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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Dominic Picksley & Kieran Isgin

Identity of King Charles III's Coronation 'Grim Reaper' finally solved

King Charles' Coronation had a high number of historic and memorable moments.

However, one shadowy figure caused a stir on social media and was dubbed the 'Grim Reaper'. During the televised ceremony, the cloaked figure was spotted shifting beneath the rood screen of the abbey while holding what appeared to be a long staff.

Theories began spiralling over who the figure actually was, with some jokingly saying it was Meghan Markle or the spirit of Princess Diana. However, the truth has finally been revealed and may not be as exciting as many would expect, the Mirror reports.

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Westminster Abbey were approached about who the figure actually was and it seems it was just a regular verger going about their daily business. A verger is a member of the abbey community who helps with religious services while not being an actual member of the clergy.

They can sometimes be spotted carrying a rod before a bishop or dean to symbolise their office. A recent job advert for a verger at Ripon Catherdral described the role's main duties as 'ensuring effective communication’, ‘assisting with the effective management of all events, liturgical and secular in the Cathedral, ‘with the proper care, preparation and maintenance of all items used in services’, as well as many more tasks.

So there you have it, the Grim Reaper did not make an unwelcomed appearance at the King's Coronation and was simply a very excitable misunderstanding.

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