Coronation Glossary: all the words you need to know for King Charles' big day

The important gubbins
Liber Regalis
Liber Regalis
Coronation
Coronation
Monarchy
Monarchy
Oath
Oath
Commonwealth
Commonwealth
Queen Consort
Queen Consort
Anointing
Anointing
Ampulla
Ampulla
Coronation Spoon
Coronation Spoon
Regalia
Regalia
The Sovereign's Orb
The Sovereign's Orb
The Sovereign's Sceptre
The Sovereign's Sceptre
St Edward's Crown
St Edward's Crown
Coronation Chair
Coronation Chair
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Golden State Coach
Diamond Jubilee State Coach
Coronation Chicken
Coronation Chicken
Pomp
Pomp
The important gubbins

There are many strange items, descriptions and words in the air when talking about a sacred coronation of a monarch. King Charles is due to be crowned on 6th May... but do you know all the correct terms as well as the names and meanings of the objects used in the ceremony? Let's see if you can pass the little quiz.

Liber Regalis

A 'royal book' that is ornately decorated. At 34 pages long, what is the purpose of the 'liber regalis'?

Liber Regalis

The book is the go-to for King Charles for the event. It is a 34 page set of instructions to tell you what you need to know for a coronation ceremony. It has been around since 1377 and instructed many past Kings and Queens.

Coronation

Of course, we all know this is the moment a crown is put on a monarch's head (gently, though - they are heavy). But the ceremony isn't just about the physical crowning - what else is its purpose?

Coronation

As well as having the crown bestowed upon his head, King Charles will also go through the process of being given 'regal power'. The ceremony is sacred and not just physical - but spiritual also.

Monarchy

A state with a monarch (king or queen) at its head. However, did you know there are two types of monarchies? What type of monarchy does King Charles run?

Monarchy

You have a constitutional monarchy where power is limited by a constitution; or you have the absolute monarchy, meaning the monarch has complete power. The British monarch is constitutional - the sovereign is head of the state but there is an elected parliament.

Oath

Words uttered and promised by the new monarch. But what does he/she promise to do?

Oath

The new monarch promises to uphold the Church of England. Did you know... Roman Catholics are barred by law to take the throne of England?

Commonwealth

1 in 3 people in the world live in a Commonwealth country - with the British sovereign head of its state. But what is the commonwealth and how many countries are part of it?

Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a collection of 54 countries from around the world. In the past, many of these nations were part of the British Empire.

Queen Consort

The new title for Camilla: Queen - but not quite Queen? What exactly does 'Queen Consort' mean?

Queen Consort

The Queen Consort is literally 'the wife of the reigning monarch'. Women can only become Queen by birthright but the Queen Consort does still get official 'Queenly' status and is crowned.

Anointing

As well as being crowned, the monarch is also anointed. The public are not permitted to watch this part of the coronation, so what actually happens?

Anointing

This scared moment in the coronation is when the Archbishop places holy oil on to the head, heart and hands of the monarch.

Ampulla

A strange looking, yet incredibly ornate eagle shaped oil flask. Can you guess what it is for?

Ampulla

Of course, it is for carrying the holy oil that is used for anointing the monarch at the secret, sacred moment of the coronation.

Coronation Spoon

Also used in the anointing, many are unsure as to why the shape is so particular - it is possibly due to the fact that the anointing was with two fingers. It is the oldest item to be used in the coronation, do you know how old it is?

Coronation Spoon

Incredibly, the coronation spoon is the only item to survive the civil war and dates back to the 12th century.

Regalia

These are the sacred objects used during the ceremony but what do they symbolise?

Regalia

The objects symbolise the temporal (worldly) as well as the spiritual posers and duties of the monarch.

The Sovereign's Orb

A golden globe surmounted by a cross - it may look heavy but it is actually hollow! What does it symbolise?

The Sovereign's Orb

The orb reminds the monarch the the 'whole world is subject to the power and Empire of Christ the redeemer'.

The Sovereign's Sceptre

Again, the object symbolises the power of God. However, there is something way more precious about this item than the golden orb, do you know what it is?

The Sovereign's Sceptre

The sceptre holds the largest clear cut diamond in the world. It is named the Cullinan I diamond and comes in at 530.2 carats (106g).

St Edward's Crown

Used on the Late Queen Elizabeth II's coat of arms, the image of this crown is famous worldwide. Charles will be the oldest person ever to have worn this crown - so why did the Queen not wear it in her later years?

St Edward's Crown

Believe it or not, this $57 million crown is only used to physically crown the new King or Queen during the coronation ceremony. It is not used before or after at any other time in the monarch's reign (perhaps due to its impressive weight).

In the photo the crown being prepared for King George VI's coronation in 1937

Coronation Chair

This is a special kind of throne that has been used at every coronation for the last 700 years - it has an interesting and controversial story behind it, though. Have you heard of the Stone of Scone?

Coronation Chair

The Coronation Stone – also known as the Stone of Scone or Stone of Destiny – is an ancient symbol of Scottish sovereignty and was stolen by the English. Only in 1996, the then-British prime minister, John Major, announced the stone would be returned to Scotland on the proviso that it would be brought back to Westminster for use in further coronations.

Westminster Abbey

The site for coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066. It is also a site popular with weddings. The tombs are filled with some surprising names, however; do you know who is buried at the Abbey?

Westminster Abbey

Elizabeth I is interred at Westminster as well as Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens and Stephen Hawking. An array of names and professions for sure.

Golden State Coach

This has been used at every coronation since 1812. Charles and Camilla will travel in the coach immediately after they have been crowned but it isn't all that comfortable. Queen Elizabeth II described travelling in the carriage 'horrible'. So the pair will travel to the ceremony in a different coach altogether - do you know which one?

Diamond Jubilee State Coach

That's right, they will travel to the ceremony in the lighter and more modern Diamond Jubilee State Coach (it is said it even has aircon).

Coronation Chicken

It isn't a coronation without coronation chicken. It was invented for the Late Queen Elizabeth II's lunch at Buckingham Palace for her coronation and was published in magazines so everyone could enjoy it. But what is it?

Coronation Chicken

It is cold, cooked chicken in a creamy and spicy sauce (normally with a good dab of curry powder, onions and sultanas). You commonly put it in sandwiches or on salads.

Pomp

Now that we have come to the end of the list of important words, we have to say we are really looking forward to seeing the 'pomp' and circumstance surrounding the event. But, finally, what does 'pomp' even mean?

Pomp

A words used to describe royal events meaning 'a show of magnificence'. With King Charles' slimming down of the monarchy and tighter budget, we still feel he will pull out all the stops and give the public a jolly good show.

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