King Charles III Officially Takes His Oath During Coronation: Details
A new monarch. King Charles III officially took his oath during the royal coronation ceremony on Saturday, May 6.
“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 former Prince of Wales, 74, said as he knelt before the altar and offered a prayer.
He continued: "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."
The entire nation watched as Charles was crowned the king of England following Queen Elizabeth II's passing. Royal family members including Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, Princess Anne and Prince Edward were in the audience as Charles took part in the long-standing practice.
Meghan Markle, meanwhile, was not in attendance after Buckingham Palace confirmed her absence ahead of the ceremony.
The service, which took place at Westminster Abbey, comes six months after Elizabeth's funeral. Charles' coronation is the 40th to have occurred at the royal church since the practice first started in 1066.
The former Prince of Wales originally assumed his place as sovereign with an ascension ceremony immediately after his mother's passing at age 96 in September 2022.
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” he wrote in a statement. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
Charles continued: “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Elizabeth was previously the longest-reigning British monarch in history with 70 years on the throne. Meanwhile, Charles became the longest-serving heir apparent as a result of his mother's legacy. He was also the first child to witness his mother’s coronation as sovereign in June 1953.
Following the queen's death, Charles reflected on his mother's impact during his ascension ceremony
“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion,” he told the Ascension Council during the September 2022 ceremony. “Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”
At the time, Charles discussed his plans to follow in Elizabeth's footsteps, adding, “In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called upon to be, and in the discharge of these duties, I will be guided by the council of their elected parliaments."
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