It’s a rainy May day in Westminster Abbey in England. Little Prince Louis, just five years old, yawns as his grandpa becomes the new King of Great Britain. Trumpets sound. More than 2,000 people shout, “God save the king!”
Coronation is a fancy word for crowning. And only the fanciest words will do for this big event! King Charles III is the 40th sovereign to be crowned in Westminster Abbey. He is also the oldest. The king is 74.
The king holds an orb, a sword, and scepter. He sits on a 700-year-old oak chair called the Coronation Chair. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places St. Edward’s Crown atop the king’s head.
What does the king say?
“I come not to be served but to serve.”
The last coronation happened when King Charles’ mom, Queen Elizabeth the Second, took the throne—almost exactly 50 years before. She died last September at the age of 96.
For King Charles’ coronation, hundreds of thousands of people gather outside. Many people in the crowds want the chance to be part of a historic event. And who wouldn’t?
Well, at least a few. Some Britons don’t care about the coronation. Some think there shouldn’t be a king at all. These days, the king does not make the rules. But he is a symbol of the United Kingdom.
After the king’s crowning, his wife Camilla took her turn. The new queen wore a long, ivory-colored silk dress and silk shoes. Before the ceremony, a crimson Robe of State covered her gown. That robe was made for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation.
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. — Daniel 2:20-21
Why? Old customs can exist for very good reasons. In coronation ceremonies, they may even stand for spiritual truths.
