The 1953 Rite
I. The Preparation: The Ampulla filled with the Oil for the anointing and the Spoon, are laid upon the Altar on the morning before the service.
II. The Entrance into the Church: The Monarch enters as the choir sings Parry’s setting of Psalm 122. The arrival of the sovereign in their red robes has the double significance of their membership of the peerage and the robes of the martyr.
III. The Recognition: The King is presented to the congregation for their approval, a custom dating to the Saxon practice of election.
IV. The Oath: The King solemnly swears to uphold the rights and customs of his subjects, and to defend the Protestant religion and the Settlement of the Church of England. The oath also dates to the Saxon monarchy, reflecting the Monarch’s submission to the rule of law and role as defender of the Christian faith. V. The Presenting of the Holy Bible: The Bible is presented “to keep your Majesty ever mindful of the law and the Gospel of God”. VI. The Beginning of the Communion Service: Prayers are said and readings from the Bible given. Notably in 1953 the Gospel of Matthew
22: 15-22 “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” reminding the King of his duty to God.
VII. The Anointing: The Monarch is anointed on hands, breast and head with the chrism oil. The anointing of Solomon is recalled in the prayers. This is the moment that in 1953 was considered too holy to be filmed, and occurred behind a screen. VIII. The Presenting of the Spurs and Sword, and the Oblation of the said Sword: These items of Regalia, from a time when kingship meant leadership in battle, are hallowed and given a spiritual character, elevating its purpose above the power to destroy, and connecting it with justice, protection and restoration. IX. The Investing with the Armills, the Stole Royal and the Robe Royal: and the Delivery of the Orb: The monarch is dressed in the Imperial Robe, and then presented with the Orb, representing the rule over the world. X. The Investiture per Annulum, et per Sceptrum et
Baculum: The giving of the ring and the two Sceptres or Rod and Sceptre. The Ring is reminiscent of both marriage and the appurtenance of office of a Bishop, the twin Rods date from Saxon times and underline justice and mercy and divine rule.
XI. The Putting on of the Crown: This is the final investiture, the Crown sits on top of the balm of Chrismation; it is the shining and spectacular climax of the Sacring. It manifests the truth of the King’s rebirth. The jewels radiate the light of this new incarnation and blessing.
XII. The Benediction: The Archbishop blesses the newly crowned King and turns to the assembly and enjoins all to take care of God’s anointed servant.
XIII. The Inthroning: The monarch is seated upon the throne, representing the completion of his elevation, and reflecting the image of Christ enthroned in heaven.
XIV. The Homage: The lords Spiritual and Temporal swear allegiance to the King.
XV. The Communion: The eucharist is the central sacrament of the service, with the King, Queen and bishops alone receiving the host, further reflecting the parallels to a Bishop’s ordination.
XVI. Te Deum: An ancient canticle of special rejoicing which signals the union of heaven and earth in praising God.
XVII. The Recess: The King processes into St Edward’s chapel with the regalia, before departing the Abbey to the singing of the national anthem to be acclaimed by the crowds waiting outside.