The coronation of a monarch is a momentous occasion. It is the inauguration of a new reign and the renewal of the contract between the king and the country. Britain has not seen such an occasion within the living memory of most of us.
One element of the service is prescribed by law: King Charles makes a solemn oath to govern the people of his kingdom according to their laws and customs. But there is more to it than that: a coronation makes the monarch an anointed king. Many parts of the service evoke elements of the nation’s history, such as the oath to uphold the Protestant succession. Other parts emphasise what is new, such as the commitment of the Church to “seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely”. This combination of old and new, continuity and modernity, is characteristic of the genius of the British monarchy, especially under King Charles.
There is one part of the Coronation service, however, which seems to reflect the King’s conception of his office. A young chorister from the Chapel Royal welcomes him “in the name of the King of Kings”. And the King’s reply is that “in his name, I come not to be served but to serve”. The commitment to the service of the nation is at the heart of the King’s role.
Devotion to duty
The reign with which we are all familiar is that of the late Queen, whose devotion to duty was very much of her generation as well as her character. King Charles faces different challenges. His reign necessarily will be much shorter than hers but it can still be an expression of his personality and principles. He has had a long apprenticeship for this role: he knows the nation, and we know him.
There is, as recent polls have shown, real support for the monarchy, qualified by a desire to see it adapt to contemporary circumstances. In fact, the King has already shown that he is responsive to these concerns. His longstanding commitment to protecting the natural environment is a point of connection with young people. The Prince’s Trust, which has changed the lives of thousands, is another respect in which he has shown practical commitment to engaging with the young, especially those who lack training and skills. His respect and understanding for other faiths will be an asset in an increasingly diverse society.
The monarchy represents Britain’s soft power abroad but is, more importantly, a point of unity in a nation which is often divided. There is much goodwill towards Charles at his coronation and it is likely to grow over time, given sensitivity and hard work on his part. He could bear in mind the late Queen’s dictum that she needed to be seen to be believed. One of the great strengths of monarchy is that it conveys a reassuring element of continuity, whatever the turbulence of our politics.
The grandeur and pomp of the Coronation — which makes it such an enjoyable and uplifting spectacle — is an affirmation of the institution as well as of the man. It remains, for all the changes in contemporary Britain, in good heart. King Charles will be a devoted, conscientious monarch. We salute him. Vivat Rex! Long live the King!
