The Coronation of King Charles was truly a ceremony our generation will not forget. It was filled with pomp and pageantry, and also with religious and spiritual meaning. Our generation lacks knowledge of our Christian heritage; thus it does us well to be reminded of the religious and spiritual meaning behind a Sovereign’s coronation.
In Westminster Abbey, music filled the atmosphere with praise and worship of God to emblazen this majestic occasion forward. The musicians were set in the background, and the choir in the foreground. The priests' and clergy's central role in the coronation ceremony pointed to a religious ceremony, which helps remind the nations of Christianity at Sovereign's core. The clergy's role in the actual coronation was clearly a biblical enactment of the Old Testament's coronation of Israel's King Solomon. (Read liturgy here)
The act of anointing King Charles was absolutely significant. It was a holy act central in the coronation ceremony that is unclear to most people. This was a representation of a holy act in the Old Testament under which King Solomon was anointed by the priest Zadok. It was interesting to see King Charles had his stately robes removed in order to be anointed with holy oil by the priest. Screens shielded the King’s anointing from public view in order to make this a private moment. It was fitting to have the hymn “Zadok the Priest” (by Handel).
After the Coronation, the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace was also phenomenal…and the execution--truly perfection. The crowds were filled with excitement and pride.
The parade arrived at the lawn of Buckingham where 4,000 troops gave a royal salute to the King and Queen. The Sergeant Major gave the orders to remove headdress, and together, the troops rang out three loud resounding cheers while lifting their headdress: “Hip hip horray! Hip hip horray!”
Whether as civilian or military, one would have been moved by this act of unity and loyalty. It expressed a verbal and visible sign of unity, strength and loyalty to the newly coronated King. I watched this a second time on the screen and couldn't help but be moved again... almost to tears. Three cheers to the Crown: "Hip hip horray!"
As the crowds moved toward the front of the palace, the King and Queen stepped out onto the balcony. King Charles and Queen Camilla and the people were able to connect. This was a truly significant moment. It was important for the Royal family to acknowledge and connect with the people. You could clearly see in the faces of the people as men, women and children were filled with excitement. This for me was also very moving.
As the people walked toward Buckingham Palace, there was a sense of excitement in the air. The people came to celebrate their coronated King. Yes the mall packed with people was truly a sight in itself to behold. This represented to me, an acceptance of the King and Queen of England. They expressed joy and pride in their new king.
The Royal Air Force approached Buckingham Palace with six sets of helicopter fly-bys, followed by jets with streaks of red, white and blue. Stupendously executed by the Royal Air Force.
All in all...truly a fantastic day for Britain and the British Commonwealth. The people were happy. The nation was filled with pride and joy. The Commonwealth has now been crowned with a new regent of the Sovereign.
What more is there to say? Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!
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