King Charles III Presented with Beautifully Illustrated Coronation Scroll

 

King Charles III Presented with Beautifully Illustrated Coronation Scroll

King Charles III has been presented with a stunning, hand-stitched Coronation roll, a 21-meter long manuscript that records the ceremonies, processions, and promises of his Coronation service. This beautifully illustrated document, created by calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill and illustrator Tim Noad, is a work of art as much as an official record of events.

The Coronation roll, a tradition dating back over 700 years, is a testament to the King's accession and Coronation. This latest version, the first in 70 years, is unique in that it is written on high-quality paper, rather than animal skin, reflecting modern changes in the Coronation ceremony.

The roll includes intricate illustrations and copperplate writing, with 11,500 elegantly inscribed words. Stephanie von Werthern-Gill, the calligrapher, spent 56 consecutive days creating the manuscript, working intensively without breaks, to maintain her rhythm and concentration.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were presented with the roll at Buckingham Palace, and they marveled at its beauty and craftsmanship. The King joked about the spelling, but there was only a single tiny error - a missing dot over an "i" at the very end.

The Coronation roll records the events of the Coronation service, including the ceremonies, processions, and promises made by the King. It also lists the royal guests, politicians, and overseas representatives who attended. However, not everyone who attended the Coronation is mentioned in the roll, with some, like Ant and Dec and Katy Perry, being grouped under "Other groups."

The roll will be digitized and made available online, allowing the public to view this historic document. It will also be stored in the National Archives, where it will join other Coronation rolls dating back to the 14th century.

The Coronation roll has played an important role in documenting the legitimacy of a monarch's reign, serving as proof of their authority and allegiance. It has also been used as a guide for planning future Coronations, with monarchs consulting earlier rolls to add "lustre and splendour" to their own ceremonies.

In conclusion, the Coronation roll presented to King Charles III is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and record-keeping, a testament to the enduring tradition of the British monarchy. Its beauty and historical significance make it a treasured document, one that will be cherished for generations to come.