The nation will be urged to join in a rousing coronation homage to the new monarch, chanting in unison: “May The King live for ever.”
Religious leaders behind this Saturday’s event say TV audiences here and around the Commonwealth can join the 2,000 in Westminster Abbey to swear allegiance in an “Homage of the People”.
Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, said it hoped the change would result in “a great cry around the nation, and around the world, of support for the King”.
It replaces the traditional Homage of Peers, in which a long line of hereditary peers would kneel and make their pledge in person.
Prince William will also have a starring role, reciting the vow made by Prince Philip to the late Queen at her coronation in 1953. The two-hour ceremony will be seen by millions around the world for the first time and is set to be the most inclusive and diverse ever.
In a collection of firsts, traditional languages of the four home nations of the UK will form part of the service.
And in a ceremony designed to reflect his deep belief in promoting unity, the King has also invited leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist groups to deliver a greeting in unison, which he will acknowledge.
In another unique moment Charles, 74, will pray aloud in the Abbey, issuing a “Called to Serve” pledge to devote his reign to the people.
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He will speak the words directly to 14-year-old Samuel Strachan, who will be the sole person to greet him in the name of the “King of Kings” – a reference to Jesus Christ. In response Charles will tell him: “In His name, and after His example, I come not to be served, but to serve.” Samuel is the longest-serving chorister of the Chapel Royal Choir at St James’s Palace.
In the new Homage, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will call upon “all persons of goodwill” to make homage “in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all”. The order of service then invites “all who so desire” to say together: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law.” After the Archbishop declares “God save The King”, wellwishers will be urged to follow with: “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May The King live for ever.”
A spokesman for the Archbishop said: “The Homage is particularly exciting because that’s brand new.
“It’s something we can share in because of technological advances, so not just the people in the Abbey, but people online, [watching] on television, and who are gathered in parks, at big screens and churches.”
Camilla, 75, will wear a brand new Robe of Estate, embroidered in gold with bees, a beetle and flowers to draw on themes of nature.
And in a streamlined Homage of Royal Blood, Prince William will vow to be his father’s “liege man of life and limb” – but in a break from tradition the Dukes of Sussex and York will not join in the pledge.
