Today, Saturday 6th May the Coronation will take place.
It is based on a solemn religious ceremony which has remained largely unchanged for more than 1000 years. For the past 900 years, the ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey, and is conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
King Charles III will be crowned, and then in a similar, but simpler ceremony at the same service, the Queen Consort will also be crowned.
From 6th to 8th May Coronation Big Lunches will be held up and down the UK, and also across the Commonwealth.
On Sunday 7th May a Coronation Concert will be held at Windsor Castle, with iconic locations across the UK lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.
On Monday 8th May there is a special Bank Holiday, giving everyone the opportunity to join in with their communities and good causes through Big Help-Out activities. (More details at: https://thebighelpout.org.uk).
PP
Coronation Prayer 2023
Almighty God, On the occasion of the crowning of King Charles III, we, the people, pray for him.
We thank you for him and for the calling on his life and we recognise the weight of responsibility that puts upon him. We know that he will need your help, Lord. We know that he will face many challenges, as did his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
We ask, that, as he is anointed with oil, you will anoint him with your Holy Spirit, so that he will know in his heart, as his mother knew, that Jesus is alive and able to help him fulfil his unique vocation.
We pray that in all the days he serves as King, he will be aware that first and foremost he serves you, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May his reign be one of wisdom, vision, and integrity, inspired by your Kingdom values.
May your name be honoured and glorified throughout this land, Lord, as we pray, God save the King!
By Daphne Kitching
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall leave after attending the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd in Cardiff. Picture date: Thursday October 14, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Senedd. Photo credit: Jacob King/PA Wire