Coronation of a King

 Coronation of a King

The Coronation of King Charles III is something that I haven't seen the likes of in my lifetime as it was in June 1953 when Queen Elizabeth was crowned. On our Preparation Day we paused to witness (some of) the events. 

We took advantage of the QR Code that came up on the TV screen that allowed us to download the official order of service. But oh my, it was a long service.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, placed the 360 year old crown on the King's head.


Two years ago, Tina, I and our children, Allison, Stephen, and Michelle, were able to tour Westminster Abbey where almost every coronation since 1296 has taken place. It had special meaning to know of our own familial roots - King Edward III, King Edward II, King Edward I, King Henry III, King John....and others being crowned in Westminster. King Edward I being buried there. Within the chair upon which monarchs have been crowned is the Stone of Destiny or the Stone of Scone.

King Edward I is my 18th Great Grandfather, and in 1296 he took the stone as spoils of The First Scottish War of Independence. It was removed to Westminster Abbey where it was fitted to the Coronation Chair or King Edward's Chair, on which most subsequent English and then British sovereigns have been crowned. 

Canadian Connection to the Stone

Recognizing the potential for damage to the stone, during WWII, the stone was removed and temporarily stored at Gloucester Cathedral. Only the Dean and a few others knew of its presence there. Fearing that if all who knew could be killed, three maps were drawn up. Two of the maps were sent to Canada - one to the Canadian Prime Minister, William King, and the other to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. 

Back to Scotland

In 1950 students from University of Glasgow stole the stone back. Once the London Police were informed of its whereabouts, the stone was returned to Westminster four months after its removal.

In 1996, the British Government announced that the stone would be returned, 700 years after it was taken. An agreement was reached that Scotland would retain ownership of the stone but that at future coronations the stone would be returned - which it was for King Charles III's coronation. Its home since being repatriated was at Edinburgh Castle, alongside the crown jewels of Scotland but will locate to its new home in Perth City Hall in 2024.

While many may not support the notion of a monarchy, or may find that it is unnecessary - no one can deny that most felt that the May 6 coronation of King Charles III unified a nation and brought people together. The coronation ceremony itself is a religious ceremony, with references to the gospels, and to the King of Kings who came to serve and not be served. These principles were repeated in the Archbishop's sermon. It was a good reminder for all of us to hear His call to serve others.


I hope no one is offended by a little history, not really in the vein of our missionary focus. I wasn't sure if I'd publish anything about it or not, hence this blog follows a week after the event. In the end, I felt it was more positive than not. We'll follow this up with a more typical post.

Elder Eric & Sister Tina McMurray
Scotland-Ireland Mission

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