Pledging allegiance to the King from home is voluntary, says Lambeth Palace after backlash
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Lambeth Palace has defended the decision to ask members of the public to pledge allegiance to the King following a backlash on social media.
In a significant break with tradition, the King has scrapped the act of hereditary peers kneeling to “pay homage” before touching the crown and kissing the monarch’s right cheek.
Instead, he has introduced a “Homage of the People” that will allow “a chorus of a million voices” to participate for the first time by joining the congregation at Westminster Abbey in declaring their allegiance to the King.
But the idea – which was intended to make the ceremony “less elitist” by widening participation to those who wanted to get involved – was branded “offensive” and “tone deaf” by critics.
Members of the public on social media likened the notion to “something out of Nineteen Eighty-Four” and branded it a “clumsy” attempt to whip up excitement about the new monarch.
A Lambeth Palace source said it was “very much an invitation rather than an expectation or request”.
They said it was considered a “very simple” way of allowing members of the public to participate should they wish.
“For those who do want to take part, some will want to say all the words of the homage; some might just want to say “God Save the King” at the end; others might just want to say it to be a moment of private reflection,” said the source.
“We live in a wonderfully diverse society with many different perspectives and beliefs, and it’s quite right that people decide for themselves how they relate to this moment.
“Much like the National Anthem, it’s for people to join in if that feels right for them.
“For those who may wish to join in, we hope it’s a moment of joy and celebration – both in the Abbey, and in homes around the country and beyond.”
The innovation was previously hailed as an “exciting new development” that will allow those watching on television or gathered in parks, at big screens and churches, the chance to affirm the new King.
The liturgy for the May 6 ceremony was released by Lambeth Palace on Saturday night. It was produced “in close consultation” with the King and the Government and reflects the many changes to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
The two-hour ceremony will feature a series of new additions that reflect the King’s deep belief in promoting unity between different faiths and communities.
Photo A sewing machinist holds up an official coronation emblem flag at Flagmakers in Chesterfield, Britain. Flagmakers was founded in 1837 to produced banners for trade unions, eventually expanding into making signaling flags for the Royal Navy. Their flags are made by hand, including the Royal Coronation range to commemorate the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III, and are displayed by historic buildings, emergency services and high end retail outlets. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN
