The King was then enthroned by the Archbishops, with the Archbishop of Canterbury praying: “Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity, which is yours by the authority of Almighty God. May that same God, whose throne endures for ever, establish your throne in righteousness, that it may stand fast for evermore.” The King then handed the Sceptres to the Bishops of Durham and Bath and Wells who gave them to the Officers of State.
The Archbishop knelt before The King and, touching the Robe Royal, lead the words of fealty saying: “I, Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, will be faithful and true, and faith and truth I will bear unto you, our Sovereign Lord, Defender of the Faith; and unto your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
The Prince of Wales stepped into the Theatre, knelt before his father The King and placing his hands between The King’s declared “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.” The Prince of Wales then stood, touched the Crown and kissed his father on the left cheek. The King responded “Thank you, William”.
The congregation stood and the Archbishop said: “I now invite those who wish to offer their support to do so, with a moment of private reflection, by joining in saying ‘God Save King Charles’ at the end or for those with the words before them to recite them in full.” The Archbishop then led the people in their Homage to The King, with all those in the Abbey saying: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
A fanfare was sounded, after which the Archbishop proclaimed loudly: “God Save The King.” Those in the Abbey responded: “God Save King Charles, Long Live King Charles, May The King live forever.” The Sceptres were then returned to The King.
The Choir together with Roderick Williams OBE sang the anthem ‘Confortare’, composed by Sir Walford Davies KCVO OBE for the Coronation of King George VI and arranged by John Rutter, based on words from 1 Kings 2:1-3.