Coronation of HRH King Charles III

Many staff and students here at St Mary’s will join together with their families, friends and communities this weekend to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. We are looking forward to taking part in, and observing, events throughout the country.

The Coronation itself will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023 and be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. If you’re on campus, please note that the ceremony will be shown live on the big screen in the DV Lounge. It will provide us with the opportunity to celebrate a solemn and historic religious and constitutional ceremony, to reflect on The King’s dedication to public service, and celebrate those values which unite our country and the wider Commonwealth.

His Majesty has played a keen and active part in public life for decades. The King has been instrumental in establishing more than 20 charities over 40 years. His Majesty’s work in establishing The Prince’s Trust in particular has directly benefited over one million young people, in particular those from disadvantaged communities, helping them to build confidence and essential life skills.

The King’s tenacity and dedication in providing young people with the tools they need to create more stable, fulfilling lives, is a cause we can rally behind, as we at St Mary’s continue to put our students at the heart of our purpose, with our vision to support each individual as a whole person: intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.

Indeed, the core values which form the foundation of our University, particularly those of inclusivity, generosity of spirit, and respect, are also strongly aligned with the principles of the weekend’s festivities.

The service itself will include religious leaders representing the Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh traditions. St Mary’s Chancellor, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, will be present and will, with other faith leaders, offer a blessing and, in an ecumenical gesture, Westminster Cathedral is lending a cope to be worn by one of the participating bishops. The Pope has given a relic of the True Cross to be used in the Coronation procession.

A number of leading figures from ethnic minority backgrounds will play key roles in the ceremony, reflecting the diversity of a country which has changed so much since the last Coronation in 1953. Those presenting the Regalia during the Coronation Service, chosen on the advice of Government, will include St Mary’s Professor of Politics and International Relations and member of the House of Lords, Lord Syed Kamall.

On Monday 8^th May, the public are invited to take part in The Big Help Out, encouraging them to volunteer and join projects being undertaken to support their local areas. This practice of altruism and service goes to the very heart of our foundation as an inclusive Catholic university.

St Mary’s University offers our warmest congratulations to HRH King Charles III and HRH Queen Camilla.