The Archbishop of Canterbury has been “scrupulous” in ensuring all faiths will be respected at the King’s coronation service.
However, there will be “nothing that offends” in the ceremony, Justin Welby said, when it comes to Christian worship. He also noted today’s society is “very different” compared with 1953, when Elizabeth II was crowned.
The King has been actively involved with the planning, the archbishop said, and had “helped shape the service” of the coronation.
Mr Welby will conduct the service at Westminster Abbey during which he will anoint and crown the King.
The coronation takes place on 6 May, in less than three weeks’ time, and many details about the service are still unknown.
It is not clear how other faiths will be involved, but their presence in the abbey is a notable addition – the Queen’s coronation in 1953 did not feature any other faiths.
“We have been scrupulous about making sure that other faith leaders and Christians are respected in their own beliefs without a compromised mixture,” Mr Welby said. “So there is nothing that offends against Christian worship.”
He also spoke about the King’s personal preparation for this religious service. He said he had been supporting the monarch “in every way we can”.
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He talked about the King’s “profound faith” and “intense depth of knowledge” about the service.
The Archbishop of Canterbury said he hopes the King can “focus on the moment”, and leaves the abbey “full of joy”.
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“With intense depth of knowledge he has helped shape the service with comments and questions and he is very, very well prepared,” he said.
The archbishop also revealed that a gold leaf bible will be used for the coronation service.
