What’s in the king’s royal regalia
This was my first time witnessing a coronation. If you were paying attention to the words of the liturgy as the clergy presented each piece of royal regalia to King Charles, you might have been in for a surprise. Behind all the pageantry, the Monarch’s royal regalia are soaked with rich religious and spiritual meaning. Prior to this, I had no idea of the spiritual purpose in each piece of the royal regalia; I was not even aware of what regalia were included.
THE CROWN JEWELS (pics here)
During the coronation ceremony, Charles III was clothed with the Colbium Sindonis, a sleeveless linen tunic symbolizing purity and simplicity. Adorned over this was the Supersonica — an embroidered gold coat worn over the linen tunic to symbolize that the King has been consecrated for the service of God.
Following his anointing (a holy act), he took his seat on the Coronation Chair, and one-by-one each crown jewel was brought to him for his acknowledgement. Each item had a noble significance in his ministry to God. As a Christian, I was pleasantly surprised as I listened to the liturgy (here).
The Spurs: symbols of honour and courage for the creation of knights for the defense of king and crown. It’s a reminder to be a brave advocate for those in need.
The Sword of Offering or Jewelled Sword symbolizes the word of God or sword of the Spirit. The power of the sword is used for the protection of good. It is a symbolic reminder to defend through advocacy, justice and mercy.
Bracelets (Armills) of sincerity and wisdom symbolizes God’s protection.
The Royal Robe and Stole symbolizes the robe of righteousness and the garment of salvation.
The Orb set under the cross symbolizes the kingdoms of this world has become the kingdoms of our Lord and Christ.
The Ring is a sign of the covenant between God and king, and king and people. It is a symbol of promise and commitment. It signifies an everlasting unbreakable bond. The King has a duty to God, and to the people. It also serves to remind the king of God’s unfailing love for him and the people.
The Glove is a demonstration of the Sovereign as advocate and challenger for the protection and honour of the people. A gloved hand reminds the chosen sovereign to hold power and authority with gentleness, grace and wisdom, while trusting not in one’s own power but in the mercy of God.
The Royal Sceptre with cross represents the ensign of kingly power and justice. It reminds the Sovereign that one’s temporal power and authority are to be wisely exercised for good governance.
The Rod of Equity and Mercy (Sceptre with Dove) symbolizes the Sovereign’s spiritual role. The dove with outspread wings represents the Holy Spirit and the Monarch’s pastoral care for the people; it is symbolic of covenant and peace.
The Crown surmounted with a cross, signifies kingly dignity and reminds us of God’s loving and costly sacrifice of God’s Son for us. It visibly symbolizes the anointed one, before God, is to serve the nation. It represents the King’s vocation before God, and is a reminder of the promises and vows he has made to the people.
The oil that was used to anoint the king was held in the ampulla (a bird-like item).
The titles of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III are more than Her/His Royal Highness. Royalty and nobility actually calls for saintly motives and spiritual/religious leadership because the British Sovereign is the secular Defender of the Christian Faith. The Monarch is the regent, or earthly representative, of the Sovereign King of heaven. The heavenly Sovereign is where our source of rights and freedoms flow from (blogpost here).
