King Charles coronation: Aussies asked to swear allegiance to king out loud

Australians have been called upon to cry out inside their homes during King Charles’ coronation, a request that hasn’t gone down too well.

As preparations for the King’s coronation enters its final week, some Australians have found themselves in a state of dismay after learning about a historical request the Archbishop of Canterbury will deliver at the service.

Unlike Queen Elizabeth’s coronation 70 years ago, King Charles III’s coronation service will take a more modernised approach when it kicks off at 11am BST (8pm AEST) on May 6.

New details suggest traditions will be broken with a number of historical firsts set to take place, including a multilingual prayer and the presence of a female clergy and bishops who will appear alongside Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Justin Welby.

The welcome changes were made to pay respect to King Charles’ strong belief in encouraging unity between faiths, with the act of hereditary peers kneeling before touching the monarch’s crown and kissing his cheek to “pay homage” also scrapped.

The King’s coronation includes some historical changes to traditions. Picture: Ben Stansall / POOL / AFP

But as most embrace the changes made to the two-hour ceremony, it’s what’s replaced the latter tradition that has left some Australians scratching their heads.

In an act some are labelling as absurd as the King’s controversial broad bean and tarragon coronation quiche, a new homage written to hear “a chorus of millions of voices” has turned into an ensemble of “hell-nahs”.

The Office of the Archbishop in London announced the new “people’s homage” will enable coronation viewers worldwide to participate in a “solemn and joyful” moment from the comfort of their homes.

As highlighted in the coronation’s liturgy, Archbishop Welby will invite those who wish to pay homage to contribute in the “Homage of the People”.

The invite will extend to both those living in the United Kingdom as well as those in countries that are “within the Abbey” who are listening and watching broadcasts of the coronation.

“I 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,” Archbishop Welby will say.

The homage will be read from the coronation Bible by Archbishop Welby. Picture: Daniel LEAL / AFP

In response, those paying homage are expected 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.”

A fanfare will be played before Archbishop Welby says “God Save the King”.

A chorus of “God save King Charles, long live King Charles, may the King live forever,” will echo out around the globe in return.

But the humble change hasn’t been taken so lightly by some Australians who have screwed their nose up at the idea of crying out and pledging allegiance, with some taking to social media to voice their outrage.

Not even the moderate number of Seinfeld, Gordon Ramsay and Adele gifs used to shun the act, could outdo the need for some Twitter users to colour the move in profanity.

“Oh my god who cares about the King, I will not be doing this LMAO,” one baffled Sydneysider tweeted.

“Yeah nah to the coronation. Time for an Australian republic,” another tweet read.

A third tweeted: “I’m sorry you have to be absolutely f**king kidding me”.

“Cry out and swear allegiance to King Charles from wherever I won’t be watching the coronation? What a load of nonsense.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will lead the homage. Picture: Daniel LEAL / AFP

Meanwhile a couple of other Australians offered an ultimatum, suggesting they’d only engage in the homage if they received a public holiday in return.

“Give me a public holiday for it and I promise that I’ll do it,” one tweet read.

While the idea has floated around parliament discussions in some states, at this stage there’s been no Australia-wide announcement suggesting a public holiday will come into effect.

Rather, it looks like Australian royal enthusiasts will be devouring coronation quiche leftovers at work the next day.

Originally published as King Charles coronation: Aussies asked to swear allegiance to king out loud