfall, a rustic den, and a campfire to emphasize the benefits the natural world brings to mental and physical well-being.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, then Duchess of Cambridge climbing up the ladder to the treehouse in the Back to Nature Garden

The Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration, designed by Dave Green for the 2023 show, featuring a bust of King Charles III (on the right)

In 2023, the Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s life and King Charles III‘s coronation. The garden featured some of the favorite plants of both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles III.

The Princess of Wales having a picnic with students at the 2023 show

Also, in 2023, Catherine, Princess of Wales, hosted the first children’s picnic at a newly created garden at the show with students from ten schools from the Royal Horticultural Society’s school gardening campaign.

Royal Attendance

In 1913, royal visits were yet to become a tradition. King George V and Queen Mary did not attend but the King’s mother Queen Alexandra did attend the 1913 show. Eventually, royalty became a significant presence at the Chelsea Flower Show. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) regularly attended the Chelsea Garden Show. Queen Elizabeth II visited fifty times during her seventy-year reign.

King Charles and Queen Camilla speak with Janet Fookes,  Judy Ling Wong, and Piet Oudolf after awarding them the Elizabeth Medal of Honour in the Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration during the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show 

In 2023, King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, made his first visit as King. He presented the first-ever Elizabeth Medal of Honour given out to people who have had a “significant impact on the advancement of science, art, or the practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment.” The Elizabeth Medal of Honour is limited to seventy recipients at any one time, in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign. The Elizabeth Medal of Honour may not be awarded every year, however, it may be awarded to multiple recipients in other years.

Today, just about any member of the British royal family could attend the Chelsea Garden Show. Usually, several members of the British royal family attend a preview of the show, as part of the royal patronage of the Royal Horticultural Society.

• Gardens Illustrated: Royalty at Chelsea Flower Show through the years

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Piet Oudolf Receives Elizabeth Medal of Honour Presented by The King and Queen. Gardens Illustrated. (n.d.-a). https://www.gardensillustrated.com/chelsea/elizabeth-medal-honour-2023
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 / RHS Gardening. (n.d.). https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show
• Royalty at Chelsea Flower Show Through the Years. Gardens Illustrated. (n.d.). https://www.gardensillustrated.com/chelsea/royals-at-chelsea-flower-show
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Chelsea Flower Show. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_Flower_Show

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

Guarding the British Monarch is the responsibility of seven army regiments called The Household Division. The Household Division is responsible for Mounting The King’s Guard (or The Queen’s Guard if the Monarch is female) – guarding the Monarch – at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle,  the Tower of London, Horse Guards, Clarence House, the London home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, adjacent to St. James’s Palace, and sometimes Holyrood Palace, the Monarch’s official residence when in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The regiments of the Household Division also participate in State Ceremonial events including The King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), the State Opening of Parliament, State Visits, the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, and other events of national importance such as royal weddings and royal funerals. When some members of The Household Division are on their ceremonial duty rotation, the other members serve as active-duty soldiers. The Monarch is Colonel-in-Chief of all seven regiments in the Household Division.

Two regiments, known as the Household Cavalry, are on horses. The remaining five regiments, who wear the scarlet tunics and the bearskins, are the Foot Guards, infantry soldiers. The five Regiments of Foot Guards in the Household Division perform the mounting of the guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, and Clarence House. The two regiments of the Household Cavalry mount the guard while mounted on horses outside of Horse Guards.

Regiments of the Household Cavalry

The Life Guards

The Life Guards is the most senior regiment of the British Army. They wear a scarlet tunic, a metal cuirass (a piece of armor covering the torso), and a matching helmet with a white plume on the top in an onion shape. The Life Guards wear their chin strap below their lower lip.

The Blues and Royals

The Blues and Royals is the second-most senior regiment in the British Army. They wear a blue tunic, a metal cuirass, and a helmet with red plumes. The Blues and Royals wear their chin strap under their chin.

Regiments of the Foot Guards

(And how to tell them apart. It’s the buttons.)

Grenadier Guards

The Grenadier Guards have single buttons on their tunics and their collar badge is a grenade. The most senior infantry regiment of the British Army, the Grenadier Guards is the premier ceremonial regiment. It traditionally provides the pallbearers for deceased monarchs, most recently for Queen Elizabeth II. At the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, a color party from the Grenadier Guards was present in Westminster Abbey.

Coldstream Guards

The Coldstream Guards have buttons in groups of two on their tunics and their collar badge is the Garter Star and is the oldest continuously serving regular regiment in the British Army. In addition to other public and ceremonial duties, the band of the Coldstream Guards plays at the Changing of The Guard, state visits, and many other events.

Scots Guards

The Scots Guards have buttons in groups of three on their tunics and their collar badge is a thistle. They were the personal bodyguard of King Charles I of England and Scotland.

Irish Guards

The Irish Guards have buttons in groups of four on their tunics and their collar badge is a shamrock. They were formed in 1900 by order of Queen Victoria to commemorate the Irishmen who fought in the Second Boer War for the British Empire.

Welsh Guards

The Welsh Guards have buttons in groups of five on their tunics and their collar badge is a leek. They were formed in 1915, during the First World War, by the Royal Warrant of King George V.

The Sentry

A sentry will be on duty at their post for two hours. There is a sentry box for the sentry to use in inclement weather. Every ten minutes, he/she comes to attention, slopes the rifle, and does a march of fifteen paces across the area of the post. The sentry does this four to five times. He/she then shoulders the rifle and stands at ease.

Sentries receive instructions on how to deal with nuisances or possibilities of threats from the public. The protocol begins with the sentry stamping and coming sharply to attention. He/she shouts: “Stand back from the King’s Guard!” If a person steps in front of a sentry while he/she is marching, the sentry will shout: “Make way for the King’s Guard.” If the initial protocols do not eliminate the nuisance or threat, the sentry repeats the protocol. If the nuisance or threat continues, the sentry will assume the position of port arms (holding the rifle diagonally in front of the body with the muzzle pointing upward to the left) and then point his/her rifle at the person, and shout, “Stand back from the King’s Guard!” If the warnings are not heeded the sentry then has the choice of detaining the person(s) himself or pressing the button in his sentry box to summon assistance.

At Buckingham Palace, the sentry on duty stands behind the gates so there is no direct contact with the public. However, at other sites, the public can get quite close to the sentry and sometimes become a nuisance. While at Windsor Castle on July 17, 2015, this writer witnessed such a nuisance from a young man (from a country whose young people were observed by my husband and me to be rude and disrespectful during our visit to England). As the sentry walked back and forth, this young man walked next to the sentry. This writer witnessed all the protocols in the above paragraph except for detaining the person or summoning assistance, so, yes, I did see the sentry in the photo above point his gun at the young man and shout, “Stand back from the Queen’s Guard!” This short video taken at Windsor Castle shows a similar situation: YouTube: Why you don’t harass the Queen’s Guard. Soon after this incident, ropes were installed between the sentry posts at Windsor Castle and the public to keep the public away from the sentry.

Changing The Guard

At Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Clarence House

 

• YouTube – The Royal Family: The Changing of the Guard

The King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, and Clarence House is provided by one of the five regiments of the Foot Guards – Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards. The Changing of the Guard occurs behind the palace gates in the Buckingham Palace forecourt at 11:00 AM usually every day during the summer and on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday during the rest of the year. The public can observe the ceremony by standing outside Buckingham Palace gates.

The New Guard forming up on the parade square at Wellington Barracks before taking part in Changing the Guard in Buckingham Palace

The St. James’s Palace detachment of the King’s Guard, including the guard at Clarence House, the London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, adjacent to St. James’s Palace, is also changed during this ceremony. They march the short distance along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where the Buckingham Palace detachment has formed up to await their arrival. These two detachments are the Old Guard. At the same time, the New Guard is forming on the parade square at Wellington Barracks located about 300 yards/270 meters from Buckingham Palace. When the New Guard is formed, it marches across into the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, advances toward the Old Guard in slow time, and halts. The Old Guard presents arms and then the New Guard presents arms. The captains of the guards march towards each other for the handing over of the palace keys. The new relief guards are marched to the guardrooms of Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to await their sentry duty rotation.

The band by the center gate, in a half-circle, and playing music

Meanwhile, the band has taken its place by the center gate, in a half-circle, and plays music. The two regimental colors are paraded up and down by the junior officers. With the Old Guards and New Guards formed once again, the Old Guard marches out through the center gates in slow time to a regimental slow march played by the band. At the end of the slow march, the captain of the Old Guard gives the word of command to “Break into quick time” and with a brisk five-pace roll from the drums, the band leads the way back to Wellington Barracks.

The Old Guard leaving Buckingham Palace and returning to Wellington Barracks

At Windsor Castle

• YouTube – Armed Forces Videos: Changing the Guard Windsor

A similar Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs at Windsor Castle. However, the ceremony takes place inside the Windsor Castle precincts, so a castle ticket is needed to watch the ceremony. The King’s Guard at Windsor Castle is provided by one of the five regiments of the Foot Guards – Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards. The guards march from Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street, up the High Street, and into Windsor Castle, and the public gathers along the streets to see them marching to Windsor Castle.

At The Tower of London

The King’s Guard, at the Tower of London is provided by one of the five regiments of the Foot Guards – Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards, and Welsh Guards, consists of one officer, six non-commissioned officers, and fifteen soldiers. A sentry is posted outside the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels are kept, and outside The Queen’s House. Protecting the Tower of London is a joint effort of the King’s Guard, the Yeomen Warders, and the Jewel House Wardens.

The Ceremonial Opening at the Tower of London

• YouTube: The Ceremonial Opening at the Tower of London

Three main military ceremonies take place at The Tower of London. At 9:00 AM, during The Ceremonial Opening, a military escort and the Duty Yeoman Warder open the Middle and Byward Towers after which the public is allowed to enter. At 3:00 PM, The Officer of The Guard and an Escort, march to the Byward Tower to collect the Word. The Word is the daily changing password for after-hours entry to the Tower of London, used by Tower staff, residents, and the soldiers on duty.

• YouTube: The Ceremony of the Word

Filming is not allowed during the Ceremony of the Keys. C-SPAN was permitted to film the Ceremony of the Keys during the 1991 Economic Summit of the United Nations and the summit participants attended.

• C-SPAN: Ceremony of the Keys 

The third ceremony starts at exactly 9:52 PM every night, when the Chief Yeoman Warder with a military escort, secures the Tower in the centuries-old custom of the Ceremony of The Keys, during which the main gates are locked. Between 40 and 50 visitors can see the ceremony each night but tickets must be purchased in advance. The Chief Yeoman Warder, carrying a lantern, leaves the Byward Tower and falls in with the military escort.

 

The Warder gives his lantern to a soldier and marches with the escort to the outer gate. The sentries on duty salute the King’s Keys as they pass. The Warder first locks the outer gate and then the gates of the Middle and Byward Towers. (above photo)

 

The Warder and escort march to the Bloody Tower archway where a sentry challenges the party to identify themselves (above photo):

Sentry: “Halt! Who comes there?”
Chief Warder: “The keys.”
Sentry: “Whose keys?”
Chief Warder: “King Charles’s keys.”
Sentry: “Pass King Charles’s Keys. All’s well.”

 

The Warder and the military escort march down to the Broadwalk Steps where the main Tower Guard is in formation to meet them (above photo). The Warder’s party halts, and the officer in charge gives the command to present arms. The Chief Warder steps forward, doffs his bonnet, and proclaims: “God preserve King Charles!” and the Guard responds “Amen!”

On the answering “Amen!”, the clock of the Waterloo Barracks in the Tower of London strikes 10:00 PM, and the Last Post is sounded, marking the end of the Ceremony of the Keys. The escort is dismissed, and the Chief Warder takes the keys to the King’s House for safekeeping overnight

At Horse Guards

The King’s Life Guard is provided by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which consists of the Life Guards who wear red tunics and white helmet plumes, and the Blues and Royals who wear blue tunics and red helmet plumes. They serve as sentries, mounted on horses at the entrance to Horse Guards on Whitehall in London. Horse Guards, a building in between Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade, is still used for military purposes. Behind the Horse Guards building is the Horse Guards Parade. It was originally the courtyard in the middle of Whitehall Palace, built during the reign of King Henry VIII. Whitehall Palace was the main residence of the English monarchs from 1530 until 1698, when most of its structures, with the notable exception of the Banqueting House, were destroyed by fire. It is now the ceremonial parade ground used for royal and ceremonial events throughout the year.

 

Two mounted sentries guard the entrance to Horse Guards from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM and are changed every hour. From 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, a pair of dismounted sentries guard the entrance. At 8:00 PM, the gates of Horse Guards are locked, and a single sentry remains until 7:00 AM.

• YouTube: Changing of The Guards At Horse Guards Parade

The main ceremony occurs every morning. Every morning at 10:30 AM, the new mounted guard leaves the Hyde Park Barracks, and arrives at the Horse Guards Parade, behind the Horse Guards building, at 11:00 AM for the Changing of the Guard. When the Monarch is in residence in London, the guard consists of one officer and twelve other ranks including a trumpeter and standard bearer, known as a Long Guard. The Standard and trumpeters only parade with a Long Guard. When the monarch is not in London, the guard is reduced to two non-commissioned officers and ten troopers, known as a Short Guard.

The Old Guard forms up on the north side of Horse Guards Parade and the New Guard forms up on the south side. When both Guards have formed up, the Corporal Major, the senior non-commissioned officer, and the sentries of the first relief of the New Guard leave for the Guard Room which is then handed over. The sentries of the Old Guard, after being relieved, rejoin the remainder of the Old Guard on the North side of the enclosure. They then return to their barracks.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Changing the Guard. The Royal Family. (n.d.). https://www.royal.uk/changing-the-guard
• Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
• The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace. (n.d.). https://www.buckinghampalace.co.uk/changing-the-guard.php
• The Household Division – Official Site. (n.d.). https://www.householddivision.org.uk/
• Wikimedia. (2024, February 19). Ceremony of the Keys (London). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremony_of_the_Keys_(London)
• Wikimedia. (2024, April 15). Guard Mounting. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_mounting#Unit Household Division ed_Kingdom
• Wikimedia. (2024, April 19). King’s Guard. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Guard

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

King Charles III and Queen Camilla stand at the top of the steps on the West Terrace before meeting guests attending a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 3, 2023

2024 Garden Parties – May 8, 2024 and May 21, 2024 at Buckingham Palace in London, England and September 5, 2024 at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Each year two, and sometimes three, garden parties are held at Buckingham Palace in London, England in the late spring or the early summer and one is held at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland during Holyrood Week when the Monarch spends a week in the summer visiting various parts in Scotland. About 8,000 guests attend each garden party. The garden parties are a way for the Monarch to recognize and reward public service. A network of sponsors is used to nominate guests including Lord-Lieutenants (the Monarch’s personal representative in each lieutenancy area of the United Kingdom), charities, various societies and associations, government departments, local government, the armed services, the Church of England, and other religions. It is not possible to obtain invitations to garden parties by contacting Buckingham Palace.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN PARTY

History

Although previous monarchs held entertainments in the Buckingham Palace garden, the tradition of large, formal, garden parties began during the reign of Queen Victoria when two garden parties were held at Buckingham Palace during her Golden Jubilee in 1887 and her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II all held garden parties. Videos of past garden parties can be seen at  https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/170525/ King George V’s 1935 garden party is at the top of the page but more video clips can be seen by scrolling down.

Buckingham Palace Garden

Behind Buckingham Palace and the privacy wall bounded by Constitution Hill to the north, Hyde Park Corner to the west, Grosvenor Place to the south-west, and the Royal Mews, the King’s Gallery, and Buckingham Palace to the south and east, is a 42 acre park, the Buckingham Palace Garden, the setting for monarch’s annual London garden parties. This writer has had the good fortune of visiting Buckingham Palace Garden as it is included with the price of admission to Buckingham Palace. It was truly amazing. I had no idea that such a beautiful park lay hidden behind those walls.

The garden at Buckingham Palace had its beginning from the garden created at Buckingham House, a large townhouse built by John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham in 1703. The core of today’s Buckingham Palace is Buckingham House. King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 as a private residence for his wife Queen Charlotte and became known as The Queen’s House. During the 19th century, it was enlarged by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who constructed three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the official residence of the British monarch during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The garden forms a triangle with Buckingham Palace at the top. The western (rear) facade of Buckingham Palace opens to the West Terrace overlooking the Main Lawn. Beyond the Main Lawn is the lake. As stated above, the garden is surrounded by a wall.

A gravel path goes around the garden’s perimeter with paths branching out around the lawns, lake, and flowerbeds. The main trees in the garden are London Plane trees, similar to the American sycamore tree. There are many commemorative trees, planted to celebrate royal occasions, a tradition begun by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The garden is maintained by eight full-time gardeners and several part-time gardeners. Most of the statuary in the garden, including vases and urns on the West Terrace, was designed by architect John Nash.

While strolling around the Buckingham Palace Garden, some architectural features can be seen. The Waterloo Vase, a 15-foot (4.6 m) stone urn made from a single piece of Carrara marble, was initially presented to Napoleon I, Emperor of France who intended to have it carved in celebration of his future military victories. After Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, the uncarved vase was given to The Prince Regent, later King George IV. The Prince Regent commissioned sculptor Richard Westmacott to decorate the vase with reliefs celebrating the victory of the British-led force of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Hanover, Brunswick, and Nassau, under the command of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.

A summerhouse, previously at the old Admiralty Garden at the other end of The Mall, is opposite the Waterloo Vase and is attributed to architect William Kent.

What Happens at a Garden Party?

Guests walking through the gates of Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party on July 23, 1931

The guests, with gentlemen in morning dress or lounge suits and women in day dress, usually with hats or fascinators (national dress and uniform are also often worn), enter the Buckingham Palace gates or the Holyrood Palace gates at 3:00 PM. The guests take tea and sandwiches in marquees erected in the garden.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive to meet the guests attending the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, in London, on May 3, 2023 

Members of the Royal Family enter the garden at 4:00 PM as the National Anthem is played by one of the two military bands present who also play music throughout the garden party. The Royal Family then walks through the ranks of assembled guests through ‘lanes’, with each Royal Family member taking a different route so that everyone has an equal chance of randomly speaking to a member of the Royal Family. The Royal Family arrives at the Royal Tea Tent, where they meet guests previously selected for the honor. Guests are free to eat, drink, and stroll around the garden.

The Duchess of Edinburgh speaks to guests during the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 3, 2023

HOLYROOD PALACE GARDEN PARTY

Holyrood Palace Garden Party during the reign of King George V

The Holyrood Garden Party began during the reign of King George V (reigned 1910 – 1936). King George V and Queen Mary began the tradition of spending a week each year at Holyrood Palace and hosted the first garden party in the palace gardens in 1928. The guest selection process, the Buckingham Palace garden party program, and the dress requirements are also used for the Holyrood Palace garden party.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla pause for the National Anthem at a Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on July 4, 2023

Guests during a garden party at Holyrood Palace on June 29, 2022

Holyrood Palace, which this writer has visited, is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and is the British Monarch’s official residence in Scotland. The palace is adjacent to  Holyrood Abbey, now in ruins (behind and just to the right of Holyrood Palace in the above photo). The palace, the abbey, and the gardens (the grassy area on the right in the photo above) are set within Holyrood Park. Between 1501 – 1505, James IV, King of Scots constructed a Gothic palace adjacent to the Holyrood Abbey which was the residence of the Scots Monarch. James V, King of Scots added to the palace between 1528 – 1536. From 1671 – 1678, the palace was rebuilt and restored after years of neglect and several fires. However, some of the older palace was retained including the 16th-century historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments.

The Princess Royal greets guests during a Garden Party at Holyrood Palace on July 4, 2023

Holyrood Palace Garden

Behind Holyrood Palace is a ten-acre garden set within the much larger Holyrood Park. Overlooking Holyrood Palace is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, Scotland, which form most of Holyrood Park. Unlike the Buckingham Palace Garden, the Holyrood Gardens are not walled. It is mostly an open area with panoramic views of Arthur’s Seat and the surrounding hills, and views of the entire park.

The garden we see today was started by Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first came to Holyrood Palace, the gardens were overgrown. Prince Albert established new planting areas. Since then, the gardens have been continually improved and updated, and seven greenhouses were built which supply Holyrood Palace with flowers throughout the year. Recent additions to the gardens include a physic garden containing medicinal and culinary plants that would have grown in the 17th-century garden, and a flowering meadow evoking the 15th-century monastic garden of Holyrood Abbey, the first recorded garden on the site.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

Works Cited

• Garden Parties 2023. The Royal Family. (2023). https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-05-03/garden-parties-2023
• Garden Parties. The Royal Family. (n.d.-a). https://www.royal.uk/garden-parties
• Hardman, Robert. (2007). A Year With The Queen. Simon and Schuster.
• Holyrood Week. The Royal Family. (2023). https://www.royal.uk/holyrood-week
• Queen’s Garden Parties. (2019). https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/bazaar-art/g27554967/queen-royal-garden-parties-history/
• Taylor, Elise. (2019). The Historic Evolution of the Royal Family’s Grand Garden Parties. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/the-historic-evolution-of-the-royal-familys-grand-garden-parties
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse Garden. Royal Collection Trust. (n.d.). https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse/the-palace-of-holyroodhouse-garden
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2023). Buckingham Palace Garden. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckingham_Palace_Garden#Garden_parties

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

NOTE: This is the first in a series of new articles about Royal Ceremonies and Events in the ten European monarchies. This article is being published to coincide with the Royal Maundy Service of March 28, 2024, at Worcester Cathedral where Queen Camilla represented King Charles III who canceled engagements due to his cancer diagnosis. Additional Royal Ceremonies and Events articles will be published starting in May. Unofficial Royalty has some previously published articles at Unofficial Royalty: Royal Ceremonies, Events.

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The Royal Maundy Service is held on Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter and the day before Good Friday. It is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles and Jesus washing of the feet of the Apostles, known as Maundy from Old French mandé and from Latin mandatum meaning “command”. The root of the practice of washing the feet is found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the usual footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests, or even serve the guests by washing their feet. The traditional Maundy of washing feet is still observed in many Christian denominations. Today, the Royal Maundy Service involving the British monarch no longer involves foot washing. Instead, the monarch gives small silver coins known as Maundy Money as symbolic alms to elderly people. The only traces of the washing of the feet at the modern Royal Maundy Service are the nosegays, small flower bouquets, traditionally with the stems bound by doilies, and the linen towels worn by several officials.

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History of the Royal Maundy Service

On April 15, 1210, King John (reigned 1199 – 1216) became the first recorded English monarch to distribute alms to the poor at a Maundy service when he gave clothes, forks, food, and other gifts to the poor of Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England. In 1213, King John also became the first recorded English monarch to give gifts of small silver coins to the poor when he gave gifts of thirteen pence to thirteen poor men at a ceremony in Rochester Cathedral. The number thirteen represented those at the Last Supper, Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. By 1363, during the reign of King Edward III (reigned 1327 – 1377), the monarch gave gifts of pence but also washed the feet of the recipients. King Henry IV (reigned 1399 – 1413) was the first monarch to decree that the number of pence given be determined by the monarch’s age.

When washing the feet, the monarch used scented water to hide any unpleasant odors from the poor. In addition, the feet were washed three times before the monarch washed the feet, once by a servant and twice by court officials. In later years, sweet-smelling nosegays were used to hide odors and the nosegays are still carried today during the Royal Maundy Service. During the years when the plague was running rampant, the monarch did not attend the Royal Maundy Service. Instead, the Lord High Almoner attended, washed the feet, and distributed the alms.

The Catholic Queen Mary I (reigned 1553 – 1558) and her Protestant half-sister Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558 – 1603) both participated in elaborate Royal Maundy Services. In 1556, Mary washed the feet of forty-one poor women, one for each year of her age while “ever on her knees”, and gave each woman forty-one pence, along with gifts of bread, fish, and clothing. She also donated her gown to the poorest woman. In 1572, Elizabeth gave each woman £1 instead of gifting her gown because she disliked seeing the women trying to grab a piece of the royal gown.

King Charles I (reigned 1625 – 1649), who was beheaded resulting in the monarchy being replaced by the Commonwealth of England, rarely attended the Royal Maundy Service. After the Restoration in 1660, when the monarchy was restored, King Charles I’s son King Charles II (reigned 1660 – 1685) attempted to gain popularity by always attending the Royal Maundy Service. He even attended during the plague years of 1661 and 1663. His brother and successor King James II (reigned 1685 – 1688) also attended the services during his reign. King William III (reigned jointly with his wife and first cousin Queen Mary II, the daughter of King James II) attended the Royal Maundy Service in 1685. Pre-1725 records are vague and there is no record of any monarch attending the service from 1698 to 1932. However, over those years, the Lord High Almoner continued to attend and represent the monarch.

In the early 20th century, members of the royal family sometimes attended the Royal Maundy Service. Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII (reigned 1901 – 1910) attended twice. Most Royal Maundy Services during the first part of the 20th century were attended by Princess Helena, the fifth child, and third daughter of Queen Victoria, or Princess Helena’s daughter Princess Marie Louise. In 1931, Princess Marie Louise attended the Royal Maundy Service and suggested that her first cousin King George V (reigned 1910 – 1936) distribute the gifts the following year. King George did so in 1932, the only time he attended the service during his reign.

In January 1936, King George V died and his son King Edward VIII attended the Royal Maundy Service that year. King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in December 1936 and was succeeded by his brother King George VI (reigned 1936 – 1952). King George VI attended the Royal Maundy Service only twice during his reign in 1940 and 1944. He was represented at the services during the other years of his reign by the Lord High Almoner, Cosmo Gordon Lang, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Queen Elizabeth II (reigned 1952 – 2022) attended all but five Royal Maudy Services during her seventy-year-reign. She missed two services following childbirth and two services because she was on official visits to Commonwealth countries. In 2022, the year of the death of the 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, she was represented at the service by her son then The Prince of Wales and her daughter-in-law then The Duchess of Cornwall. Due to COVID, two services during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (2020 and 2021) were canceled but the gifts of coins were mailed to the recipients.

King Charles III‘s first Royal Maundy Service as king took place at York Minster on April 6, 2023, and he was accompanied by Queen Camilla. After the announcement in February 2024 that King Charles III was temporarily stepping back from royal duties following a cancer diagnosis, he was represented by Queen Camilla at the 2024 service at Worcester Cathedral.

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Royal Maundy Service Sites

For the monarch’s convenience, the Royal Maundy Service was usually held in or near London. After 1714, when the monarch no longer attended, the Royal Maundy Service was held at the renovated Chapel Royal, Whitehall in the former Banqueting Hall, the only part of the Palace of Whitehall to survive a fire in 1698, until the chapel was given to the Royal United Services Institute.

From 1890 – 1954, the service was held at Westminster Abbey, London except for years when there was a coronation. Because Westminster Abbey had to be closed for the coronation preparations, the Royal Maundy Service was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London during the coronation years. From 1954 to 1970, the service was held in even-numbered years at Westminster Abbey and in odd-numbered years at cathedrals throughout the United Kingdom. Since 1970, the Royal Maundy Service has been held at different churches, usually a cathedral, throughout the United Kingdom. Queen Elizabeth II had directed that the service be held in London only once every ten years. However, during the last years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Maundy Service was held or scheduled to be held at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle or Westminster Abbey in London for the convenience of the elderly Queen Elizabeth II.

• Wikipedia: Sites of the Royal Maundy Service during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II
• Wikipedia: Sites of the Royal Maundy Service during the reign of King Charles III

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The Royal Maundy Gifts

Preparing the Maundy Money in 1932

Currently, the gift recipients are pensioners, retired people, one man and one woman for each year the monarch has lived including the year the monarch is currently living. They are chosen from various Christian churches for their service to their churches and communities. The gift recipients attend a Maundy Lecture so they will be familiar with the Royal Maundy Service. Until the joint reign of King William III and Queen Mary II (1689 – 1694), the gift recipients were poor people of the same gender as the monarch. During the the joint reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, each monarch made gifts to poor people of their gender but after Queen Mary II died in 1694, only men received gifts from King William III who reigned alone until he died in 1702. Beginning with the reign of King George I (1714 – 1727), both men and women have received gifts, with each gender in a number coinciding with the monarch’s age and each recipient receiving that number of pence. The gifts of food and clothing were eventually discontinued and replaced by monetary allowances. In 1837, when 71-year-old King William IV died and was succeeded by his 18-year-old niece Queen Victoria caused a large drop in the number of gift recipients.

Today, each gift recipient receives two small leather purses, one red and one white. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the red purse contained a total of £5.50, symbolizing the monarch’s gift of food and clothing once presented: £1 representing the money for the redemption of the monarch’s gown, £3 in place of the clothing, and £1.50 in place of the food. However, in 2023, the first Royal Maundy service during the reign of King Charles II, the red purse contained two commemorative coins, one to mark the King’s upcoming 75th birthday, the other to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of West Indian workers on the Empire Windrush and their contribution to multi-racial Britain.

The white purse contains the Maundy coins equivalent in pence to the monarch’s age. The coins are legal tender but recipients usually consider them as a keepsake. At the 2023 Royal Maundy Service, the new Maundy coins using the official coinage portrait of King Charles III by Martin Jennings made their debut.

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The Royal Maundy Service

King Charles III and Queen Camilla with the traditional nosegays, enter York Minster for their first Royal Maundy Service as King and Queen (2023)

After being greeted at the door of the church by the clergy, the monarch is presented with the traditional nosegay and then proceeds up the nave of the church.

The Yeomen of the Guard carrying the Maundy Money

The purses containing the Maundy Money are carried into the church by the Yeomen of the Guard on six silver dishes, held above their heads. Although the exact origin of this custom is uncertain, historians have speculated that it is related to earlier times when food was distributed to the gift recipients and that the dishes were held high to prevent premature grabbing of the food. The six silver dishes date from the reign of King Charles II (reigned 1660 – 1685) and are part of the Royal Regalia which is kept at the Jewel House of the Tower of London when not in use.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the 2023 Royal Maundy Service at York Minster in York, England

The Order of Service for Royal Maundy is short and simple. It begins with the reading of the Gospel of John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” The second reading from the Gospel of Matthew 25: 35-36, says: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.”

King Charles III distributing the Maundy Money in 2023

The monarch distributes half the gifts after the first reading, and the other half after the second reading. During the gift distribution, the Chapel Royal Choir and the local choir sing anthems, concluding with George Frideric Handel‘s magnificent coronation anthem Zadok the Priest. The Royal Maundy Service concludes with prayers, the blessing and the singing of God Save the King.

• YouTube: The Royal Family: Royal Maundy Service 2023 at York Minster (video clips)

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

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Works Cited

• Royal Maundy Service. The Royal Family. https://www.royal.uk/royal-maundy-service
• Royal Maundy Service 2023. The Royal Family. (2023). https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2023-04-06/royal-maundy-service-2023
• The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard – Royal Maundy Service. The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard. https://www.yeomenoftheguard.co.uk/maundy-service
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Maundy (foot washing). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maundy_(foot_washing)
• Wikimedia Foundation. (2024). Royal Maundy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Maundy

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2023

King Charles III acceded to the British throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, having reigned 70 years, 214 days. The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place at Westminster Abbey in London, England on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM British Time.

• YouTube – The Royal Family Channel –  King Charles III Coronation

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The Procession

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived at Westminster Abbey in a procession that started from Buckingham Palace. They arrived in the 2014 Diamond Jubilee State Coach and returned to Buckingham Palace in the 1762 Gold State Coach.

The procession route was only 1.3 miles. The same route was used for the return trip to Buckingham Palace. The route is the normal route royals use to get to Westminster Abbey: leaving Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate, and proceeding down The Mall, passing through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Island, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street, around the east and south sides of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary, arriving at Westminster Abbey.

Queen Elizabeth II had somewhat the same route to the Abbey with a small .3-mile addition but had a five-mile return trip. On the map above, Charles’ route to and from is in red, Elizabeth’s route to the Abbey is in light blue and her route back to Buckingham Palace is in dark blue. Elizabeth’s route allowed for people to stand on 5.3 miles of street while Charles’ route allowed for people to stand on only 1.3 miles of street.

Participants

One of King Charles III’s grandchildren and three of Queen Camilla’s grandchildren and one of her great-nephews participated in the coronation.

 

Four pages of honour attended King Charles III:

• Prince George of Wales, the King’s grandson, son of The Prince and Princess of Wales
• Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, the son of David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley
• Nicholas Barclay, the grandson of Sarah Troughton, a second cousin of the King and a  relative of the Bowes-Lyon family, the birth family of the late Queen Mother, King Charles III’s maternal grandmother
• Ralph Tollemache, the son of The Honorable Edward Tollemache

Four pages of honour attended Queen Camilla:

• Gus Lopes, the Queen’s grandson, son of her daughter Laura Lopes
• Louis Lopes, the Queen’s grandson, son of her daughter Laura Lopes
• Frederick Parker Bowles, the Queen’s grandson, son of her son Tom Parker Bowles
• Arthur Elliot, the Queen’s great-nephew, son of her nephew Ben Elliot

In addition, Queen Camilla had two Ladies in Attendance:

• Fiona Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne, the Queen’s long-time friend and one of her six Queen’s Companions
• Annabel Elliot, the Queen’s sister

Some Peers of the Realm carried standards, banners, and the coronation regalia in the procession and/or presented regalia during the coronation. Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England is the most senior peer in the Peerage of England. The Earl Marshal is a hereditary royal officeholder. The Dukes of Norfolk have held the office since 1672. The Earl Marshal organizes major ceremonial state occasions such as the monarch’s coronation and state funerals. He is also the leading officer of arms, oversees the College of Arms, and is the sole judge of the High Court of Chivalry.

Peers of the Realm Who Participated in the Coronation

• Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England
• Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensberry, carried the Sceptre with Cross
• Charles Wellesley, 9th Duke of Wellington, carried Queen Mary’s Crown
• Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster, carried the Standard of the Royal Arms of England
• Charles Paget, 8th Marquess of Anglesey, carried the Standard of the Principality of Wales
• Anthony Lindsay, 30th Earl of Crawford and 13th Earl of Balcarres, Deputy to the Great Steward of Scotland
• Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland
• Simon Abney-Hastings, 15th Earl of Loudoun, carried the Golden Spurs
• Alexander Scrymgeour, 12th Earl of Dundee, carried the Royal Banner of Scotland
• Nicholas Alexander, 7th Earl of Caledon, carried the Standard of the Royal Arms of Ireland
• Delaval Astley, 23rd Baron Hastings, carried the Golden Spurs
• Rupert Carington, 7th Baron Carrington, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, presented the Golden Spurs
• Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos, participated in the act of Recognition of His Majesty
• Helena Kennedy, Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, carried The Queen Consort’s Rod
• Narendra Patel, Baron Patel, presented the Ring
• Elizabeth Manningham-Buller, Baroness Manningham-Buller, carried St. Edward’s Staff
• Floella Benjamin, Baroness Benjamin, carried the Sceptre with the Dove
• Nicholas True, Baron True, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal
• Indarjit Singh, Baron Singh of Wimbledon, presented the Coronation Glove
• General David Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux, carried the Sword of Spiritual Justice
• Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords
• General Nicholas Houghton, Baron Houghton of Richmond, carried the Sword of Temporal Justice
• Richard Chartres, Baron Chartres, carried The Queen Consort’s Ring and presented The Queen Consort’s Sceptre with Cross
• Ara Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham, carried the Armills
• Syed Kamall, Baron Kamall, presented the Armills
• Gillian Merron, Baroness Merron, presented the Robe Royal
• Air Chief Marshal Stuart William Peach, Baron Peach, carried the Sword of Mercy (The Curtana)

Armed Forces Who Participated in the Coronation

• General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, carried the Queen’s sceptre
• Cadet Warrant Officer Elliott Tyson-Lee, carried the Union Flag
• Petty Officer Amy Taylor, carried the Jewelled Sword of Offering

Others Who Participated in the Coronation

Penny Mordaunt memorably bore the heavy Sword of State throughout the coronation.

• Penny Mordaunt, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, presented the Jewelled Sword of Offering and carried the Sword of State
• Rupert Carington, 7th Baron Carrington, Lord Great Chamberlain, presented the Golden Spurs
• Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, presented The Queen Consort’s Rod
• John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, presented the Sovereign’s Orb
• Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, presented the Bible
• Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, presented the Sceptre with Cross
• Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Bangor, presented the Sceptre with Dove
• John Armes, Bishop of Edinburgh, Usher of the White Rod

The Coronation Ceremony

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned in Westminster Abbey in London in a service conducted by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury assisted by David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster with other clergy participating.

Read about the British coronation regalia at the links below:

• Unofficial Royalty: British Coronation Regalia
  • Unofficial Royalty: The Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone
  • Unofficial Royalty: St. Edward’s Crown
  • Unofficial Royalty: The Imperial State Crown
  • Unofficial Royalty: Queen Consort’s Regalia
  • Unofficial Royalty: The Cullinan Diamond
  • Unofficial Royalty: The Chairs of Estate and Throne Chairs

Like many other Christian churches, Westminster Abbey is built in the shape of a cross. The space where coronations happen, called the Coronation Theatre, is at the point at which the two parts of the cross meet, at the very center of Westminster Abbey, directly in front of the High Altar. It is here that the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, also called St. Edward’s Chair or King Edward’s Chair, is placed, facing the High Altar. The monarch sits on the Coronation Chair for the majority of the coronation service.

The coronation involves six basic stages based on the coronation service written by Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury used in 973 for the coronation of Edgar the Peaceful, King of the English: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture/the crowning, the enthronement, and the homage.

The coronation service of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was shorter than past coronation services. The Coronation Liturgy for the coronation (link below) followed the six basic stages but the text of the service was quite different from the text of past coronations, and there were some changes from past coronations and some modern additions.

• Church of England: The Coronation Liturgy – Called To Serve
• British Monarchy: A first glimpse at Their Majesties’ Coronation robes
• British Monarchy – The Anointing Screen
• British Monarchy – Historic Coronation Vestments from the Royal Collection will be reused by His Majesty The King for the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

King Charles III was crowned with the traditional St. Edward’s Crown and Queen Camilla was  crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown, first worn by King Charles’ great-grandmother Queen Mary when she was crowned as Queen Consort with her husband King George V in 1911.

Coronation Music

The music at the coronation of King Charles III, who was very much involved in the music selection, featured twelve new orchestral, choral, and organ pieces commissioned for the coronation including a coronation anthem based on Psalm 98 by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd Webber. One of the liturgical sections of the ceremony was performed in Welsh in tribute to King Charles III’s long tenure as Prince of Wales. At King Charles III’s request, Greek Orthodox music was included in tribute to his late father Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, born a Greek prince.

• April 16, 2023 – British Monarchy: New Music Commissions for the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

I Was Glad, with text from Psalm 122, has been sung at the entrance of the monarch at every coronation since that of King Charles I in 1626. Sir Hubert Parry wrote a setting of the psalm for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. It was also used for the coronations of King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III.

At the coronation of every monarch since the coronation of King James II in 1685, the King’s (or Queen’s) Scholars of the Westminster School have had the privilege of acclaiming the monarch by shouting “Vivat” during the monarch’s procession from the Quire of Westminster Abbey towards the Coronation Theatre in front of the High Altar. The Vivat was incorporated into Sir Hubert Parry’s anthem I Was Glad, at the end. The Latin version of the names is used, and so “Vivat, Rex! / Vivat, Rex Carolus! / Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!” and “Vivat, Regina! / Vivat, Regina Camilla! / Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!” was heard.

In 1727, George Frederic Handel composed four coronation anthems for the coronation of King George II and his wife Queen Caroline. One of the anthems, Zadok the Priest, has been played at every British coronation since the coronation of King George II in 1727. It is traditionally performed just prior to the sovereign’s anointing, including at the coronation of King Charles III.

Zadok the Priest is the most famous of the anthems and is every bit as rousing as Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from the oratorio The Messiah. The text of Zadok the Priest comes from the biblical account of the anointing of King Solomon of ancient Israel by Zadok, the High Priest of Israel and the prophet Nathan, and the rejoicing of the Israelites. These words have been used in every English coronation since King Edgar the Peaceful‘s coronation at Bath Abbey in 973.

From 1 Kings 1:34-45:

Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon king.
And all the people rejoiced and said:
God save the King! Long live the King! God save the King!
May the King live forever. Amen. Hallelujah.

The Coronation Liturgy

Liturgy information is from THE AUTHORISED LITURGY FOR THE CORONATION RITE OF
HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III for use on Saturday 6th May 2023, 11:00 am at Westminster Abbey. Commissioned and Authorised by The Most Reverend & Right Honourable Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury. The liturgy and an excellent and informative commentary can be seen at the link below.

• Church of England: Authorised Coronation Liturgy with Commentary

 

The Procession of The King & The Queen: As King Charles III and Queen Camilla entered Westminster Abbey, the choir sang  I Was Glad by Sir Hubert Parry.

Greeting The King: A  young person (a Chapel Royal chorister) greeted King Charles III, saying:
“Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings”. King Charles III responded: “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.”

Silent Prayer: King Charles III stood at his Chair of Estate, head bowed, in a moment of silent prayer.

Greeting and Introduction: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury started the service with a blessing of God’s love, grace and presence for all who gathered in God’s name.

Kyrie eleison: Kyrie eleison, an ancient Christian prayer, is Greek for ‘Lord, have mercy’. Sir Bryn Terfel, a Welsh bass-baritone opera singer, performed Kyrie Eleison by Paul Mealor in Welsh, composed for the coronation.

The Recognition: The Archbishop of Canterbury along with Lady Elish Frances Angiolini (a Lady of the Order of the Thistle), Christopher Finney (a holder of the George Cross for bravery under friendly fire during the 2003 invasion of Iraq) and Valerie Ann Amos, Baroness Amos (a Lady of The Garter) presented King Charles III to the East, South, West, and North sides of the coronation theater. Each person said: “I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same?” Each time, the congregation responded, “God save King Charles.”

 

The Presentation of the Bible: Dr. Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, presented the Bible to King Charles III saying, “Sir: to keep you ever mindful of the law and the Gospel of God as the Rule for the whole life and government of Christian Princes, receive this Book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; This is the royal Law; These are the lively Oracles of God.”

The Oath: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Your Majesty, the Church established by law, whose settlement you will swear to maintain, is committed to the true profession of the Gospel, and, in so doing, will seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely. The Coronation Oath has stood for centuries and is enshrined in law. Are you willing to take the Oath?” King Charles III replied, “I am willing.” King Charles III placed his hand on the Bible, and the Archbishop administered the Oath, saying, “Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, your other Realms and the Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?” King Charles III responded, “I solemnly promise so to do.” The Archbishop said, “Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements? King Charles III responded, “I will.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Will you to the utmost of your power to maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain inthe United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England? And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?” King Charles III responded, “All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised I will perform and keep. So help me God.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Your Majesty, are you willing to make, subscribe and declare to the statutory Accession Declaration Oath?” King Charles III responded, “I am willing.”

King Charles III said, “I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.”

During the signing of the Oath, the choir sang the anthem Prevent Us, O Lord by William Byrd.

The King’s Prayer: King Charles III said, “God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and conviction, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Gloria: The choir sang Gloria from Mass for Four Voices by William Byrd.

Collect: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Let us pray. Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour: look with favour upon thy servant Charles our King, and bestow upon him such gifts of wisdom and love that we and all thy people may live in peace and prosperity and in loving service one to another, to thine eternal glory; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”

The Epistle: The Prime Minister The Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak, MP read the Epistle of St. Paul Colossians 1: 9-17: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the
forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

The Prime Minister: This is the word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.

The Ascension Gospel Choir sang Sung Alleluia Psalm 47:1-2 by Debbie Wiseman

The Gospel: Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, Dean of HM Chapels Royal read the gospel according to Luke 4:16-21: ”

Dame Sarah Mullally: The Lord be with you
Congregation: And with thy spirit.
Dame Sarah Mullally: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Dame Sarah Mullally Glory be to thee, O Lord.

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Dame Sarah Mullally: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Congregation: Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Ascension Gospel Choir sang Sung Alleluia Psalm 47:6-7 Debbie Wiseman

Sermon: Given by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury

The choir sang Veni Creator (Come Creator Spirit), Plainsong, mode VIII

Thanksgiving for the Holy Oil: The Archbishop of Canterbury was presented with the coronation oil, by The Most Reverend Dr Hosam Naoum, The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem. The Archbishop said, “Blessed art thou, Sovereign God, upholding with thy grace all who are called to thy service. Thy prophets of old anointed priests and kings to serve in thy name and in the fullness of time thine only Son was anointed by the Holy Spirit to be the Christ, the Saviour and Servant of all. By the power of the same Spirit, grant that this holy oil may be for thy servant Charles a sign of joy and gladness; that as King he may know the abundance of thy grace and the power of thy mercy, and that we may be made a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for thine own possession. Blessed be God, our strength and our salvation, now and for ever. Amen.

 

The Anointing: During the Annointing, the choir sang Zadok the Priest by George Frederic Handel. The Anointing was done in private. The Annointing screen was arranged around the Coronation Chair where King Charles III sat. The Dean of Westminster poured oil from the ampulla into the spoon and the Archbishop of Canterbury anointed the King on hands, breast, and head, and said, “Be your hands anointed with holy oil. Be your breast anointed with holy oil. Be your head anointed with holy oil, as kings, priests, and prophets were anointed. And as Solomon was anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, so may you be anointed, blessed, and consecrated King over the peoples, whom the Lord your God has given you to rule and govern; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The clergy returned to the High Altar. The Annointing screen was removed to the St. Edward the Confessor Shrine behind the High Altar. King Charles III moved to the faldstool in front of the High Altar, and knelt. The Archbishop of Canterbury said the ‘Oil of Gladness’ prayer of blessing: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who by his Father was anointed with the Oil of gladness above his fellows, by his holy Anointing pour down upon your Head and Heart the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and prosper the works of your Hands: that by the assistance of his heavenly grace you may govern and preserve the People committed to your charge in wealth, peace, and godliness; and after a long and glorious course of ruling a temporal kingdom wisely, justly, and religiously, you may at last be made partaker of an eternal kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

King Charles III was vested in the Colobium Sindonis, Supertunica , and Girdle.

The Presentation of Regalia:

The Spurs: The Spurs were brought forward from the altar by the Dean of Westminster and handed to The Lord Great Chamberlain. The Lord Great Chamberlain approached The King, and presented the regalia. The King acknowledged them. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive these spurs, symbols of honour and courage. May you be a brave advocate for those in need.” The spurs were returned to the altar.

 

The Sword: During Exchange of Swords, a Greek choir sang Psalm 72 (Psalm 71 in the Greek Septuagint Psalter) in honor of The King’s late father The Duke of Edinburgh who was born a Prince of Greece.

The Jewelled Sword was presented to The Lord President of the Council in its scabbard and passed to the Archbishop of Canterbury who held it up before the altar. The Archbishop said, “Hear our prayers, O Lord, we beseech thee, and so direct and support thy servant King Charles, that he may not bear the Sword in vain; but may use it as the minister of God to resist evil and defend the good, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” The Archbishop returned the sword to The Lord President and it was carried to the King. The sword was placed in the King’s right hand. The Archbishop said, “Receive this kingly Sword. May it be to you, and to all who witness these things, a sign and symbol not of judgement, but of justice; not of might, but of mercy. Trust always in the word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit, and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life, that you may reign for ever with him in the life which is to come. Amen. The King stood, the sword was clipped on the girdle, and the King sat.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy Church of God and all people of goodwill, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order: that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue; and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life, that you may reign for ever with him in the life which is to come. Amen.”

The King stood, the sword was unclipped and The King stepped forward and offered the sword to the Dean of Westminster, who placed it on the altar. The sword was redeemed from the altar by The Lord President of the Council, who placed the redemption money on the almsdish, held by the Dean of Westminster. The sword was handed to the Lord President of the Council, who carried it thereafter before The King.

The Armills: The Armills were taken from the altar and given to Lord Kamall by the Dean of Westminster. Lord Kamall approached The King, and presented the regalia. The King
acknowledged them. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive the Bracelets of sincerity and
wisdom, tokens of God’s protection embracing you on every side.” The Armills were returned to the altar.

The Robe and Stole Royal: The Prince of Wales entered the Coronation Theatre. The Stole Royal and Robe Royal were brought to The King. The Bishop of Durham vested the King in the Stole Royal. Baroness Merron with The Prince of Wales and Assisting Bishops clothed The King in the Robe. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive this Robe. May the Lord clothe you with the robe of righteousness, and with the garments of salvation.”

The Orb: The Dean of Westminster gave the Anglican Archbishop of Armagh the Orb, who brought the Orb to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who placed it in the King’s right hand.
The Archbishop said, “Receive this Orb, set under the Cross, and remember always the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.” The Orb was retrieved by The Archbishop of Armagh, who gives it to the Dean, who places it back on the altar.

The Ring: The Ring was taken from the altar and given to The Lord Patel, KT, by the Dean of Westminster. Lord Patel approached The King, and presented the Ring. The King acknowledged it. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive this Ring, a symbol of kingly dignity, and a sign of the covenant sworn this day between God and King, King and people.” The Ring was returned to the altar.

The Glove: The Glove was taken from the altar and given to The Lord Singh of
Wimbledon by the Dean of Westminster. Lord Singh approached The King, and presented the ring. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive this glove. May you hold authority with gentleness and grace, trusting not in your own power but in the mercy of God who has chosen you.” The King picked up the glove and placed it on his right hand.

The Sceptre and Rod: The Sceptre and Rod were taken from the altar and given to The Archbishop of Wales and The Primus of Scotland by the Dean of Westminster. The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered them into The King’s right and left hands respectively. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive the Royal Sceptre, the ensign of kingly power and justice; and the Rod of equity and mercy, a symbol of covenant and peace. May the Spirit of the Lord which anointed Jesus at his baptism, so anoint you this day, that you might exercise authority with wisdom, and direct your counsels with grace; that by your service and ministry to all your people, justice and mercy may be seen in all the earth: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The Crowning: The Dean of Westminster brought The Crown of St Edward to The Archbishop of Canterbury who said the prayer of blessing: “King of kings and Lord of lords, bless, we beseech thee, this Crown, and so sanctify thy servant Charles upon whose head this day thou dost place it for a sign of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with thy gracious favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Archbishop of Canterbury brought the crown down onto The King’s head and said, “God save The King!” The congregation said, “God save The King!”

Fanfare: The Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare by Richard Strauss was played and the the Abbey bells rang for 2 minutes. A fanfare was sounded followed by a Gun Salute by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery stationed at Horse Guards Parade. There were Gun Salutes at His Majesty’s Fortress the Tower of London fired by the Honourable Artillery Company, and at all Saluting Stations throughout the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Bermuda, and Ships at Sea.

The Blessing: The Archbishop of York said,”The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you his peace.”

The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira & Great Britain said, “The Lord protect you in all your ways and prosper all your work in his name.”

The Moderator of The Free Churches said, “The Lord give you hope and happiness, that you may inspire all your people in the imitation of his unchanging love.”

The Secretary General of Churches Together in England said, “The Lord grant that wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the fear of the Lord your treasure.”

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster said, “May God pour upon you the riches of his grace, keep you in his holy fear, prepare you for a happy eternity, and receive you at the last into immortal glory.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “…and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen.”

The choir sang the anthem O Lord, grant the king a long life by Thomas Weelkes.

Enthronment The King: King Charles III was set upon the throne. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity, which is yours by the authority of Almighty God. May that same God, whose throne endures for ever, establish your throne in righteousness, that it may stand fast for evermore.”

The Homage of The Church of England: The Archbishop led the words of fealty: “I, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, will be faithful and true, and faith and truth will bear unto you,
our Sovereign Lord, Defender of the Faith, and unto your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

 

The Homage of Royal Blood: The Prince of Wales led the words of fealty. “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”

The Homage of The People: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “I now invite those who wish to offer their support to do so with a moment of private reflection, by joining in saying ‘God save King Charles’ at the end, or, for those with the words before them, to recite them in full.”All who so desired, in the Abbey, and elsewhere, said together: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
A fanfare is played. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “God save The King.” The congregation said, “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May The King live for ever.”

The choir sang the anthem Confortare by Sir Walford Davies.

The Coronation of The Queen

 

The Annointing: The Dean of Westminster poured oil from the ampulla into spoon, and held the spoon for the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Camilla was anointed on the forehead as the
Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Be your head anointed with holy oil.” The Archbishop then said, “Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness; hear our prayer this day for thy servant Camilla, whom in thy name, and with all devotion, we consecrate our Queen. Make her strong in faith and love, defend her on every side, and guide her in truth and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Ring: The Ring was presented by The Keeper of The Jewel House to The Queen who
acknowledged it. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive this Ring, a symbol of royal
dignity, and a sign of the covenant sworn this day.” The Ring was returned to the High Altar.

The Crowning: The Dean of Westminster brought Queen Mary’s Crown from the altar and handed it to the Archbishop of Canterbury who said, “May thy servant Camilla, who wears this crown, be filled by thine abundant grace and with all princely virtues; reign in her heart, O King of love, that, being certain of thy protection, she may be crowned with thy gracious favour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” The Archbishop of Canterbury brought the crown down onto The Queen’s head.

The Rod and Sceptre: The Rod was presented to The Queen by The Bishop of Dover, and the Sceptre by Lord Chartres and she acknowledged them both. The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Receive the Royal Sceptre and the Rod of equity and mercy. May the Spirit guide you in wisdom and grace, that by your service and ministry justice and mercy may be seen in all the earth.”

Enthroning The Queen: Queen Camilla was set upon the throne as the choir sang the anthem Make a Joyful Noise by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Offertory Hymn: At the start of the communion service, the choir and congregation sang the hymn Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation.

Prayer over the Gifts: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Bless, O Lord, we beseech thee, these thy gifts, and sanctify them unto this holy use, that by them we may be made partakers of the Body and Blood of thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, and fed unto everlasting life of soul
and body: And that thy servant King Charles may be enabled to the discharge of his weighty office, whereunto of thy great goodness thou hast called and appointed him. Grant this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.”

The Eucharistic Prayer:

The Archbishop of Canterbury: “The Lord be with you.”
Congregation: “And with thy spirit.”
The Archbishop: “Lift up your hearts.”
Congregation: “We lift them up unto the Lord.”
The Archbishop: “Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.”
Congregation: “It is meet and right so to do.”

The Archbishop said, “It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord; who hast at this time consecrated thy servant Charles to be our King, that, by the anointing of thy grace, he may be the Defender of thy Faith and the Protector of thy people; that, with him, we may learn the ways of service, compassion, and love,
and that the good work which thou hast begun in him this day may be brought to completion in the day of Jesus Christ. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee and saying:”

Sanctus:

All sang: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.”

Eucharistic Prayer continues:

The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “All glory be to thee, almighty God, our heavenly Father, who, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that, by the power of thy Holy Spirit, we receiving these thy creatures of bread
and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

The Archbishop continued, “Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks to thee, he gave it to them, saying: Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy humble servants, having in remembrance the precious death and passion of thy dear Son, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,
entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain
remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences; and to grant that all we, who are partakers of this holy communion, may be fulfilled with thy grace and
heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father almighty, world without end. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Let us pray with confidence as our
Saviour has taught us. All say: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,for ever and ever. Amen.

Agnus Dei: The choir sang Agnus Dei by Tarik O’Regan during which Holy Communion is
privately received by The King an Queen.

Prayer after Communion: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty
protection,both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and  Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.”

The Final Blessing: The Archbishop of Canterbury said, “Our help is in the Name of the Lord;Who hath made heaven and earth. Blessed be the Name of the Lord; Now and henceforth, world without end. Christ our King, make you faithful and strong to do his will, that you may reign with him in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon you, and all whom you serve, this day, and all your days. Amen.

Sung Amen: The choir sang a Sung Amen by Orlando Gibbons.

Hymn: The choir and congregation sang Praise my Soul by Henry Francis Lyte

Anthem: The choir sang the anthem The King Shall Rejoice by William Boyce

Te Deum: The choir sang The Coronation Te Deum by Sir William Walton

The National Anthem: The choir and congregation sang the national anthem God Save The King.

 

The King’s Outward Procession & Organ Voluntaries: The organist played Pomp & Circumstance March no 4 by Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Iain Farrington and March from The Birds, Sir Hubert Parry, arranged by John Rutter.

Greeting Faith Leaders & Representatives and The Governors-Generals: At the end of the procession The King received a greeting by Leaders and Representatives from Faith Communities (Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist). As the King stood before the Leaders
and Representatives of the Faith Communities, they delivered the following greeting in unison.
Faith Leaders & Representatives: “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 King acknowledged the greeting, and
turned to greet the Governors-General. The King acknowledged their greeting and proceeded to the Gold State Coach.

After the Coronation

King Charles III and Queen Camilla proceeded to St. Edward’s Chapel, directly behind the high altar, where the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, King of England stands. King Charles gave St. Edward’s Crown, the Sceptre, and the Rod to the Archbishop of Canterbury who placed them on the altar in the chapel. After a short period, King Charles III emerged from St. Edward’s Chapel wearing the Imperial State Crown with the Sceptre with the Cross in his right hand and the Orb in his left hand. King Charles III and Queen Camilla, still carrying her Sceptre with the Cross in her right hand and the Ivory Rod with the Dove in her left hand, left St. Edward’s Chapel to the singing of the National Anthem and then proceeded up the aisle to the West Door of the Westminster Abbey. They returned to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach using the same route as their outgoing route.

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Guests

There were 8,000 guests at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Westminster Abbey was closed for five months prior to the coronation so that the construction needed for seating the 8,000 guests could be completed. However, because of the current safety and health regulations, Westminster Abbey’s capacity is legally approximately 2,000.

In 1953, 800 Members of Parliament and over 900 Peers were invited to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Because of the limited space, far fewer Members of Parliament and Peers were invited to the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, causing a stir among Peers and Members of Parliament who believed they had a right to attend. Although some Members of Parliament were invited, the spouse of the British Prime Minister and the Head of Government Rishi Sunak was the only invited spouse of a Member of Parliament. The seven living past British Prime Ministers and their spouses were also invited.

450 recipients of the British Empire Medal. attended the coronation. They were invited to join the congregation at Westminster Abbey in recognition of their services and support to their local communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Representatives from the Commonwealth of Nations and foreign dignitaries from other countries attended. First Lady Jill Biden represented her husband Joe Biden, President of the United States.

Traditionally, foreign sovereigns have not attended British coronations. Instead, members of their royal houses were sent to represent them. King Charles III broke with that tradition, and invited foreign sovereigns, and a number of them attended. All current or former royal families who were invited sent guests except for the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The following world leaders were invited but did not attend:

• Zoran Milanović, President of Croatia was unable to attend due to a defect with the government’s plane.
• Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia cancelled his attendance following the Belgrade school shooting.
• Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey, declined his invitation, as he did to Elizabeth II’s funeral, due to the upcoming presidential election.

The governments of seven countries, Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, Russia, Syria and Venezuela, were not invited.  Invitations were extended only to senior diplomats of North Korea and Nicaragua, and not their heads of state.

Note: This is a partial guest list. Links are from Unofficial Royalty or Wikipedia. Not all people listed have a link. A more complete list of guests can be seen at Wikipedia: List of guests at the coronation of Charles III and Camilla.

British Royal Family

 

Descendants of King Charles III

• The Prince of Wales and The Princess of Wales, the King’s son William and daughter-in-law Catherine
• Prince George of Wales, the King’s grandson, one of the King’s pages of honour
• Princess Charlotte of Wales, the King’s granddaughter
• Prince Louis of Wales, the King’s grandson
• Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, the King’s son

Descendants of Queen Elizabeth II

• Anne, The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the King’s sister and brother-in-law
• Peter Phillips, the King’s nephew
• Zara Tindall and Michael Tindall, the King’s niece and her husband
• Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, the King’s brother
• Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the King’s niece and her husband
• Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank, and Jack Brooksbank, the King’s niece and her husband
• Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, the King’s brother and sister-in-law
• Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s niece
• James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex, the King’s nephew

Descendants of King George VI

• David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, the King’s maternal first cousin
• Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed
• Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed
• Lady Sarah Chatto and Daniel Chatto, the King’s maternal first cousin and her husband
• Samuel Chatto, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed
• Arthur Chatto, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed

Descendants of King George V

• Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, The Duchess of Gloucester, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed and his wife
• Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Lady Davina Windsor, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Lady Rose Gilman, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed
• George Windsor, Earl of St. Andrews, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Lady Helen Taylor, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Lord Nicholas Windsor, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed
• Prince Michael of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed and his wife Marie-Christine
• Lord Frederick Windsor, the King’s maternal second cousin
• Lady Gabriella Kingston, the King’s maternal second cousin

Bowes-Lyon Family

• Sir Simon Bowes-Lyon and Caroline Bowes-Lyon, Lady Bowes-Lyon, the King’s maternal first cousin once removed and his wife

Mountbatten Family

• Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the King’s paternal second cousin

Shand and Parker Bowles Families

• Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, the Queen’s former husband
• Thomas Parker Bowles, the Queen’s son
• Lola Parker Bowles, the Queen’s granddaughter
• Frederick Parker Bowles, the Queen’s grandson, one of the Queen’s pages of honour
• Laura Lopes and Harry Lopes, the Queen’s daughter and son-in-law
• Eliza Lopes, the Queen’s granddaughter
• Louis Lopes, the Queen’s grandson, one of the Queen’s pages of honour
• Gus Lopes, the Queen’s grandson, one of the Queen’s pages of honour
• Annabel Elliot, the Queen’s sister, one of the Queen’s two Ladies in Attendance
• Sir Benjamin Elliot and Mary-Clare Elliot, the Queen’s nephew and his wife
• Arthur Elliot, the Queen’s grandnephew, one of the Queen’s pages of honour
• Ike Elliot, the Queen’s great-nephew
• Alice and Luke Irwin, the Queen’s niece and her husband
• Otis Irwin, the Queen’s great-nephew
• Violet Irwin, the Queen’s great-niece
• Catherine Elliot, the Queen’s niece
• Ayesha Shand, the Queen’s niece, daughter of the Queen’s late brother

Middleton Family

• Michael Middleton and Carole Middleton, parents of The Princess of Wales
• Philippa Matthews, sister of The Princess of Wales
• James Middleton, brother of The Princess of Wales

Current Monarchies

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium

• Sheikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa, King of Bahrain
• Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa
• King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, the King’s third cousin once removed and his wife
• King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
• Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei and a younger son Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei
• Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, the King’s third cousin once removed and his wife, representing his mother Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
• King Mswati III and his wife Inkhosikati LaMbikiza, Queen of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
• Crown Prince Akishino and his wife Crown Princess Kiko of Japan, representing his brother Emperor Naruhito of Japan
• King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania of Jordan
• Crown Prince Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, representing his half-brother Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait
• King Letsie III and his wife Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho
• Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, the King’s fifth cousin once removed and his wife, representing his father Prince Hans-Adam of Liechtenstein
• Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, the King’s third cousin once removed and his wife
• Al-Sultan Abdullah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, The Yang di Pertuan Agong and his wife Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia
• Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the King’s fifth cousin once removed and his wife
• Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, representing her brother King Mohammed VI of Morocco
• King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the King’s fifth cousin and his wife
• Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, the King’s third cousin and his wife, representing his father King Harald V of Norway
• Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said of Oman, representing his father Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman
• Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani
• Prince Turki bin Mohammed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Minister of State, representing his uncle King Salman of Saudi Arabia
• King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, the King’s second cousin once removed and his wife
• King Carl XVI of Sweden, the King’s third cousin once removed and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the King’s fourth cousin
• King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his wife Queen Suthida of Thailand
• King Tupou VI and and his wife Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga
• Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, representing  Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates

Former Monarchies

• Bernhard, Margrave of Baden and Stephanie, Margravine of Baden, the King’s first cousin once removed and his wife
• Tsar Simeon II and Tsaritsa Margarita of Bulgaria, the King’s fourth cousin twice removed and his wife
• Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, the King’s third cousin once removed (born a Princess of Denmark) and widow of the King’s second cousin, the late King Constantine II
• Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, the King’s second cousin once removed through his father and fourth cousin through his mother, and his wife
• Donatus, Prince and Landgrave of Hesse, the King’s fourth cousin
• Philipp, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg and Princess Saskia of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, the King’s first cousin once removed and his wife
• Margareta, Custodian of the Crown and Prince Radu of Romania, the King’s second cousin once removed and her husband
• Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, the King’s second cousin once removed and his wife

Ceremonial Monarchs

• Osei Tutu II, 16th Asantehene (successor to the 17th-century founder of the Ashanti Empire in Africa) and his wife Julia Osei Tutu, Princess Consort of Asante
• Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, Māori King and his wife Te Atawhai, Māori Queen (The Māori are indigenous people of New Zealand.)

United Kingdom Government Officials

Prime Ministers

• Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his wife Akshata Murty
• Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1990 – 1997)
• Sir Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997 – 2007), and his wife Lady Blair
• Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007 – 2010), and his wife Sarah Brown
• David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2010 – 2016), and his wife Samantha Cameron
• Theresa May, Lady May, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016 – 2019), and her husband Sir Philip May
• Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2019 – 2022), and his wife Carrie Johnson
• Liz Truss, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2022), and her husband Hugh O’Leary

Great Officers of State – England

• Sir Gordon Messenger, Lord High Steward of England
• Alex Chalk, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain and Secretary of State for Justice
• Nicholas True, Baron True, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Lords
• Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Lord High Constable of England and Chief of the Defence Staff
• Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal

Great Officers of State – Scotland

• Anthony Lindsay, 30th Earl of Crawford, Deputy to the Great Steward of Scotland
• Merlin Hay, 24th Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland

Officers of Arms – England

• David White, Garter Principal King of Arms
• Timothy Duke, Clarenceux King of Arms
• Robert Noel, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
• Christopher Fletcher-Vane, Chester Herald
• Clive Cheesman, Richmond Herald
• John Allen-Petrie, Windsor Herald
• Peter O’Donaghue, York Herald
• Anne Curry, Arundel Herald Extraordinary
• John Martin Robinson, Maltravers Herald Extraordinary
• David Rankin-Hunt, Norfolk Herald Extraordinary
• Thomas Lloyd, Wales Herald Extraordinary
• Mark Scott, Bluemantle Pursuivant
• Dominic Ingram, Portcullis Pursuivant
• Adam Tuck, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant
• Thomas Johnston, Rouge Croix Pursuivant

Officers of Arms – Scotland

• Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms
• Adam Bruce, Marchmont Herald
• Liam Devlin, Rothesay Herald
• Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, Albany Herald Extraordinary
• George Way of Plean, Carrick Pursuivant
• John Stirling, Ormond Pursuivant
• Roderick Alexander Macpherson, Unicorn Pursuivant
• Colin Russell, Falkland Pursuivant Extraordinary
• Professor Gillian Black, Linlithgow Pursuivant Extraordinary
• Philip Tibbetts, March Pursuivant Extraordinary

Members of the Cabinet

• Oliver Dowden, Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer
• James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
• Suella Braverman, Secretary of State for the Home Department
• Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence
• Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
• Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
• Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade
• Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
• Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education
• Mark Harper, Secretary of State for Transport
• Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
• Chris Heaton-Harris, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland
• David TC Davies, Secretary of State for Wales

Leaders of Other United Kingdom Political Parties

• Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and leader of the Labour Party
• Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party
• Stephen Flynn, Leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons

Members of Parliament

• Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Chorley
• Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South
• Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber
• Andy Carter, MP for Warrington South
• Laura Farris, MP for West Berkshire
• Sarah Green, MP for Chesham and Amersham
• Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean
• Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham
• Brendan O’Hara, MP for Argyll and Bute
• Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Stroud
• Rory Stewart, former MP for Penrith and The Border, and his wife Shoshana Clark

First Ministers of Devolved Governments

• Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland and Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland
• Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales and Keeper of the Welsh Seal
• Michelle O’Neill, First Minister-Designate of Northern Ireland

Leaders of Other Political Parties in Devolved Countries

• Jim Allister, Leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice
• Doug Beattie, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
• Alex Cole-Hamilton, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Colum Eastwood, Leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party
• Naomi Long, Leader of the Alliance Party
• Douglas Ross, Leader of the Opposition in the Scottish Parliament and Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
• Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party

Members of Devolved Parliaments

• Alison Johnstone, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament
• Alex Maskey, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly
• David Rees, Deputy Presiding Officer of the Senedd

Peers of the Realm

• David Cholmondeley, 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Lord-in-Waiting and former Lord Great Chamberlain of England, and his wife Sarah Rose Cholmondeley, Marchioness of Cholmondeley
• Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby
• James Ramsay, 17th Earl of Dalhousie, Deputy Captain General of the King’s Body Guard for Scotland
• David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie, and his wife Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie
• Patrick Stopford, 9th Earl of Courtown, Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard
• Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn, Lord Steward of the Royal Household, and his wife Helen St Clair-Erskine, Countess of Rosslyn
• William Peel, 3rd Earl Peel, former Lord Chamberlain, and his wife Charlotte Peel, Countess Peel
• Rupert Ponsonby, 7th Baron de Mauley, Master of the Horse
• Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild
• Hugh Cavendish, Baron Cavendish of Furness, former Lord-in-Waiting, and his wife Grania Cavendish, Baroness Cavendish of Furness
• David Hope, Baron Hope of Craighead, representing the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
• Robin Eames, Baron Eames, representing the Order of Merit
• Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber, composer of the coronation anthem “Make a Joyful Noise”, and his wife Madeleine Lloyd Webber, Baroness Lloyd-Webber
• Catherine Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, representing the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
• Sebastian Coe, Baron Coe, representing the Order of Companions of Honour
• Rowan Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, former Archbishop of Canterbury
• Susan Williams, Baroness Williams of Trafford, Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms
• Andrew Parker, Baron Parker of Minsmere, Lord Chamberlain
• John McFall, Baron McFall of Alcluith, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords
• Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords
• Nicholas Soames, Baron Soames of Fletching

Other Politicians

• Hamza Taouzzale, Lord Mayor of Westminster
• Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of London
• Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
• Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England
• Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands
• Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
• Ben Houchen, Mayor of the Tees Valley
• Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire
• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Victoria Prentis, His Majesty’s Attorney General for England and Wales

Lord Lieutenants

• Robert Voss, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

Armed Forces

• Lance-Corporal of Horse Christopher Finney, Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association

Civil Servants

• David McGill, Chief Executive of the Scottish Parliament
• Lesley Hogg, chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly
• Antonia Romeo, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery in Great Britain
• Susanna McGibbon, His Majesty’s Procurator General and Solicitor for the Affairs of His Majesty’s Treasury

Representatives of Orders of Chivalry and Gallantry (Some representatives are listed elsewhere.)

• Sir Andrew Ford, Royal Victorian Order
• Mark Compton, Order of St John
• Sir Gary Hickinbottom, Knights Bachelor
• Dame Susan Ion, Order of the British Empire
• Sir Stephen Dalton, Order of the Bath
• Lady Mary Peters, Order of the Garter
• Dominic Troulan, George Cross

Crown Dependencies

• Richard Cripwell, Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey
• Richard McMahon, Bailiff of Guernsey
• Sir Timothy Le Cocq, Bailiff of Jersey
• Sir John Lorimer, Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man
• Alfred Cannan, Chief Minister of the Isle of Man

British Overseas Territories

• Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of Anguilla
• Ellis Webster, Premier of Anguilla
• Paul Candler, Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory and the British Indian Ocean Territory
• Rena Lalgie, Governor of Bermuda
• Edward David Burt, Premier of Bermuda
• Jane Owen, Governor of the Cayman Islands
• Wayne Panton, Premier of the Cayman Islands
• Alison Blake, Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Teslyn Barkman, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands
• Sir David Steel, Governor of Gibraltar
• Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar
• Sarah Tucker, Governor of Montserrat
• Easton Taylor-Farrell, Premier of Montserrat
• Iona Thomas, Governor of Pitcairn
• Simon Young, Mayor of Pitcairn
• Nigel Phillips, Governor of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
• Julie Thomas, Chief Minister of Saint Helena
• James Glass, Chief Islander of Tristan da Cunha
• Anya Williams, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• John Rankin, Governor of the British Virgin Islands
• Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Finance Minister of the British Virgin Islands

Commonwealth Realms

Antigua and Barbuda

• Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and his wife Lady Sandra Williams
• Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and his wife Maria Bird-Browne
• Paula Frederick-Hunte, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Governor-General
• Atlee Rodney, Commissioner of Police of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda
• Dale Mercury, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor-General and Assistant Superintendent of Police
• Ickford Roberts, Accountant General
• Laurie Freeland Roberts, Registrar in the Civil Registry
• Bernard Warner, Field Officer at the Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities
• Kiz Johnson, Senator, carried the flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

• General David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia, and his wife Linda Hurley
• Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, and his partner Jodie Haydon
• Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales
• Linda Dessau, Governor of Victoria
• Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland
• Christopher Dawson, Governor of Western Australia
• Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia
• Barbara Baker, Governor of Tasmania
• Leanne Benjamin, retired Principal Dancer for the Royal Ballet
• Nicholas Cave, singer, songwriter, actor, novelist, and screenwriter
• Jasmine Coe, artist and the creator and curator of Coe Gallery
• Adam Hills, comedian, presenter, writer, and disability rights advocate
• Daniel Nour, founder of Street Side Medics
• Yasmin Poole, public speaker, board director, and youth advocate
• Emily Regan, London-based nurse who worked for the National Health Service
• Minette Salmon, studying for a PhD in Genomic Medicine and Statistics
• Claire Spencer, arts leader and the inaugural CEO of the Barbican Centre
• Merryn Voysey, Associate Professor of Statistics in Vaccinology at the Oxford Vaccine Group
• Corporal Daniel Keighran, recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia
• Corporal Mark Donaldson, recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia
• Warrant Officer Class Two Keith Payne, recipient of the Victoria Cross
• Richard Joyes, recipient of the Australian Cross of Valour
• Yvonne Kenny, soprano
• Samantha Kerr, football (soccer) player, carried the flag of Australia

The Bahamas

• Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor-General of The Bahamas, and his wife Lady Smith
• Dame Marguerite Pindling, former Governor-General of The Bahamas
• Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, and his wife Ann Marie Davis
• Hubert Ingraham, former Prime Minister of The Bahamas
• Perry Christie, former Prime Minister of The Bahamas
• Hubert Minnis, former Prime Minister of The Bahamas
• Michael Pintard, Leader of the Opposition, and his wife Berlice Pintard

Belize

• Dame Froyla Tzalam, Governor-General of Belize, and her husband Daniel Mendez
• Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology
• Cameron Gegg, finance professional, carried the flag of Belize

Canada

• Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and her husband Whit Fraser
• Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau
• Janice Charette, Clerk to the Privy Council of Canada and Secretary to the Cabinet
• RoseAnne Archibald, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
• Natan Obed, President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Cassidy Caron, President of the Métis National Council
• Sarah Mazhero, member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council
• Christina Caouette, CEO of Young Diplomats of Canada
• Rebeccah Raphael, founder of Halifax Helpers
• Marguerite Tölgyesi, President of the French-Canadian Youth Federation
• Maryam Tsegaye, winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge
• Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons, Canadian Space Agency astronaut
• Margaret MacMillan, member of the Order of Merit and companion of the Order of Canada
• Leslie Arthur Palmer, recipient of the Canadian Cross of Valour
• Colonel Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency astronaut, carried the flag of Canada

Grenada

• Dame Cécile La Grenade, Governor-General of Grenada
• Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada
• Kisha Abba Grant, High Commissioner for Grenada to the United Kingdom
• Sergeant Major Johnson Beharry, Victoria Cross recipient
• Afy Fletcher, athlete
• Lindon Victor, athlete
• Lance Sergeant Chen Charles, carried the flag of Grenada

Jamaica

• Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, and his wife Lady Patricia Allen
• David Salmon, 2023 Rhodes scholar, carried the flag of Jamaica

New Zealand

• Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, and her husband Richard Davies
• Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Phil Goff, High Commissioner for New Zealand to the United Kingdom
• Christopher Luxon, Leader of the Opposition
• Sir Tom Marsters, King’s Representative in the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters
• Richie McCaw, Order of New Zealand representative
• Willie Apiata, Victoria Cross for New Zealand representative
• Abdul Aziz, New Zealand Cross representative
• Dame Naida Glavish, former President of the Māori Party and
• Lorraine Toki, Māori advocate
• Ben Appleton, kaiāwhina and director of Ngāti Rānana
• Sarah Smart, UK general manager of The Dairy Collective
• Craig Fenton, 2023 UK New Zealander of the Year
• Rebecca Scown, former Olympic rower and CEO of Youth Experience in Sport
• Rhieve Grey, graduate student and 2021 Rhodes scholar
• Sergeant Hayden Smith, carried the flag of New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

• Sir Bob Dadae, Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, and his wife Lady Dadae
• Koni Iguan, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea
• Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs and his wife Savannah Tkatchenko
• Rainbo Paita, Minister for Finance and National Planning
• Taies Sansan, Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management
• Gisuwat Mangere Siniwin, former Vice Minister of Education and MP for Nawae
• Noel Leana, acting Chief of State Protocol, carried the flag of Papua New Guinea

Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Hyleta Liburd, Deputy Governor-General for Nevis
• Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis
• Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Naeemah Hazelle, permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office
• Christine Walwyn, Diaspora Ambassador
• Thouvia France, Protocol Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Saint Lucia

• Errol Charles, Acting Governor-General of Saint Lucia

Solomon Islands

• Sir David Vunagi, Governor-General of the Solomon Islands, and his wife Lady Vunagi
• Moses Kouni Mose, High Commissioner for the Solomon Islands to the United Kingdom
• Jeremiah Manele, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade

Tuvalu

• Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Governor-General of Tuvalu

Other Commonwealth Countries

• Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh
• Dame Sandra Mason, President and former Governor-General of Barbados
• Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana
• Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister of Cameroon, representing the President of Cameroon
• Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus
• Charles Savarin, President of Dominica
• Wiliame Katonivere, President of Fiji, and First Lady Filomena Katonivere
• Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon, and First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba
• Mohammed Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia
• Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia
• Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana
• Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana
• Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India, representing the President of India
• William Ruto, President of Kenya
• Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi
• Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia in London
• Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives, and First Lady Fazna Ahmed
• George Vella, President of Malta, and First Lady Miriam Vella
• Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of Mauritius
• Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique
• Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of Namibia
• Russ Kun, President of Nauru, and First Lady Simina Kun
• Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria
• Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
• Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and First Lady Jeannette Kagame
• Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa, and Masiofo Faʻamausili
• Leinafo
• Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles, and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan
• Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, and First Lady Fatima Bio
• Halimah Yacob, President of Singapore
• Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa
• Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, and First Lady Maithree Wickremesinghe
• Asha-Rose Migiro, High Commissioner of Tanzania
• Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo
• General Jeje Odongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda
• Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema

Foreign Dignitaries

Heads of State

• Bajram Begaj, President of Albania, and First Lady Armanda Begaj
• João Lourenço, President of Angola, and First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço
• Archbishop Joan Enric Vives i Sicília, Co-Prince of Andorra
• Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of Armenia
• Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, and First Lady Doris Schmidauer
• Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva
• Galab Donev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria and his daughter Gabriella Doneva
• Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros, and First Lady Ambari Assoumani
• Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, and First Lady Eva Pavlová
• Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti
• Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, and First Lady Raquel Arbaje
• Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt
• Alar Karis, President of Estonia, and First Lady Sirje Karis
• Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland, and First Lady Jenni Haukio
• Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Co-Prince of Andorra, and his wife Brigitte Macron
• Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia
• Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, and First Lady Elke Büdenbender
• Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece
• Bernard Goumou, Prime Minister of Guinea
• Katalin Novák, President of Hungary, and First Gentleman István Attila Veres
• Guðni Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, and First Lady Eliza Reid
• Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq
• Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, and his wife Sabina Higgins
• Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland, and his partner Matthew Barrett
• Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, and First Lady Michal Herzog
• Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy, and his daughter Laura Mattarella, de facto First Lady
• Vjosa Osmani, President of Kosovo
• Egils Levits, President of Latvia, and First Lady Andra Levite
• Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of Lebanon, and his wife May Mikati
• George Weah, President of Liberia
• Mohamed al-Menfi, Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya
• Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, and First Lady Diana Nausėdienė
• Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania
• Maia Sandu, President of Moldova
• Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Mongolia, and First Lady Luvsandorjiin Bolortsetseg
• Milo Đukanović, President of Montenegro, and First Lady Lidija Đukanović
• Mohamed Bazoum, President of Niger, and First Lady Hadiza Bazoum
• Stevo Pendarovski, President of North Macedonia, and First Lady Elizabeta Gjorgievska
• Mario Abdo Benítez, President of Paraguay, and First Lady Silvana López Moreira
• Bongbong Marcos, President of the Philippines, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos
• Andrzej Duda, President of Poland, and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda
• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal
• Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania, and First Lady Carmen Iohannis
• Alessandro Scarano and Adele Tonnini, Captains Regent of San Marino
• Macky Sall, President of Senegal
• Zuzana Čaputová, President of Slovakia, and her domestic partner Juraj Rizman
• Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia, and First Gentleman Aleš Musar
• Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, and his wife Muriel Zeender
• Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan
• Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine
• Võ Văn Thưởng, President of Vietnam
• Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe

Governmental Representatives Representing the Head of State

• Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria
• Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan
• Verónica Alcocer, First Lady of Colombia
• Álvaro Leyva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China
• Christophe Mboso N’Kodia Pwanga, President of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
• Gordan Grlić-Radman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia
• Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice President of Cuba
• Gustavo Manrique, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
• Félix Ulloa, Vice President of El Salvador
• Renato Florentino, Vice President of Honduras
• Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice President of Ivory Coast
• Han Duck-Soo, Prime Minister of South Korea
• Erlan Qoşanov, Head of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan
• Yvette Sylla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar
• Narayan Prakash Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal
• Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman
• Janaina Tewaney, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama
• Aïssata Tall Sall, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal
• Ivica Dačić, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister of Presidential Affairs of South Sudan
• Nabil Ammar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia
• Fuat Oktay, Vice President of Turkey
• Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine
• Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States and Finnegan Biden, granddaughter of President Joe Biden
• John Kerry, Special U.S. Presidential Envoy for Climate
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State of the Vatican
• Frederick Shava, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe
• Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe

Diplomats Representing the Head of State

• Javier Esteban Figueroa, Argentinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Susana Herrera Quezada, Chilean Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Teferi Melesse Desta, Ethiopian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• José Alberto Briz Gutiérrez, Guatemalan Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Euvrard Saint Amand, Haitian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Iván Romero Martínez, Honduran Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Desra Percaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Josefa González Blanco Ortiz Mena, Mexican Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Hakim Hajoui, Moroccan Ambassador to the United Kingdom
• Ahmed Albably, Consul at the Yemeni Embassy in the United Kingdom

International Organizations

• Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
• Charles Michel, President of the European Council
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
• Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO
• Mathias Cormann, Secretary General of the OECD
• Amina Jane Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

Religious Leaders

Church of England

• Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England
• Tosin Oladipo, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, carried the Primatial Cross of Canterbury
• Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York and Primate of England
• Dr Jenny Wright, Chaplain to The Archbishop of York, carried the Primatial Cross of York
• Adrian Daffern, Chaplain Extraordinary to the Archbishop of Canterbury
• Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal
• Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham
• Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells
• Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich
• Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford
• David Hoyle MBE, Dean of Westminster
• David Stanton, Sub-Dean and Canon Treasurer
• Anthony Ball, Canon Rector
• Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner
• Tricia Hillas, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster and Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons
• Mark Birch MVO, Minor Canon and Precentor
• Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist
• Ralph Godsall, Acting Minor Canon
• Paul Baumann CBE, Receiver General of Westminster Abbey
• Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, High Bailiff and Searcher of the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey
• Canon Paul Wright LVO, Sub-Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal
• Professor David Fergusson OBE, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Dean of the Thistle
• David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor

Church of Scotland

• Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

Roman Catholic Church

• Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
• Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
• Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff
• Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Other Christian Denominations

• Nikitas Loulias, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain
• Hosam Naoum, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem
• Helen Cameron, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
• Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England

Other Religions

• Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain and the Commonwealth
• Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews
• Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Thera, Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain
• Malcolm Deboo, President, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

Royal Household

The King’s Household

• Sir Anthony Johnstone-Burt, Master of the Household
• Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Vernon, Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office
• Jo Churchill, Vice Chamberlain of the Household
• Marcus Jones, Treasurer of the Household
• Rebecca Harris, Comptroller of the Household
• James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, Clerk of the Closet
• Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, Lord High Almoner
• Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Thompson, Groom of the Robes
• Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to His Majesty
• Sir Edward Young, Joint Principal Private Secretary to The King
• Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to The King and Queen
• Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Segrave, Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
• Sarah Clarke, Lady Usher of the Black Rod
• Paul Whybrew, Sergeant at Arms
• Richard Thompson, Sergeant at Arms
• Francis Dymoke, The Honourable The King’s Champion and bearer of the Royal Standard
• Brigadier Andrew Jackson, Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House

The Queen’s Household

• Sophie Densham, Private Secretary to The Queen
• Major Oliver Plunket, Groom of the Robes to the Queen
• Carlyn Chisholm, Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen, Queen’s Companion
• Lady Sarah Keswick, Queen’s Companion
• Lady Brooke, Queen’s Companion and Sir Francis Brooke Baronet, His Majesty’s Representative at Ascot
• Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and Queen’s Companion (the King’s second cousin), and her husband Peter Troughton
• Jane von Westenholz, Queen’s Companion

Queen Elizabeth II’s Household

• Anne Tennant, Baroness Glenconner, Maid of Honour at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953
• Lady Susan Hussey, Baroness Hussey of North Bradley, Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II

Notable Guests

• Jay Blades, The Prince’s Foundation Ambassador
• Gyles Brandreth, British broadcaster, writer and former politician
• Anthony “Ant” McPartlin, television presenter, Goodwill Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
• Declan “Dec” Donnelly, television presenter, Goodwill Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
• Edward Enninful, editor and stylist, Global Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust
• Lionel Richie, American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality, Chairman of the Global Ambassador Group for The Prince’s Trust
• Katy Perry, American singer, songwriter and television personality, Ambassador for the British Asian Trust
• Sir Karl Jenkins, composer of Tros y Garreg, written for the coronation
• Sarah Class, composer of Sacred Fire, written for the coronation
• Pretty Yende, South African soprano opera singer, performed the song Sacred Fire
• Joan Armatrading, St. Kitts and Nevis/English singer-songwriter
• Rowan Atkinson, English actor, comedian and writer
• Sir Kenneth Branagh, British actor and filmmaker
• Tim Davie, Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation
• Dame Judi Dench, English actress
• Sir Lloyd Dorfman, British entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• Joseph Dweck, Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community of the United Kingdom
• Dynamo, British magician
• Edward Fox, English actor
• Stephen Fry, English actor and comedian
• Dame Kelly Holmes, retired British middle-distance runner
• Kelly Jones, Welsh singer-songwriter
• Dame Joanna Lumley, British actress, presenter, author
• Simon Sebag Montefiore, British historian, television presenter, and his wife Santa Montefiore, British author
• Dame Maggie Smith, English actress
• Tom Stoppard, British playwright and screenwriter
• Sir Bryn Terfel, Welsh, bass-baritone opera singer, performed Kyrie Eleison by Paul Mealor in Welsh
• Dame Emma Thompson, British actress and screenwriter, and her husband Greg Wise, English actor and producer

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• Check out all our articles about the British Monarchy at United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Index.
• Learn more about the House of Windsor at House of Windsor Index.
• Read all the news articles posted in our Royal News Recap on the day of the coronation at Royal News Recap – The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Unofficial Royalty’s Coronation Articles

• Which Monarchies Have Coronations? What Succession Ceremonies Do Other Monarchies Have?
• History of the Coronation of English and British Monarchs
• History of the Coronation of English and British Queen Consorts
• Westminster Abbey – The Coronation Church
• British Coronation Music
• Order of Service for the Coronation of the British Monarch
• British Coronation Regalia
  • The Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone
  • St. Edward’s Crown
  • The Imperial State Crown
  • Queen Consort’s Regalia
  • The Cullinan Diamond
• Coronations before the Norman Conquest (871 – 1066)
• Coronations after the Norman Conquest (1066 – present)
• Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary (1912)
• Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (1937)
• Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953)

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