Coronation 2023: Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ advice for King Charles

The legendary singer and songwriter has released a new single with a message for King Charles ahead of his crowning.

Legendary singer songwriter Yusuf/Cat Stevens hopes King Charles III could give democracy a shot in the arm might be beyond the royal remit.

The British singer songwriter released a new single King of a Land ahead of this weekend’s Coronation.

The song follows the 10-point A Manifesto For A Good King he shared with the world last week.

“While politicians bicker and scrum in the basement quarters, somebody upstairs should be watching where those political party goers are taking us. Frankly, democracy needs a bit of dusting,” Yusuf said in a statement.

“One of the privileges of being an artist is to express what seems unimaginable, and then hang it up there for people to ponder; we can say things that others can’t.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens. Picture: Aminah Yusuf

“Sure, I know full well music can’t necessarily solve the world’s problems, but it can help to direct the narrative. There are a few aspirations in my song, King of a Land, that I hope resonate with His Majesty.”

The lyrics suggest the pressing social injustices the song’s “King” would fix against the backdrop of his faith.

“The major message of the song – and this applies to all those in positions of leadership – is, don’t forget that there’s One above you, and be careful to look out for those who are below you,” he said.

The aspirational lyrics include “If I was a king of a land, I’d free every woman and man … If I ran the schools of this world … If I had a mountain of gold.”

The 74-year-old artist has worked for the last decade on his new album, also called King of the Land, which will be released on June 16.

The album is perfectly timed for his first-ever gig, the Sunday Tea-Time Legends Performance, at the famed Glastonbury Festival in the UK on June 25.

As well as showcasing his new songs, the legendary songwriter will draw from his six decades including fan favourites such as Moonshadow, Wild World and Peace Train.

Last week, Yusuf/Cat Stevens also shared a 10-point Manifesto for a Good King, which included the advice King Charles should “beware of negative people in your circle”.

His other suggestions were for the British monarch to “listen to constructive criticism” and “don’t show favouritism”.

The cover for the album King of a Land. Picture: Supplied

HUGE CHANGE TO CORONATION TRADITION

Australians and millions of others watching the Coronation all around the world will be invited to speak up and pledge allegiance to the King, with the public given an active role in the ancient ceremony for the first time in history.

Dubbed the “Chant For Charles” by UK tabloids, but officially called the Homage of the People, the oath is one of two firsts revealed yesterday as part of the modernisation of the traditional service.

The other is the inclusion of non-Christian peers and faith community leaders, who for the first time will play an active role in the coronation of a monarch, taking part at key moments inside Westminster Abbey.

The coronation ceremony of Britain's King Charles III and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, will take place at Westminster Abbey, in London, on May 6, 2023. Picture: AFP

They will include representatives from the Jewish, Sunni and Shia Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Baha'i and Zoroastrian communities.

The change is aimed at recognising Britain’s modern society, which has been transformed since the late Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953.

King Charles, a committed Anglican Christian, has for many years sought to highlight and celebrate the diversity within the UK and views his role as protector of all faiths, not just the Church of England.

That church’s leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, helped the King and Government formulate the wording for the Homage of the People.

His office, Lambeth Palace, said it was hoped the significant and “exciting” change will result in a “great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King” from those watching “this solemn and joyful moment” on TV, online or on big screens outside.

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

At a specific point in the service, the public – wherever they are – will be invited to say: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

It will be followed by the playing of a fanfare.

The Archbishop will then proclaim “God Save the King”, with all asked to respond: “God Save King Charles. Long Live King Charles. May The King live for ever.”

In another change, only the Prince of Wales will perform an oath-taking section of the service known as the Homage of Royal Blood – whereas in the past other dukes of royal blood would also take part, pledging to be the monarch’s “liegeman”.

The participation of just Prince William removes the need for the controversial Dukes of Sussex and York – Princes Harry and Andrew – to undertake this role. It will also help to reduce the length of the service, which is now two hours instead of around three as it was at the late Queen’s coronation.