The queen was covered with a canopy so people couldn't see as the archbishop dabbed oil on her face, chest and hands. This sacred moment was barred from the cameras. And as Solomon was anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, so be you anointed, blessed and consecrated Queen over the Peoples, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern.'

'This signals the conferment of God's grace upon a ruler,' according to David Torrance, who wrote a paper on coronations for the House of Commons' Library.įor Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, the archbishop anointed her with these words: 'Be thy head anointed with holy oil: as kings, priests, and prophets were anointed. 'This is where the Archbishop of Canterbury makes a cross with holy oil on the royal forehead and elsewhere on the body to show that the monarch has been chosen by God,' according to the Westminster Abbey website. Of all the coronation moments, Bruce said the anointing, or unction, is the most important. 'This is the only time that a monarch signs a written obligation to his or her people,' Bruce said. So help me God.' The king will then sign an oath, pledging to serve the people and rule according to law. King Charles will place his hand on the Holy Bible and say, 'The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. The Coronation Oathįor this part of the service the archbishop of Canterbury asks three questions to the monarch.

For the queen's coronation in 1953, the archbishop presented the queen to the east, south, west and north and each time people shouted 'God Save Queen Elizabeth!' with trumpets sounding after each recognition.

The archbishop of Canterbury is expected to proclaim King Charles 'the undoubted King' and call on the attendees to support him. (Universal History Archive via Getty) The Recognitionĭuring the recognition, the monarch is presented to his or her people. Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation at Westminster Abbey, in London, June 2,1953.

1066 and all that