Homage of the People: Public asked to cry out in support of King at coronation

Millions watching the coronation around the world are to be asked to cry out and swear allegiance to the King, with the public given an active role in the ancient ceremony for the first time in history.

King Charles III's coronation has been modernised to include the first ever Homage of the People.

Lambeth Palace said it was hoped the significant change to the historic service will result in a "great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King" from those watching on television, online or gathered in the open air at big screens.

The change replaces the traditional Homage of Peers in which a long line of hereditary peers knelt and made a pledge to the monarch in person.

The liturgy - words and actions of the coronation service - have been revealed, following a decision made in close consultation with the King, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the government.

The new Homage of the People was introduced to allow "a chorus of millions of voices" to be "enabled for the first time in history to participate in this solemn and joyful moment", Lambeth Palace said.

The Archbishop will call upon "all persons of goodwill in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and the Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all".

The order of service will read: "All who so desire, in the Abbey, and elsewhere, say together:

"All: I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God."

The playing of fanfare will shortly follow, before the Archbishop then proclaims "God Save The King", with all asked to respond: "God Save King Charles. Long Live King Charles. May The King live for ever."

A spokesman for Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop's office, said: "The Homage of the People is particularly exciting because that's brand new.

"That's something that we can share in because of technological advances, so not just the people in the Abbey, but people who are online, on television, who are listening, and who are gathered in parks, at big screens and churches.

"Our hope is at that point, when the Archbishop invites people to join in, that people wherever they are, if they're watching at home on their own, watching the telly, will say it out loud - this sense of a great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King."

The words printed in the service are for "everyone to share in", the spokesperson said.

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