Coronation Oath Act 1688

• This gave her authority even over those areas of India which were not formally subject to British rule.
• To give this change of title a formal announcement in India, the British authorities staged what became the first of three durbars – ceremonial events held in the British Raj to formally proclaim the imperial title.
• The first coronation of a British monarch since 1953 comes at a time of reckoning for the monarchy, the royal family and the Commonwealth.
• George’s coronation in Westminster Abbey invested him with all his imperial titles, so what would be the impact of being “crowned” in India?

Coronation and the commonwealth

• The 1931 Statute of Westminster formalised the evolution of some former colonies into self-governing dominions within a British commonwealth.
• The coronation oath, a legal requirement dating back to the Coronation Oath Act of 1688, has been amended on various occasions, taking account of former colonies which have become republics.

Elements of empire

• Even the medieval roots of the coronation have elements of empire built into them.
• One item of the crown jewels is a stark reminder of empire – but it will notably be missing from the coronation ceremony.
• The controversy about the Koh-i-Noor will doubtless continue, but won’t intrude on this coronation ceremony.

A new-look guest list

• The biggest move away from imperial tradition has been in the compilation of the guest list.
• Charles III has departed from precedent by issuing invitations to monarchs from Europe and the Middle East, regardless of whether or not they had ties to the British empire.
• Some other heads of state are also attending, though the US will be represented by the first lady, Jill Biden, rather than the president.