Millions of people will be invited to swear ‘true allegiance’ to King Charles during his coronation on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey, according to Daily Mail. This groundbreaking event will ask every UK citizen and those from other nations with the monarch as head of state to pledge their homage, making it a ‘People’s Coronation.’ Historically, only aristocracy members were called upon to make such a pledge.
The “Homage of the People” is a notable update to the ancient ritual, which will now feature other religious faiths alongside the Church of England, as well as female clergy members for the first time. The late Queen’s influence will be apparent during the two-hour ceremony, which will include a tribute to the King’s late father, Prince Philip.
Breaking centuries of tradition, the Homage of the People will replace the “homage of the peers,” with the Archbishop of Canterbury calling on those in Westminster Abbey and watching on television to pledge their allegiance. Only Prince William, Charles’s heir, will now offer homage.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith expressed excitement at this radical and inclusive change, deeming it very fitting for the 21st century. The coronation will balance tradition with adaptation to current conditions, according to constitutional expert Sir Vernon Bogdanor.
Approximately 150 million people across the UK and Commonwealth will be invited to pledge their allegiance during the homage.
