The coronation of King Charles III takes place on May 6. To commemorate the historic occasion, we’re taking a look at what the Daily Herald published for past United Kingdom coronations that occurred in the newspaper’s long reign.
Below is an excerpt from an article published by the Daily Herald on June 22, 1911 in recognition of the coronation of King George V.
NOTHING MARS GREAT EVENT
Multitude Shouts Itself Hoarse as King and Queen Travel To and From Historic Westminster Abbey
CORONATION CEREMONY FORMS SCENE OF MEDIEVAL SPLENDOR
LONDON, June 22. – “Be strong and of good courage, observe the commandments of God, and walk in His holy way. Fight the good fight by faith and lay hold on eternal life that in this world you may be crowned with success and honor and when you have finished your course receive a crown of righteousness which God, the righteous Judge, shall give you in that day.”
With these impressive words spoken by the Archbishop of Canterbury there was brought to a close in Westminster Abbey today the ceremony of coronation – the final symbolic rites with which George V [becomes] by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the seas, king, defenders of the faith, emperor of India.
“God Save King George!” rang forth from seven thousand throats within the historic abbey. The trumpets sounded the themes-of St. Margaret pealed the great guns of the Tower of London boomed distantly down the river, and the waiting crowds outside took up the acclaim boisterously.
Start from the Palace
The seething feverish metropolis lay down to sleep last night tense with expectancy of the morrow. Before dawn this morning the city was astir from center to circumference. The throbbing of the sunrise guns at the Tower and in Hyde park armory found the streets filled with excited chattering crowds on their way to the Mall and other localities wherever a glimpse could be expected of the day’s pageantry. Buckingham palace, naturally, was the principal center of interest in the early part of the day, as it was the starting point of the great pageant. The scene in the vicinity of the palace was most [animated.] Streets were filled, windows were filled and the roofs of the surrounding buildings were filled with spectators. As the hour appointed for the departure of the royal procession approached the excitement became intense. The appearance of their majesties state coach at the gateway was the signal for a roar of cheers that could be heard blocks away.
A Gorgeous Pageant
The foreign royalties came in for much notice from the crowds and the duke of Connaught. Lord Kitchaner and other notables were cheered but it was not until the king’s procession came along that there was any great show of enthusiasm. Their majesties rode in the familiar state coach of white and gold, drawn by sixteen cream-colored horses with grooms and outriders in scarlet livery. The king acknowledged the salutations of his subjects in a rather perfunctory manner as though his mind was occupied with thoughts of the solemn ceremonies to come, but the Queen bowed and smiled constantly. The procession wended its way through The Mall, Whitehall, Parliament street, and other brilliantly decorated thoroughfares. Every square foot along the route had been utilized for the accommodation of the spectators. Many American parties occupied desirable windows and stands. The Canadians too, were much in evidence and special provision was made for their accommodation by the government. Three thousand were accommodated in the immediate vicinity of the abbey, while others were gathered at the offices of the Canadian government, and at the headquarters of the Dominion agents and railways. The progress of the royal cortege through the densely packed streets was a continued triumph, which reached its climax on the arrival at the Abbey, where there was a scene of unparalleled enthusiasm which did not cease until their majesties disappeared inside the edifice.
The Scene in the Abbey
Entering the abbey from the western portal their majesties were confronted by a scene of great splendor. The entire scheme of decorative arrangements within the noble edifice had been carried out harmoniously, and even the stands did not seem out of place. Nave, choir and transepts had been embellished for the occasion. The gold brocade and blue cut velvet hangings and facings of the galleries were in excellent taste, while that wonderful royal blue Arminster carpet, with its woven designs of the rose shamrock and thistle, deserved all the praise it has received as a thing of beauty. A peculiarly beautiful effect was presented by the king’s and queen’s boxes, comprising half a dozen rows of chairs in white satin, relieved only by the crimson of the seats. To the dazzling scenes of lights and glitter and brilliant color the old gray arches of the abbey lent their stately perspective.
…
The Enthronization
The service in the abbey commenced with the reconsecration of the regalia. The procession of the clergy with regalia then proceeded from the altar to the annex, all present standing up and the choir singing a hymn. The archbishop of Canterbury took his seat in front of the coronation chair, and Lord [Loreburb], the lord high chancellor, seated himself by his side. Several minutes later the king and queen came in sight of those gathered about the throne. Preceding their majesties came the gorgeous coronation procession. Officers of the orders of knighthood and heralds were followed by the standard bearers, officers of the household, the lord mayor of London, the gentleman usher of the black rod, the high constables, lords in waiting, and numerous other functionaries clad in rich and varied costumes and many of them, bearing parts of the regalia to be used in the coronation ceremony.
Ceremony of Coronation
Not a jot of formality was omitted in the elaborate ceremonies of the coronation, which followed closely the forms used at the crowning of Edward VII. The various steps, which followed in the order named, included the litany, the communion, the sermon, the taking of the oath, the anointing, the presentations, the investing with the royal robe and the putting on of the crown, the presentation of the Holy Bible, the benediction and the enthronization. Among the most picturesque features were the presentations to the king of the Bible, the swords of state, justice and mercy; the spurs, the orb, and the scepter.
The litany was sung by two bishops vested in [copes,] singing as they knelt at a [faldstool.] Then came the sermon, which occupied but a few minutes. At the beginning of the sermon, the king, who up to this time had been uncovered, put on his crimson velvet cap. The coronation oath was then administered. Following came the anointing and the prayers and the investment with the royal robes, the presenting of the spurs and sword and [girding] and oblation of the sword, the delivery of the symbolic orb, and the wedding of the king to the state with the jeweled ring with all magnificence and stateliness. In conclusion, the archbishop of Canterbury slowly, solemnly, and with great reverence placed the golden crown encrusted with its precious gems upon the head of King George the Fifth while the people with one voice shouted “God Save the King.”
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