King Charles III - Defender of the Faith

History of the Monarchy

Christianity has long been part of British history and of the monarchy, the accession and upcoming coronation of King Charles III are tied to deep traditions many of which are drawn from Christian faith. Traditionally Alfred the Great from the 9^th century is considered the first English King, though there is no official record of any coronation. King Edgar's coronation in 973 occurred in a Benedictine abbey, being anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, setting a precedent that every British monarch followed. In 1066 William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day in Westminster Abbey, a site with a link to Edward the Confessor. Apart from Henry III, all subsequent coronations occurred there.

Coronation and symbolism 

The coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 was marked by its public exposure via television, an approach the late Duke of Edinburgh was responsible for, though the moment of anointing was not televised. Forming part of the coronation were oaths she swore to "maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel". Such a public occasion saw not only an increase in the sales of televisions but, more importantly, a moment of Christian witness.

The ritual of anointing can find its origin in the prophet Samuel anointing David as King of Israel. This anointing demonstrates the covenant between God and the anointed.  In addition, swords are carried in front of the monarch as they enter Westminster Abbey, the Sword of Mercy and the Sword of Justice, representing God’s mercy in the gospel and God’s judgment.  The sceptre represents the rod of Moses; it is under the cross which signifies the importance of leading in righteousness. The orb was originally made for Charles II’s coronation in 1661, the cross above the globe represents Christ’s dominion.

The future

Among King Charles’s other titles are Defender of the Faith. In past interviews, he has caused controversy by expressing his desire to be a defender of faith, in a recent interview he said, “I mind about the inclusion of other people’s faiths and their freedom to worship in this country…while being Defender of the Faith, you can also be a protector of faiths.” Freedom to worship around the world is rare and unfortunately becoming more so; a country and its citizens should be free to choose, indeed God has given us this necessary free will to ultimately choose. The Sovereign forms the figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.  The King and the coronation service draw foundations from Christianity, setting an example and direction for the subjects of the realm. When we read the Bible, we face the particularity of Christian revelation through Jesus. In John 14:6 we find Jesus saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.  Christ came to divide and illuminate His path, a multi-faith approach with its notion of universalism and religious relativism would be a direct challenge to this; a challenge though, built on sand.

During the Coronation the Archbishop of Canterbury presented a King James Bible to King Charles, who will place his hand on it, taking the Coronation Oath. Archbishop Welby has said, “The Bible will be presented to His Majesty as a reminder that scripture is not just at the heart of the responsibilities he undertakes at the Coronation but at the heart of Christian life”.

The late Queen left this earth with a deep Christian faith; she expressed this profoundly in her service as Queen and Elizabeth. I pray that her son Charles will continue this legacy both personally and in his office as King and be led by the Holy Spirit to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Robbie Smith (P-9 DE Teacher, Jubilee Christian College)