King Charles’ coronation shake-up slammed by public: ‘It’s odd’

One of the most significant moments in King Charles’ coronation has earned the ire of his own people – with many dubbing the move “odd”.

King Charles’ controversial decision to ask the public to swear allegiance to him at the coronation has been dubbed “odd” and “tone deaf”.

For the first time in history, the office for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, invited the public to take part in the coronation service on May 6, calling on millions of citizens across the Commonwealth to pledge an oath to the new monarch in a formality dubbed ‘Homage of the People’.

It has replaced the traditional ‘Homage of Peers’, where a line of hereditary peers would kneel and pledge allegiance in Westminster Abbey. The change was reportedly decided upon between Charles, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the UK government.

People watching the ceremony from their homes around the world have been asked to say the words: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law – so help me God.”

Republican groups were swift to hit out at the announcement at the weekend, with campaign group Republic calling it “an offensive and tone-deaf gesture that holds the people in contempt”.

But it’s not just anti-monarchists who are against the initiative.

So contentious has the decision been, Royal Central associate editor Lydia Starbuck told news.com.au that their coverage on the matter was dominating Prince Harry’s attendance.

“There’s been far more debate in the run-up about the ‘Homage of the People’ in the ceremony, this invitation to everyone to pay allegiance to the King if they want to, than on whether Harry will be there,” Starbuck said. “I think the historic nature of this one day has struck home in the last few weeks.”

As for locals, the homage request has raised eyebrows among people from all ages and demographics, who feel the sentiment contradicts the role of a sovereign.

Peter, 72, from London, said he didn’t “see the point” of the moment.

“I saw a comment in the press the other day that [said] surely it’s the wrong way around. They’re supposed to be servants of the people in democracy. And while I don’t completely hold that view, absolutely, I think there’s a grain of truth there,” he told news.com.au.

His wife Teresa, 70, agreed with the sentiment, and despite planning to watch the service on television, will not be taking part in the homage.

“It just seems a bit odd to me … watching my television, I’m not gonna be there making an oath to anybody,” she said.

“I mean, I’ll be a loyal subject, but I’m not going to participate in that.”

King Charles’ ‘Homage of the People’ has fallen flat among, well, the people. Picture: Isabel Infantes/AFP

Alex, 44, from Cambridge, intends to hit the procession route to witness the event in real time on Saturday, curious to observe the pomp, but admits he found the homage request “hilarious”.

“It’s like … Why would you do that? They’re a perfectly adequate head of state, but that’s it. I’m not going to pledge to them,” he said, laughing.

His friend Stuart, 34, agreed, but held no judgment for those who do decide to participate.

“I won’t be watching it, so I don’t know actually when I’m supposed to stand up and do it,” he said. “But people can do it if they want to. I’ve got no problem with it.”

As for those representing Gen Z – a demographic associated with waning royal interest – young retail workers Niamh and Olivia, both 21, thought the announcement was archaic.

“It’s silly, in this day and age. I’m just not into that at all. It’s fine if you want to do it, but not for me,” Niamh said.

Charles’ coronation shake-up was hit with backlash. Picture: Aaron Chown/AFP

Shortly after the announcement was hit with backlash on Sunday, a representative for Lambeth Palace – the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury – was compelled to clarify it was an “invitation”, not an order.

A spokesperson said the homage was an “exciting” change for an event so deeply rooted in history, “because that’s brand new”.

“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 statement added.