King Charles III's coronation is well underway in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony will see countless historic traditions take place in order to officially recognize King Charles and Queen Camilla as monarchs.
Read on to discover the full order of service for the momentous event…
What is the order of the coronation service?
Firstly, there will be a procession into Westminster Abbey. Once all have taken their seats, the service will begin as follows:
The choir sings
WAS glad when they said unto me
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates,
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city,
that is at unity in itself.
Vivat Regina Camilla! Vivat!
Vivat Rex Carolus! Vivat!
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem,
They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls,
and plenteousness within thy palaces.
Hubert Parry (1848–1918) Psalm 122: 1–3, 6–7
composed for the Coronation of Edward VII (1902), arranged by John Rutter
Their Majesties The King and The Queen move through the body of the Church to the Chairs of Estate in the Theatre of Coronation. The Regalia, Bible, Paten, and Chalice are placed upon the AltarAll remain standing. Samuel Strachan, Child of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, addresses The King: "YOUR Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings."
The King replies: "In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve."
Their Majesties remain standing at the Chairs of Estate in silent prayer. The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, gives the Greeting and Introduction.
"THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. And with thy spirit. Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia."
All sit
DEARLY beloved, we are gathered to offer worship and praise to Almighty God; to celebrate the life of our nations; to pray for Charles, our King; to recognise and to give thanks for his life of service to this Nation, the Realms, and the Commonwealth; and to witness with joy his anointing and crowning, his being set apart and consecrated for the service of his people. Let us dedicate ourselves alike, in body, mind, and spirit, to a renewed faith, a joyful hope, and a commitment to serve one another in love.
The choir, together with Sir Bryn Terfel CBE, sings Kyrie eleison
ARGLWYDD, trugarhâ,
Crist, trugarhâ.
Arglwydd, trugarhâ.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Paul Mealor (b 1975)
composed for this service
THE RECOGNITION
The King moves to stand west of the Coronation Chair and turns to face east. The Archbishop says "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?"
All respond: "God save King Charles."
A fanfare is sounded. The King turns to face south. The Right Honourable Lady Elish
Angiolini LT DBE KC says: "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?"
All respond: "God save King Charles."
A fanfare is sounded. The King turns to face west. Christopher Finney GC says: "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?"
All respond: "God save King Charles."
A fanfare is sounded. The King turns to face north. The Right Honourable the Baroness Amos LG CH says: "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?"
All respond: "God save King Charles."
A fanfare is sounded as The King returns to the Chair of Estate and sits.
THE PRESENTING OF THE HOLY BIBLE
The Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, receives the Bible from the Dean of Westminster and presents it to The King, 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 OATHS
WATCH: Ancient Coronation Traditions And Rituals explained
The Moderator receives the Bible and places it before The King. The King stands and the Archbishop says
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?
The King replies
I am willing.
The King places his hand on the Bible, and the Archbishop administers the Oath
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?
The King replies
I solemnly promise so to do.
The Archbishop says
Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?
The King replies
I will.
The King kneels at the Chair of Estate. The Archbishop says
WILL you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the 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?
The King replies
All this I promise to do.
The King places his hand on the Bible and says
The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.
The King kisses the Bible. The Archbishop says
YOUR Majesty, are you willing to make, subscribe, and declare to the statutory Accession Declaration Oath?
The King replies
I am willing.
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.
The King signs copies of the Oaths, presented by the Lord Chamberlain, whilst the choir sings
PREVENT us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
William Byrd (c 1540–1623) The Book of Common Prayer 1549
The King kneels before the Altar and says
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 belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The King returns to the Chair of Estate and sits
The choir sings Gloria in excelsis Deo
GLORIA in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe; Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram; qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
William Byrd from Mass for Four Voices
The Archbishop says
Let us pray.
All stand for the Collect
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 reignest supreme over all things, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
All sit. The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, reads the Epistle
A reading from the Epistle to the Colossians.
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.
Colossians 1: 9–17
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
All stand. The choir sings
ALLELUIA, Alleluia!
O clap your hands together, all ye people;
O sing unto God with the voice of melody.
For the Lord is high and to be feared.
He is the great King upon all the earth.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Debbie Wiseman (b 1963) Psalm 47: 1–2
composed for this service
The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Dean of His Majesty’s Chapels Royal, reads the Gospel
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
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.’
Luke 4: 16–21
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Ascension Choir sings
ALLELUIA, Alleluia!
O sing praises, sing praises unto our God;
O sing praises, sing praises unto our King.
For God is the King of all the earth.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Debbie Wiseman Psalm 47: 6–7a
composed for this service
All sit. The Archbishop preaches the Sermon
THE ANOINTING
Their Majesties kneel at the Chairs of Estate. The congregation kneels or remains seated. The choir sings in English, Welsh, Gaelic, and Irish
COME, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
(Welsh) O gynorthwyydd oddi fry,
Rhodd werthfawrocaf Duw wyt ti:
Ffynhonnell bywyd, dwyfol dân
Eneinia ni â’th Ysbryd Glân.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness of our blinded sight.
(Scots Gaelic) Fada bhuain iomain ar nàmh
Agus builich sa bhad do ghràs
Ò, treòraich sinn, a Cheannaird àird
Bho bhuaidh gach beud agus cràdh.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home:
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
(Irish Gaelic) Go dtí dhíot gurb aithnid dúinn
An t-AthairMhac, a Spioraid, a rún,
Tú leo an Triúr i n-éinphearsa
Creidimis ionaibh tré bhiotha na mbeatha.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to be but One,
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Veni, Creator Spiritus attributed to Rabanus Maurus (c 780–856)
plainsong translated by John Cosin (1594–1672), Grahame Davies, Iain D Urchadan (b 1966), and Damian McManus (b 1956)
The Archbishop in Jerusalem receives the Ampulla from the Dean. The Archbishop of Canterbury says
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 King is divested of the Robe of State, and moves to sit in the Coronation Chair. The Anointing Screen, borne by representatives of the Household Division, is held around the Coronation Chair. The choir sings
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. May the king live for ever. Hallelujah. Amen.
George Frideric Handel 1 Kings 1: 39–40
composed for the Coronation of George II (1727)
During the anthem, the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints The King in the form of a cross: on the palm of both hands, saying
Be your hands anointed with holy oil.
on the breast, saying
Be your breast anointed with holy oil.
on the crown of the head, saying
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 Anointing Screen is removed. The King kneels before the Altarandthe Archbishop says
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 peoples 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.
THE INVESTITURE AND THE CROWNING
The King rises and is vested with the Colobium Sindonis, Supertunica, and Girdle
The King sits in the Coronation Chair
The Spurs are brought from the Altar by the Lord Great Chamberlain. The King
touches them, and the Archbishop says
RECEIVE these spurs, symbols of military honour and chivalry, that
you may be a brave advocate for those in need.
The Byzantine Chant Ensemble sings
Give the king your judgements, O God, and your righteousness to the son of a king.
Then shall he judge your people righteously and your poor with justice. Alleluia.
May he defend the poor among the people, deliver the children of the needy and
crush the oppressor. Alleluia.
May he live as long as the sun and moon endure, from one generation to another.
Alleluia.
In his time shall righteousness flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon shall
be no more. Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning,
is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
O Lord, save the king and answer us when we call upon you.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Psalms 72: 1–2, 4–5, 7; 20: 9
(Also printed in Greek)
During the chant the Lord President of the Council exchanges the Sword of State for the Jewelled Sword of Offering, and delivers it to the Archbishop, who says
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 Jewelled Swordof Offering is placed into The King’s right hand. The Archbishop says
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.
The King rises. The Sword is put upon The King, and he sits. The Archbishop says
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 stands and offers the Sword at the Altar, where it is received by the Dean. The King returns to the Coronation Chair. The Sword is redeemed and is returned to the Lord President of the Council
The Armills are brought from the Altar by the Right Honourable the Lord Kamall. The King touches them, and the Archbishop says
RECEIVE the Bracelets of sincerity and wisdom, tokens of the Lord’s protection embracing you on every side.
The Robe Royal is brought to The King by the Right Honourable the Baroness Merron. The Stole Royal is presented to The King by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The King is invested and sits in the Coronation Chair. The Archbishop says
RECEIVE this Robe: may the Lord clothe you with the robe of righteousness, and with the garments of salvation.
The Orb is brought from the Altar by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan. The Archbishopof Canterbury places it in The King’s right hand and says
RECEIVE this Orb, set under the Cross, and remember always that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our God, and of his Christ.
The Orb is returned to the Altar. The Ring is brought from the Altar by the Right Honourable the Lord Patel KT. The King touches the Ring and the Archbishop says
RECEIVE this Ring, symbol of kingly dignity and a sign of the covenant sworn this day, between God and King, King and people.
The Glove is brought forward by the Right Honourable the Lord Singh of Wimbledon CBE. The Glove is put upon The King’s right hand. The Archbishop says
RECEIVE this Glove, that you may hold authority with gentleness and grace; trusting not in your own power but in the mercy of God.
The Sceptre with Cross and the Sceptre with Dove are brought from the Altar by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Wales. The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers them into The King’s right and left hands, and says
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 who 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.
All stand. The Archbishop takes St Edward’s Crown into his hands and says
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 him who liveth and reigneth supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen.
The Archbishop crowns The King
The Archbishop says
God save The King.
All respond
God save The King.
The Coronation Brass Ensemble plays
Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare Richard Strauss (1864–1949)
arranged by Paul Mealor
The bells of the Abbey are rung. A Gun Salute is fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery on Horse Guards Parade. This is accompanied by Gun Salutes at His Majesty’s Fortress the Tower of London fired by the Honourable Artillery Company, and at Saluting Stations throughout the United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Bermuda, and Ships at Sea
All remain standing. The Lord Archbishop of York and Primate of England, says
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 Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain says
The Lord protect you in all your ways and prosper all your work in his name.
The Moderator of the Free Churches Group says
The Lord give you hope and happiness, that you may inspire all your people in the imitation of his unchanging love.
The General Secretary of Churches Together in England says
The Lord grant that wisdom and knowledge be the stability of your times, and the fear of the Lord your treasure.
The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster says
May God pour upon you the richness of his grace, bless you and 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 says
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
All sit. The choir sings
O LORD, grant the king a long life, that his years may endure throughout all generations. Let him dwell before thee for ever. O prepare thy loving mercy and faithfulness that they may preserve him. So shall we alway sing and praise thy name. Amen.
Thomas Weelkes (c 1576–1623) The Book of Common Prayer 1559
THE ENTHRONING AND THE HOMAGE
The King is enthroned, escorted by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and Bishops Assistant, surrounded by Great Officers of State. The Archbishop of Canterbury says
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 Archbishop kneels before The King and says
I, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, will be faithful and true, and faith and truth I 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 Prince of Wales kneels before The King and says 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.
All stand. The Archbishop says
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 respond
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 sounded, after which the Archbishop says
God save The King.
All respond
God save King Charles.
Long live King Charles.
May The King live for ever.
All sit. The choir, together with Roderick Williams OBE, sings
BE strong, and show thy worth: keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.
Confortare after 1 Kings 2: 1–3
Henry Walford Davies (1869–1941)
composed for the Coronation of George VI (1937)
arranged by John Rutter
THE CORONATION OF THE QUEEN
The Archbishop of Canterbury anoints The Queen and says
Be your head anointed with holy oil.
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 Queen’s Ring is brought from the Altar by the Keeper of the Jewel House. The Queen touches the Ring. The Archbishop says
RECEIVE this Ring, a symbol of royal dignity and a sign of the covenant sworn this day.
The Crown is brought from the Altar. The Queen is crowned by the Archbishop, who says
AY 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 Queen’s Sceptre and Rod are brought from the Altar by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable the Lord Chartres GCVO and The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin CD MBE, Bishop of Dover. The Queen touches them in turn. The Archbishop says
RECEIVE the Royal Sceptre. Receive 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.
The Queen is enthroned, escorted by the Archbishops and Bishops Assistant
The choir sings
MAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord for he hath done marvellous things. And his holy arm hath gotten him the victory. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. O make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth. Make a loud noise; rejoice and sing his praise. Let the sea roar, the world and they that dwell within. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth. Rejoice and sing his praise. For he cometh to judge the earth. And with righteousness shall he judge the world and the people with equity. O make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the Lord with the harp and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord the King.
Andrew Lloyd Webber (b 1948) after Psalm 98
composed for this service
All stand to sing the Hymn. The King offers bread and wine which are placed upon the Altar. Their Majesties move through the Chapel of St Edward to the Chairs of Estate
CHRIST is made the sure foundation,
and the precious corner-stone,
who, the two walls underlying,
bound in each, binds both in one,
holy Sion’s help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
All that dedicated city,
dearly loved by God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody,
God the One, in threefold glory,
singing everlastingly.
To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness,
hear thy people as they pray;
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls for ay.
Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they supplicate to gain;
here to have and hold for ever,
those good things their prayers obtain,
and hereafter, in thy glory,
with thy blessèd ones to reign.
Laud and honour to the Father;
laud and honour to the Son,
laud and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run. Amen.
Westminster Abbey Angularis fundamentum 7th–8th century
Henry Purcell translated by John Mason Neale (1818–66)
arranged by James O’Donnell (b 1961)
Organist Emeritus, Organist of Westminster Abbey 2000–22
All remain standing. The Archbishop says
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 Lord be with you.
And with thy Spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
It is meet and right so to do.
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 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,
The choir sings Sanctus
HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
Roxanna Panufnik (b 1968)
composed for this service
The Archbishop continues
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.
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 Archbishop introduces the Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:
All sit or kneel
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.
The choir sings Agnus Dei, during which Their Majesties receive Holy Communion
O LAMB of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy
upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.
Tarik O’Regan (b 1978)
composed for this service
The Archbishop says
Let us pray.
All stand. The Archbishop says the Post-Communion Prayer
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 Archbishop introduces the Blessing
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. Amen.
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.
The choir sings Amen. Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625)
Organist of Westminster Abbey (1623–25)
All sing the Hymn, during which Their Majesties move to the Chapel of St Edward
PRAISE, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who like me his praise should sing?
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise the everlasting King.
Praise him for his grace and favour
to our fathers in distress;
praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise him! Praise him!
glorious in his faithfulness.
Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him! Praise him!
widely as his mercy flows.
Angels, help us to adore him;
ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him;
dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
Praise, my soul Henry Lyte (1793–1847)
John Goss (1800–80) after Psalm 103
arranged by Christopher Robinson
All sit. The choir sings the Anthem
THE King shall rejoice in thy strength O Lord. Exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation. Thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
William Boyce (1711–79) Psalm 21: 1, 3
composed for the Coronation of George III (1761)
The choir sings Te Deum laudamus
WE praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship thee, the Father everlasting.
To thee all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the powers therein.
To thee cherubin and seraphin continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee.
The noble army of martyrs praise thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee:
the Father of an infinite majesty;
thine honourable, true and only Son;
also the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
Thou art the King of glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man,
thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.
When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,
thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that thou shalt come to be our judge.
We therefore pray thee, help thy servants,
whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save thy people and bless thine heritage.
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify thee;
and we worship thy name, ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, as our trust is in thee.
O Lord, in thee have I trusted; let me never be confounded.
William Walton
composed for the Coronation of Elizabeth II (1953)
arranged by John Rutter
A fanfare sounds, and all stand to sing the National Anthem
GOD save our gracious King,
long live our noble King,
God save The King!
Send him victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us,
God save The King!
Thy choicest gifts in store
on him be pleased to pour,
long may he reign:
May he defend our laws,
and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice
God save The King!
from Thesaurus Musicus c 1743 anonymous and William Hickson (1803–70)
arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895–1984)
The service ends with the PROCESSION OF THE KING AND THE QUEEN