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List of people involved in coronations of the British monarch facts for kids

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A coronation is a very special ceremony where a new king or queen is officially crowned. It's a huge event filled with history, traditions, and many important people who all have specific jobs to do. This list tells you about some of the key people who have played a part in British coronations over the centuries, from religious leaders to those carrying the precious crown jewels. Each person's role helps make the coronation a grand and meaningful occasion.

Contents

Important Church Leaders

The Main Clerics

These are the most important church leaders who lead the coronation ceremony. The Archbishop of Canterbury usually does the crowning.

Deans of Westminster Abbey

The Dean of Westminster is in charge of Westminster Abbey, where coronations happen. They play a special part in the ceremony.

Archbishops of York

The Archbishop of York is the second most senior bishop in the Church of England. They also have a role in the coronation.

Bishops Assisting the Monarch

These bishops help the monarch during the ceremony, often standing beside them.

  • 1685: Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Nathaniel Crew, 3rd Baron Crew, Bishop of Durham
  • 1689: Peter Mews, Bishop of Winchester, and Sir Jonathan Trelawny, 3rd Baronet, Bishop of Bristol
  • 1702: Nathaniel Crew, 3rd Baron Crew, Bishop of Durham, and Sir Jonathan Trelawny, 3rd Baronet, Bishop of Exeter
  • 1714: George Hooper, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Nathaniel Crew, 3rd Baron Crew, Bishop of Durham
  • 1727: John Wynne, Bishop of St Asaph, and William Talbot, Bishop of Durham
  • 1761: Lord James Beauclerk, Bishop of Hereford, and Richard Trevor, Bishop of Durham
  • 1821: George Pelham, Bishop of Lincoln (in the absence of Richard Beadon, Bishop of Bath and Wells), and Edward Legge, Bishop of Oxford (in the absence of Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham)
  • 1831: George Henry Law, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt, Archbishop of York (in the absence of William Van Mildert, Bishop of Durham)
  • 1838: George Henry Law, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Edward Maltby, Bishop of Durham
  • 1902: George Kennion, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Handley Moule, Bishop of Durham
  • 1911: George Kennion, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Handley Moule, Bishop of Durham
  • 1937: Basil Wynne Willson, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Hensley Henson, Bishop of Durham
  • 1953: Harold Bradfield, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Michael Ramsey, Bishop of Durham
  • 2023: Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham

Bishops Assisting the Consort

If the monarch has a consort (a king's wife or queen's husband), these bishops help them during their part of the ceremony.

  • 1685: Henry Compton, Bishop of London, and Peter Mews, Bishop of Winchester
  • 1689: None (William III and Mary II were co-monarchs)
  • 1702: None
  • 1714: None (Sophia of Celle was in imprisonment)
  • 1727: Richard Willis, Bishop of Winchester, and Edmund Gibson, Bishop of London
  • 1761: Thomas Hayter, Bishop of Norwich, and John Thomas, Bishop of Lincoln
  • 1821: None (Queen Caroline was forbidden to attend the coronation)
  • 1831: Charles Sumner, Bishop of Winchester, and Robert Carr, Bishop of Chichester
  • 1838: None
  • 1902: Francis Paget, Bishop of Oxford, and John Sheepshanks, Bishop of Norwich
  • 1911: Edward Carr Glyn, Bishop of Peterborough, and Francis Paget, Bishop of Oxford
  • 1937: Percy Herbert, Bishop of Blackburn, and Michael Furse, Bishop of St Albans
  • 1953: None
  • 2023: Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, and Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich

Standard Bearers

Standard bearers carry the flags or "standards" representing different parts of the United Kingdom or Commonwealth countries.

Australia's Standard Bearers

Canada's Standard Bearers

Ceylon's Standard Bearer

  • 1953: Sir Edwin Wijeyeratne

England's Standard Bearers

  • 1821: Rowland Hill, 1st Baron Hill
  • 1902: Frank Dymoke
  • 1911: Frank Dymoke
  • 1937: Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby
  • 1953: Edward Stanley, 18th Earl of Derby
  • 2023: Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster

Hanover's Standard Bearer

  • 1821: John Bourke, 4th Earl of Mayo

India's Standard Bearers

Ireland's Standard Bearers

New Zealand's Standard Bearers

  • 1911: William Plunket, 5th Baron Plunket
  • 1937: W. J. Jordan
  • 1953: Frederick Doidge
  • 2023: Hayden Smith

Pakistan's Standard Bearer

  • 1953: Mirza Abol Hassan Ispahani

Royal Standard Bearers

Scotland's Standard Bearers

South Africa's Standard Bearers

  • 1911: William Palmer, 2nd Earl of Selborne
  • 1937: Charles Theodore Te Water
  • 1953: Albertus Geyer

Union Standard Bearers

Wales's Standard Bearers

Royal Objects and Jewels

The coronation involves many special objects, known as the Crown Jewels. Different people are chosen to carry these important items.

Monarch's Regalia Bearers

These individuals carry the items specifically for the monarch.

Bearers of St Edward's Crown

This is the main crown used for the actual crowning moment. The person carrying it is also often the Lord High Steward of England.

Bearers of St Edward's Staff

This staff is a symbol of the monarch's power and guidance.

Bearers of the Golden Spurs

The golden spurs represent knighthood and chivalry.

Bearers of the Sceptre with the Cross

This sceptre represents the monarch's power and justice under God.

Bearers of the Sword of State

This large, decorated sword symbolizes the monarch's royal authority.

Bearers of the Pointed Sword of Justice to the Spirituality

This sword represents justice for the Church.

Bearers of the Pointed Sword of Justice to the Temporality

This sword represents justice for the people and laws of the land.

Bearers of the Sword of Mercy (Curtana)

This sword has a blunt tip, showing the monarch's mercy.

Bearers of the Jewelled Sword of Offering and Rings

These items are given to the monarch as part of the ceremony. The sword is richly decorated.

  • 1831: Thomas Mash
  • 1838: William Martins
  • 1902: Sir Henry Gough
  • 1911: Sir Hedworth Lambton
  • 1937: Sir Lionel Halsey
  • 1953: Alexander Hardinge, 2nd Baron Hardinge of Penshurst
  • 2023: Amy Taylor (Sword), Andrew Jackson (Sovereign's ring), Richard Chartres, Baron Chartres (Consort's ring), and Ara Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham (armills)

Bearers of the Sceptre with the Dove

This sceptre represents fairness and mercy, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Bearers of the Orb

The Orb is a golden globe topped with a cross, symbolizing the Christian world ruled by the monarch.

Consort's Regalia Bearers

These individuals carry the items for the monarch's consort.

Bearers of the Consort's Crown

This crown is used to crown the monarch's spouse.

Bearers of the Consort's Sceptre with the Cross

This sceptre is for the monarch's spouse.

  • 1685: John Manners, 9th Earl of Rutland
  • 1689: None (William III and Mary II were co-monarchs)
  • 1702: Not used for male consorts
  • 1714: None (Sophia of Celle was in imprisonment)
  • 1727: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland
  • 1761: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland
  • 1821: None (Queen Caroline was not permitted to attend the coronation)
  • 1831: George Child-Villiers, 5th Earl of Jersey
  • 1838: None
  • 1902: George Harris, 4th Baron Harris
  • 1911: Henry Beresford, 6th Marquess of Waterford
  • 1937: John Manners, 9th Duke of Rutland
  • 1953: Not used for male consorts
  • 2023: Sir Patrick Sanders

Bearers of the Ivory Rod with the Dove

This rod is another symbol for the consort, representing fairness.

Great Officers of State

These are very senior government officials who have traditional roles in the coronation.

Lord High Chancellors of Great Britain

The Lord High Chancellor is a senior government minister and judge.

Lord Presidents of the Council

This person leads the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the monarch.

Lord Privy Seals

The Lord Privy Seal is another senior government role, historically responsible for the monarch's personal seal.

Lord Great Chamberlains of England

This hereditary role involves managing the Palace of Westminster and assisting the monarch at coronations.

Lord High Constables of England

This is a very old and important military role, now mostly ceremonial.

Earls Marshal of England

The Earl Marshal is responsible for organizing state ceremonies, including coronations.

Great Stewards of Scotland

This role is similar to the Lord High Steward in England, but for Scotland.

Lord High Constables of Scotland

This is the highest military office in Scotland.

Lord Chancellors of Ireland

This was the chief judge in Ireland before its union with Great Britain.

  • 1831: William Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket
  • 1838: William Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket
  • 1902: Edward Gibson, 1st Baron Ashbourne
  • 1911: Sir Samuel Walker, 1st Baronet

Lord High Stewards of Ireland

A ceremonial role for Ireland.

  • 1902: Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 20th Earl of Shrewsbury
  • 1911: Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 20th Earl of Shrewsbury
  • 1937: John Chetwynd-Talbot, 21st Earl of Shrewsbury
  • 1953: John Chetwynd-Talbot, 21st Earl of Shrewsbury
  • 2023: None (Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 22nd Earl of Shrewsbury was suspended from the House of Lords)

Lord High Constables of Ireland

A ceremonial military role for Ireland.

Royal Household Roles

These are members of the monarch's personal staff who have important duties.

Lord Stewards

The Lord Steward is a senior officer of the Royal Household.

Lord Chamberlains

The Lord Chamberlain manages the monarch's household and organizes ceremonial events.

Masters of the Horse

This person is in charge of the monarch's horses, stables, and carriages.

Gold Sticks-in-Waiting

These are senior military officers who act as personal attendants to the monarch.

Captains of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms

This is a ceremonial bodyguard unit for the monarch.

Captains of the Yeomen of the Guard

Another ceremonial bodyguard unit, the oldest of its kind.

Captains-General of the Royal Company of Archers

This is the monarch's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.

Ushers of the Black Rod

The Black Rod is an official in Parliament, involved in ceremonies.

  • 1685: Thomas Duppa
  • 1689: Thomas Duppa
  • 1702: David Mitchell
  • 1714: William Oldes
  • 1727: Charles Dalton
  • 1761: Septimus Robinson
  • 1821: Thomas Tyrwhitt
  • 1831: Thomas Tyrwhitt
  • 1838: Augustus Clifford
  • 1902: Michael Biddulph
  • 1911: Henry Frederick Stephenson
  • 1937: William Pulteney
  • 1953: Brian Horrocks
  • 2023: Sarah Clarke

Vice-Admirals of the United Kingdom

A high-ranking naval officer.

  • 1902: Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, 3rd Baronet
  • 1911: Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, 3rd Baronet
  • 1937: Stanley Colville
  • 1953: Martin Dunbar-Nasmith

Rear-Admirals of the United Kingdom

Another high-ranking naval officer.

  • 1911: Edmund Fremantle
  • 1953: Percy Noble
  • 2023: Gordon Messenger (served as Lord High Steward)

Lord Chamberlains to Consort

This role manages the household of the monarch's spouse.

Other Important Roles

Monarch's Train Bearers

The monarch's long robe, or "train," is carried by several important people, often young nobles.

Consort's Train Bearers

The consort's train is also carried by several attendants.

  • 1685: Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk and four earls' daughters.
  • 1689: The Duchess of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Paulet, Lady Diana Vere, Lady Elizabeth Cavendish and Lady Henrietta Hyde
  • 1714: None (Sophia Dorothea of Celle had been divorced in 1694 and was under house confinement.)
  • 1727: The Princess Royal, Princess Amelia, Princess Caroline, Lady Frances de Nassau d'Auverquerque, Lady Mary Capell, Lady Rebecca Herbert, Lady Anne Hastings
  • 1761: Lady Mary Grey, Lady Elizabeth Montague, Lady Jane Stuart, Lady Selina Hastings, Lady Heneage Finch, Lady Mary Douglas, Princess Augusta
  • 1821: None (Queen Caroline was not permitted to attend the coronation.)
  • 1831: Duchess of Gordon, Lady Georgiana Bathurst, Lady Teresa Fox-Strangways, Lady Mary Pelham, Lady Theodosia Brabson, Lady Sophia Cust, Lady Georgiana Grey
  • 1838: None
  • 1902: Duchess of Buccleuch, J. N. Bigge, George Parker, 7th Earl of Macclesfield, Hon. Edward Lascelles, Hon. Robert Palmer, George Byng, 9th Viscount Torrington, Marquess of Stafford, Lord Claud Hamilton, Hon. Arthur Anson
  • 1911: Duchess of Devonshire Lady Eileen Butler, Lady Eileen Knox, Lady Victoria Carrington, Lady Mabell Ogilvy, Lady Dorothy Browne, Lady Mary Dawson
  • 1937: Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Ursula Manners, Lady Diana Legge, Lady Elizabeth Percy, Lady Iris Mountbatten
  • 1953: None
  • 2023: Master Frederick Parker Bowles, Master Gus Lopes, Master Louis Lopes and Master Arthur Elliot.

Bearers of the Pall of Gold

The "Pall of Gold" is a special cloth held over the monarch during the anointing part of the ceremony. Carried by four Knights of the Garter up to and including 1953:

Bearers of the Consort's Pall of Cloth of Gold

A similar special cloth for the consort during their anointing.

  • 1821: None (Queen Caroline was not permitted to attend the coronation)
  • 1831: The Duchess of Richmond, the Duchess of Montrose, the Duchess of Northumberland, and the Marchioness of Lansdowne
  • 1838: None
  • 1902: The Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess of Montrose, the Duchess of Portland, and the Duchess of Sutherland
  • 1911: The Duchess of Hamilton, the Duchess of Montrose again, the Duchess of Portland again, and the Duchess of Sutherland again
  • 1937: The Duchess of Norfolk, the Duchess of Rutland, the Duchess of Buccleuch, and the Duchess of Roxburghe
  • 1953: None
  • 2023: None (anointing held in public view)

Bearers of the Paten

The Paten is a small plate used in Christian ceremonies.

Bearers of the Bible

The Bible is presented to the monarch during the ceremony.

  • 1689: Henry Compton, Bishop of London
  • 1702: William Lloyd, Bishop of Worcester
  • 1714: Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury
  • 1727: Edward Chandler, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry
  • 1761: Richard Osbaldeston, Bishop of Carlisle
  • 1821: Bowyer Sparke, Bishop of Ely
  • 1831: Henry Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter
  • 1838: Charles Sumner, Bishop of Winchester
  • 1902: Arthur Winnington-Ingram, Bishop of London
  • 1911: William Carpenter, Bishop of Ripon
  • 1937: Bertram Pollock, Bishop of Norwich
  • 1953: Percy Herbert, Bishop of Norwich
  • 2023: Hosam Naoum, Archbishop in Jerusalem

Bearers of the Chalice

The Chalice is a cup used in Christian ceremonies.

  • 1689: Thomas Sprat, Bishop of Rochester
  • 1702: Thomas Sprat, Bishop of Rochester
  • 1714: John Evans, Bishop of Bangor
  • 1727: Not processed
  • 1761: Edmund Keene, Bishop of Chester
  • 1821: George Henry Law, Bishop of Chester
  • 1831: Richard Bagot, Bishop of Oxford
  • 1838: John Kaye, Bishop of Lincoln
  • 1902: Randall Davidson, Bishop of Winchester
  • 1911: Edward Talbot, Bishop of Winchester
  • 1937: Cyril Garbett, Bishop of Winchester
  • 1953: Alwyn Williams, Bishop of Winchester
  • 2023: Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford

Lords of the Manor of Worksop

Historically, the Lord of this manor presented a glove to the monarch.

Lord Mayors of London

The Lord Mayor of London represents the City of London at the coronation.

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