What is the order of service for King Charles’ coronation?

THE coronation will see the crowning of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey.

The complete order of service, published by the Church of England, reveals the songs and music chosen for the occasion, along with the words for the prayers, anointing and crowning.

What is the order of service for King Charles' coronation?

King Charles's coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The service will begin at 11am with the entrance of King Charles and Queen Camilla into Westminster Abbey, with family members following behind.

The order of service is as follows:

• Procession into Westminster Abbey
• Procession of the King and Queen; I Was Glad by Hubert Parry
• Greeting the King; a moment of silent prayer; coronation greeting and introduction
• Paul Mealor’s Kyrie Eleison
• The Recognition
• Presentation of the Bible
• The Oath; Prevent Us, O Lord by William Byrd
• The King’s Prayer
• Gloria: Mass for Four Voices by William Byrd
• The Collect
• The Epistle from Colossians 1: 9-17
• Debbie Wiseman’s Sung Alleluia from Psalm 47:1-2
• The Gospel from Luke 4:16-21
• Debbie Wiseman’s Sung Alleluia from Psalm 47:6-7
• The Sermon by the Archbishop of Canterbury
• Veni Creator sung
• Thanksgiving for the Holy Oil
• The Anointing; Handel’s Zadok the Priest
• The Presentation of Regalia
• The Spurs
• Psalm 71 during Exchange of Swords
• The Sword
• The Armills
• The Robe and Stole Royal
• The Orb
• The Ring
• The Glove
• The Sceptre and Rod
• The Crowning
• Fanfare; Strauss's Wiener Philharmoniker
• The Blessing
• Weelkes Anthem
• Enthroning The King
• Giving homage
• Anthem: Confortare by Walford-Daviesm
• The Coronation of The Queen; The Ring; The crowning; The Rod & Sceptre
• Enthroning The Queen; Andrew Lloyd Webber Coronation Anthem
• Offertory Hymn: Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation,
• Prayers
• Sanctus by Roxanna Panufnik
• Prayers
• The Lord's Prayer
• Agnus Dei by Tarik O’Regan; Holy Communion is received by The King & Queen
• Prayer after communion;
• Final blessing
• Hymn: Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven by Gibbons
• Anthem by Boyce
• Te Deum by Walton
• The national anthem
• The King’s Outward Procession & Organ Voluntaries; Elgar and Parry marches
• The King receives greetings

What hymns will be sung at King Charles' coronation?

King Charles has commissioned twelve new music pieces for his coronation, including six orchestral, five choral and one organ.

However, there is only one hymn to be sung by the whole congregation - Praise My Soul, The King Of Heaven.

This hymn was a favourite of The Queen and was sung at her wedding to Prince Philip.

Other than that, there is an offertory hymn, Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation, which will be sung by the choirs.

The traditional Christian hymn Veni Creator will also be sung by a choir.

The Palace has said the coronation music blends “tradition, heritage and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King’s life-long love and support of music and the arts”.

What readings will be taken at King Charles' coronation and who are the readers?

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will read the Epistle.

Lambeth Palace said: "The Archbishop of Canterbury has selected a new Epistle for this Coronation, which will be Colossians 1:9-17.

"This passage has been chosen to reflect the theme of service to others, and the loving rule of Christ over all people and all things, which runs through this Coronation Liturgy.

"Following recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions - as Head of the host Nation's government - this will be read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak."

The Gospel reading is from Luke 4:16-21, and will be given by Dame Sarah Mullally.

She is the Bishop of London.

Who will lead the coronation service?

The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Portal Welby.

Welby was announced as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury in February 2013.

He succeeded Dr Rowan Williams who retired at the end of December 2012.

Notably, during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, he conducted the wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in May 2018.

The Dean of Westminster, Reverend Dr David Hoyle, and the Lord Great Chamberlain will also participate in the service