Prince Williamis set to pay homage to his fatherKing Charlesat thecoronation.
The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the British throne, will step forward at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and pledge his loyalty and allegiance to the King during the historic ceremony.
Soon after King Charles is crowned midway through the ceremony,Prince William, 40, will kneel before King Charles, 74, and place his hands between the hands of the King and say: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
King Charles and Prince William.Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Royal/Instagram
Prince William — whocelebrated his 12th wedding anniversarywithKate Middleton, the Princess of Wales on Saturday — is the only royal who will pay his respects in this way in the service.
Prince Williamwill also appear during the coronation service as the Stole Royal (from an ancient Greek word meaning “scarf”) and the Robe Royal are brought to the King. William will assist the Baroness Merron and bishops in putting the robe on King Charles.
The Church of England says this is a “new and significant moment in the tradition of the Coronation . . . As never before has the general public been offered such an opportunity to join with national figures in declaring their allegiance to the Sovereign.”
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Camilla and Prince Charles.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty
In another remarkable departure from tradition, and underlining the different communities in modern Britain, the leaders of other faiths will greet Charles in unison as he leaves the service. The representatives from the Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist faiths will say, “As neighbors in faith, we acknowledge the value of public service. We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good.”
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles.Dominic Lipinski-WPA Pool/Getty Images
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The service will have other firsts, including a female bishop taking part in a coronation, and the traditional languages of the nations of the British Isles will also be used. There is a prayer in Welsh and a hymn, Veni Creator, which will be sung in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic.
Queen Camilla, Prince George and King Charles.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Prince George, Prince William’s eldest son who is second in the line of succession, will also play a special role in his grandfather’s coronation. The 9-year-old royal will serve as aPage of Honorto King Charles at the crowning ceremony.
George’s participation at the coronation willmake history— according toThe Telegraph, Prince George will become the youngest future king to play an official role at a coronation.
source: people.com
