“I swear I will pay true allegiance…” Public to participate in Coronation

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#UnitedKingdom, May 5, 2023 – This Saturday millions will be invited to swear allegiance to British monarch King Charles III via a first ever addition to the Coronation agenda called “The Homage of the People”.

Usually this pledge (previously called “the Homage of Peers”), was only taken by aristocrats (in times past), and more recently peers of the monarch being crowned.

Representatives say that the move to include the viewing public in the ceremony was an effort to take advantage of technological advancements. Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was the first ever televised, in the 71 years since, there have been several inventions that have changed the trajectory of the world and connectivity. Those include, the internet (1983), the cell phone (1973), portable computers (1981), and live streaming (early 1990s).

It means residents can see everything in live and living color and participate in real time, from pretty much anywhere there is internet service.

In the traditional call and answer type ceremony favoured by Anglicans, the public will be asked to repeat among other lines: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law – so help me God.”