The Coronation of King Charles III continues to be seven months away however controversy over the historic occasion is already constructing. From dodgy diamonds and a conflict together with his grandson’s birthday to a cut-down ceremony, CLAUDIA CONNELL gives a singular A-Z information to the pomp, pageantry . . . and barely potty issues we are able to count on at Westminster Abbey. 

Ampulla

In the course of the Coronation, Charles will likely be anointed with Holy Oil. However that is the King we’re speaking about, so he can’t simply be drizzled on like a lettuce leaf. As an alternative, the oil will likely be poured from a vessel known as the Ampulla (pictured). It’s within the form of a golden eagle designed in 1661 by royal goldsmith Sir Robert Vyner, the pinnacle is detachable and there’s a gap within the beak for pouring — a bit like one half of a really fancy, 400-year-old oil and vinegar set.

Ambergris

A gray, wax-like materials, ambergris is without doubt one of the components used within the anointing oil. It passes via the digestive methods of 1 per cent of the world’s sperm whales and is even rarer than a profitable Tory ‘mini-budget’.

Bowing

As a part of her crowning ceremony Camilla, the Queen Consort, is required to ‘bow in reverence’ to her husband. The concept of a girl, in 2023, having to bow to her husband is not going to go down properly with the woke brigade, who’ll most likely must go on a course afterwards. However, from Camilla’s perspective, it’s most likely simpler than placating him over a leaky pen.

Tub

The very first coronation recorded wasn’t held in London in any respect — however in Tub — the place King Edgar was topped in 973.

Ought to Charles have chosen to recreate this ritual for outdated time’s sake, he would have acquired the blessing of the true Queen of Tub, Mary Berry — a local of town —who’d little question have been delighted to whip up a number of cream horns and French fancies for the occasion afterwards.

Civet Cats

In addition to ambergris, the anointing oil additionally incorporates a substance from the glands of civet cats. Animal rights campaigners say the endangered African cats (pictured) are sometimes saved in appalling circumstances and that the extraction course of is merciless — crueller than conventional royal pastimes corresponding to stalking deer and blasting pheasants and partridges with a shotgun. They’ve known as for Charles to omit the civet oil from the recipe — would eight out of ten members of the general public agree?

In addition to ambergris, the anointing oil additionally incorporates a substance from the glands of civet cats. Animal rights campaigners say the endangered African cats (pictured) are sometimes saved in appalling circumstances and that the extraction course of is merciless

Duke of Norfolk

Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, the lately knighted Duke of Norfolk, is the person who gained plaudits for his organisation of the Queen’s funeral. In his position as Earl Marshal, he’ll additionally oversee the King’s Coronation . . . and sure rack up a document Uber invoice within the course of.

The Duke acquired a six-month driving ban final month after leaping a pink mild and utilizing his telephone on the wheel. Price £100 million, his claims of ‘distinctive hardship’ if he misplaced his licence weren’t accepted by the magistrates.

Edward’s Crown

The crowning with the St Edward’s Crown (valued at £4.5 million) would be the centrepiece of the Coronation. Many monarchs, together with Victoria, have refused to put on it resulting from its hefty 5lb weight. However a 22-carat gold crown (pictured) adorned in 440 valuable and semi-precious stones, was all the time going to be a little bit of a headache.

The crowning with the St Edward’s Crown (valued at £4.5 million) would be the centrepiece of the Coronation. Many monarchs, together with Victoria, have refused to put on it resulting from its hefty 5lb weight. However a 22-carat gold crown (pictured) adorned in 440 valuable and semi-precious stones, was all the time going to be a little bit of a headache

Enthronement

After the crowning, the monarch is ‘lifted’ onto the throne by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in addition to different bishops and friends. In actuality it’s extra of a agency manhandling than a carry, so don’t count on to see the King’s toes dangling mid-air, Ann Widdecombe ‘Strictly’ model.

Fourth Finger

Typically known as ‘the nation’s marriage ceremony ring’, the Sovereign ring (pictured proper), that includes diamonds, sapphire and rubies is positioned on the fourth or ring finger of the proper hand of the monarch as a logo of ‘kingly dignity’. There wasn’t a lot dignity for poor Queen Victoria, whose specifically designed ring was mistakenly made for her little finger. The Archbishop needed to power it onto her fourth finger, which she described as ‘very painful’. Let’s hope the makers of Charles’ ring take his ‘sausage fingers’ into consideration.

Typically known as ‘the nation’s marriage ceremony ring’, the Sovereign ring (pictured proper), that includes diamonds, sapphire and rubies is positioned on the fourth or ring finger of the proper hand of the monarch as a logo of ‘kingly dignity’

Goutdated Ingots

One of many historic traditions the King is claimed to have scrapped is the presentation of gold ingots. These wedges, weighing a pound, have beforehand been offered to the monarch after which displayed on the altar of Westminster Abbey. However there’s a priority it might be in unhealthy style — a bit like a supply of a plastic bag of money.

Visitor checklist

Whereas 8,000 attended the Queen’s coronation, solely 2,000 are anticipated on the King’s. The short-term seating platforms erected in 1953 would by no means get previous well being and security at present. Not like the Queen’s mendacity in state, there’s no alternative for queue leaping.

Whereas 8,000 attended the Queen’s coronation, solely 2,000 are anticipated on the King’s. Pictured on the State Opening of Parliament in 2019

Heels

The golden spurs — nothing to do with soccer groups — have been a part of the Coronation regalia since 1139 and the times of Richard the Lionheart. Historically the spurs have been fixed to the brand new sovereign’s toes however because the Restoration they’ve simply been offered and held on the heels of the sovereign — like a really regal model of shoe procuring.

Hour-long

Will the previously three-hour ceremony actually be lower to the size of the typical washer cycle? Phrase is the King desires it drastically shortened, that means no Portaloos will likely be wanted.

Ivory

Simply wait till William clocks a number of the regalia. As a passionate anti-ivory campaigner, he’ll little question be horrified on the sight of Camilla’s Queen Consort sceptre — an ivory rod topped by a dove, made for James II’s spouse Mary in 1685. Then there’s Westminster Abbey’s Ivory Cross, carved from a tusk offered in 1924 by emperor Haile Selassie.

Certainly the equal of a 20-something going via their dad and mom’ LP assortment, and discovering a Gary Glitter ‘biggest hits’ LP.

The Coronation Regalia is housed within the Jewel Home, a safe vault inside the Tower of London, which is cleared out on the morning of the ceremony when the jewels are taken to the Abbey

Jewel Home

The Coronation Regalia is housed within the Jewel Home, a safe vault inside the Tower of London, which is cleared out on the morning of the ceremony when the jewels are taken to the Abbey. On the finish of the Coronation, Charles will put on the Imperial State Crown, fabricated from gold, silver and platinum and bearing 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires and 11 emeralds. As he processes out, he’ll be carrying the Sceptre with the Cross, which incorporates the 530-carat Cullinan diamond, and the hole gold Sovereign’s Orb.

Camilla was anticipated to be topped with the Queen Mom’s Crown, which options this 105 carat diamond, one of many largest on the earth. Nonetheless, India, the place the stone (pictured) originated, in addition to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, have all laid declare to it

Okayoh-I-Noor

Camilla was anticipated to be topped with the Queen Mom’s Crown, which options this 105 carat diamond, one of many largest on the earth. Nonetheless, India, the place the stone (pictured) originated, in addition to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, have all laid declare to it. Nevertheless it seems as if diplomatically, Camilla will go for a much less controversial headpiece.

King Edward chair

Excessive-backed, Gothic and horribly uncomfortable, the Coronation Chair was made round 1300 for King Edward I and it’s the place King Charles will sit when he’s topped. Look carefully and also you’ll see it’s coated in graffiti. One vacationer scratched ‘P Abbott slept on this chair 5-6 July 1800’ — the Banksy of the Georgian period maybe?

Excessive-backed, Gothic and horribly uncomfortable, the Coronation Chair was made round 1300 for King Edward I and it’s the place King Charles will sit when he’s topped

Liber Regalis

Latin for ‘the royal e-book’, it offers particulars of the order of ceremonies from the 14th century till Elizabeth I. Due to the Liber Regalis we all know that kings was publicly bathed, carrying nothing however a pair of socks — the form of factor we save for Love Island these days.

Linen tunic

In the course of the ceremony the King will don a plain white linen tunic known as the colobium sindonis, Latin for ‘shroud tunic’. That is to exhibit purity earlier than God and present the monarch has eschewed worldly self-importance . . . earlier than dressing in a gold gown and driving away in a golden carriage.

Music

It’s anticipated the King will need to deal with British composers, that means Bridal March of the Birds from Parry’s The Birds of Aristophanes could possibly be a contender. However the Three Levels, of whom Charles is a fan, are unlikely to make the lower.

Medal

Coronation medals are anticipated to be awarded as private mementos to members of the Royal Household, Armed Forces, authorities officers, mayors and public servants. Anticipated to be constituted of silver on the Royal Mint, the medals (Elizabeth II’s is pictured beneath) are more likely to function a topped effigy of Charles on one aspect and his new royal cypher — that includes an intertwined C, R and III — on the reverse. Look forward to finding them on eBay from Might 7.

Coronation medals are anticipated to be awarded as private mementos to members of the Royal Household, Armed Forces, authorities officers, mayors and public servants. Anticipated to be constituted of silver on the Royal Mint, the medals (Elizabeth II’s is pictured beneath) are more likely to function a topped effigy of Charles on one aspect and his new royal cypher

Nathan the Prophet

Maybe not probably the most acquainted of prophets however subsequent Might he’s going to be name-checked by the Archbishop of Canterbury in entrance of tens of millions of TV viewers around the globe. In the course of the anointing of the King, the Archbishop will recall ‘as Solomon was anointed King by Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet.’

Oil

We all know in regards to the sperm whale wax and the African cat oil, however what else goes into the Holy Oil that the King will likely be anointed with? Fortunately the remainder of the components are much less controversial. Primarily based on the recipe utilized by Charles II, it’s a mix of olive oil, rose, jasmine, orange flowers, cinnamon musk and benzoin.

Portrait

It’s conventional for brand spanking new monarchs to sit down for official pictures within the Image Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait was taken by royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton. It’s not recognized who will take the brand new King’s {photograph}, but when they actually wished to save cash he might go for a selfie.

Queen Consort

It’s not all in regards to the King — Camilla will even be topped Queen subsequent Might alongside her husband, anointed with Holy Oil instantly after the homage a part of the King’s ceremony. The Queen’s Ring will likely be place on her finger and he or she’ll put on a specifically commissioned white Coronation Robe.

It’s not all in regards to the King — Camilla will even be topped Queen subsequent Might alongside her husband, anointed with Holy Oil instantly after the homage a part of the King’s ceremony

Robes

If he sticks with custom, Charles could have extra costume adjustments than Kylie. He’ll begin within the Gown of State — often known as the Parliament Gown — which has an extended, crimson velvet practice adorned with delicate gold lace.

In the course of the investiture, he places on the spectacular sounding Supertunica (his mom, proper, pictured in hers), an extended flowing coat of golden silk with expansive sleeves, adorned with the nationwide symbols of the UK and fixed with a gold buckle that includes roses, thistles and shamrocks. On prime of this, Charles will put on the Royal Gown, donned in the meanwhile of crowning and embroidered with nationwide symbols in silver thread. Lastly, Charles will retreat to St Edward’s Chapel, take away the earlier robes and placed on the Imperial Gown, a 6.5-metre purple silk velvet gown, with a lustrous ermine cape.

In the course of the investiture, he places on the spectacular sounding Supertunica (his mom, proper, pictured in hers), an extended flowing coat of golden silk with expansive sleeves, adorned with the nationwide symbols of the UK and fixed with a gold buckle that includes roses, thistles and shamrocks

Stone of Future

It appears like one thing out of Sport Of Thrones, and to the untrained eye it might resemble a lump of concrete, however this huge, buff-coloured sandstone (pictured) performs a key half in coronations. It was used within the inauguration of Scottish kings for years, till it was seized by Edward I and constructed into the King Edward Chair. It was returned to the Scots in 1996 however they allow us to borrow it for particular events.

It appears like one thing out of Sport Of Thrones, and to the untrained eye it might resemble a lump of concrete, however this huge, buff-coloured sandstone (pictured) performs a key half in coronations

Tower of London

Having had most of its jewels cleaned out for the day, the Tower of London will rejoice the crowning of the brand new king with a 62-gun salute: 21 to mark the royal event, 20 for the Tower as a Royal Palace and 21 for the Metropolis of London.

Uh oh! It’s Archie’s Birthday

It wouldn’t be a royal event with out some Duke and Duchess of Sussex controversy. The Coronation will happen on the fourth birthday of their son Archie (pictured with Meghan). Did the Palace overlook? Will or not it’s taken as a snub by the Sussexes? It’s too early to know if Harry and Meghan will attend but when they don’t fancy it then ‘sorry, we’ll be too busy ordering workers to explode balloons,’ is the proper excuse.

It wouldn’t be a royal event with out some Duke and Duchess of Sussex controversy. The Coronation will happen on the fourth birthday of their son Archie (pictured with Meghan)

Vivat!

The primary commoners to acclaim the newly topped sovereign would be the students of Westminster College (though with charges of round £32k a yr they gained’t be that frequent.) Because the crown is positioned on the King’s head they may cry ‘Vivat Rex’, (Latin for ‘lengthy dwell the king’) thrice.

William

As the primary grownup inheritor to the throne to attend a Coronation in three generations, the Prince of Wales could have a distinguished position within the ceremony. It’s possible he would be the King’s liege man and pledge allegiance to the monarch, simply because the Duke of Edinburgh did to the Queen in 1953.

Witan

The primary stage of the ceremony — the popularity — dates again to the traditional procedures of the Witan, the supreme council of England in Anglo-Saxon instances. Which means ‘sensible males’, the Witan elected and authorized the brand new king — and removed him if he didn’t measure up.

X marks the spot

When the King is anointed with Holy Oil he’ll be formally given the Royal X Issue. A cross will likely be traced in oil on his fingers, head and coronary heart.

Yeomen Warders

The Yeoman Warders, generally often called Beefeaters, will kind a vibrant guard of honour contained in the annexe of the Abbey on Coronation Avenue.

Zoroastrianism

As King, Charles is ‘defender of the religion’ however in line with his needs to modernise and diversify the monarchy, he needs to embrace all religions.

He’s stated to have a particular affinity for Zoroastrianism, an Iranian faith based mostly on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster. Malcom Deboo represented the Zoroastrian neighborhood on the Queen’s funeral and should have a extra distinguished position within the King’s Coronation.

• Further reporting: Sarah Rainey