How to make an easy King’s Coronation Quiche

Millions across the world are being asked to pledge allegiance to King Charles during the Coronation on Saturday in what will be the first time the public has had an active role in a ceremony dating back more than 1,000 years.

The “Homage of the People”, as it is called, is one of the Monarch’s modernised tweaks to the Coronation with Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office, hoping it will result in a “chorus of millions of voices”.

While Republican critics have described it as “an offensive and tone-deaf gesture that holds the people in contempt”, the “brand new” pledge has been described as a moment for “everyone to share”.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said he “hoped” others do swear the oath while pointing out that MPs “pledge allegiance” to the King when taking their seats.

Here, Express.co.uk takes a closer look at the pledge and what it entails.

What do you need to say to swear allegience?

During the service at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury will call upon “all persons of goodwill in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all”.

Then, the order of service will ask “all who so desire in the Abbey and elsewhere” to say the Homage of the People.

The congregation and those watching from around the world, whether that be online, on television, or in parks, will then make the following pledge:

“I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

There will then be a fanfare, after which the Most Reverend Justin Welby will say: “God Save The King”, with all asked to respond:

“God Save King Charles. Long Live King Charles. May The King live forever.”

What does pledging your allegiance mean?

A pledge of allegiance is traditionally accepted as a declaration of loyalty, but the Archbishop of Canterbury has been keen to point out that this oath “isn’t a command”, and is intended to serve as a uniting cry for anyone around the globe who wishes to participate.

He said it was intended to allow a “chorus of millions of voices” are being “enabled for the first time in history to participate in this solemn and joyful moment”, but added: “Anyone who would like to join in and feel a part of this, is welcome to do so. And if people don’t want to do so, that’s entirely up to them.”

Organisers hope that, by everyone joining together, there will be a “great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King”.

Those who do not wish to take part in the pledge or say all the words may wish to simply say “God Save the King” or use it as a moment of private reflection.

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What is the significance of the new oath?

The new pledge was created in a bid to make the ancient ceremony “less elitist” by broadening participation. It is replacing the Homage of the Peers where those who sit in the Lords having inherited titles such as Dukes, Earls, and Viscounts, kneel before touching the crown and kissing the Monarch’s cheek.

The new liturgy was created following a consultation with the Monarch himself, Justin Welby, the Archbishop, and the Government.

Lambeth Palace added that this part of the scaled-back service of 2,000 spectators at Westminster Abbey is particularly exciting because it’s “brand new”.

But the pledge caused controversy with critics such as Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay describing it as “somewhat outdated” and Richard Madeley calling it “embarrassing”.

Lambeth Palace was forced to clarify that the public is “invited” rather than “expected or requested” to take part in the oath with it taking part being up to individuals’ discretion, much like singing the national anthem.

Republic, an organisation that campaigns for the abolition of the Monarchy, said that by saying the oath, one was swearing allegiance to Charles and his heirs, including the disgraced Prince Andrew.

Spokesperson Graham Smith added: “In a democracy, it is the head of state who should swear allegiance to us. This is an offensive and tone-deaf gesture that holds the people in contempt… This kind of nonsense should have died with Elizabeth I, not outlived Elizabeth II.”

But Transport Secretary Mark Harper told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he would be taking part, noting that when Charles became King most MPs retook the oaths that we take to His Majesty, adding: “I am very happy to do that again.

“I think the Coronation is going to be a fantastic moment for the country, to bring the country together to unite around the Crown and I think a fantastic advertisement for our nation across the entire world with hundreds of dignitaries coming to the country. It is a big opportunity for Britain.”

The BBC coverage of the Coronation will begin on Saturday, May 6, at 7:30am with The Coronation of HM The King: The Coronation starting at 10:15am.

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