Prince William's Key Role at Coronation Revealed — How the Heir Will Pay Homage to Father King CharlesPeople, Apr 30, 2023
The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the British throne, will step forward at Westminster Abbey on May 6 and pledge his loyalty and allegiance to the King during the historic ceremony.
Soon after King Charles is crowned midway through the ceremony, Prince William, 40, will kneel before King Charles, 74, and place his hands between the hands of the King and say: "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."
Prince William — who celebrated his 12th wedding anniversary with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales on Saturday — is the only royal who will pay his respects in this way in the service.
Prince William will also appear during the coronation service as the Stole Royal (from an ancient Greek word meaning "scarf") and the Robe Royal are brought to the King. William will assist the Baroness Merron and bishops in putting the robe on King Charles.
The liturgy also sees another distinct break from the past, with the Archbishop, the Most Rev. and Right Honorable Justin Welby, inviting people around the U.K. watching or listening to the ceremony to join in a Homage of the People. That role would traditionally have been done by hereditary dukes and earls at Westminster Abbey.
The Church of England says this is a "new and significant moment in the tradition of the Coronation . . . As never before has the general public been offered such an opportunity to join with national figures in declaring their allegiance to the Sovereign."
The new vow says, "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God."
Prince George, Prince William's eldest son who is second in the line of succession, will also play a special role in his grandfather's coronation. The 9-year-old royal will serve as a Page of Honor to King Charles at the crowning ceremony.
George's participation at the coronation will make history — according to The Telegraph, Prince George will become the youngest future king to play an official role at a coronation.
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