Why "Backlash Ensued" Over an "Offensive" Change to King Charles's Coronation in 2023, Per Royal Author
Our take

The recent controversy surrounding a change to King Charles’s coronation – described by one royal expert as “one of the more problematic and controversial moments of 2023” – underscores a deeper shift within the monarchy and its relationship with the public. While the specifics of the alteration remain somewhat opaque without detailing the exact change, the ensuing backlash reveals a sensitivity to tradition and a cautious expectation of continuity that the new reign is navigating with a degree of complexity. The Queen’s passing marked not just the end of an era, but the beginning of a period of intense scrutiny for Charles, a period where every decision, every gesture, is weighed against the legacy of his mother. It’s a delicate balance, requiring a respect for history while simultaneously acknowledging the evolving values and expectations of a modern audience. This echoes a sentiment explored in [Two People Are Well Placed to Bring Prince Harry and Prince William "Back Together" Again, According to Royal Experts], highlighting the ongoing efforts to mend fractured relationships and reconcile the past with the present within the royal family.
The intensity of the reaction suggests a deeper anxiety about the monarchy's relevance in a rapidly changing world. Queen Elizabeth embodied a sense of unwavering stability and tradition, a reassuring presence in times of uncertainty. King Charles, while undoubtedly committed to his role, represents a different kind of reign – one that will likely involve greater experimentation and adaptation. The desire for a seamless transition, for a coronation that felt both celebratory and deeply rooted in established customs, was clearly paramount. However, even seemingly minor deviations can trigger a significant response, particularly when they touch upon deeply held beliefs about what the monarchy *should* be. This tension is further illustrated by [One Royal Has Become "Very Close" to Princess Kate and Was Spotted Sharing a "Playful Smile" With the Future Queen, Royal Experts Claim], revealing subtle shifts in interpersonal dynamics within the royal circle as they adjust to the new order and seek to cultivate a sense of connection and familiarity with the public. The public's perception of the royal family is not static; it’s a living, breathing entity shaped by current events and evolving social norms.
The controversy also highlights the challenge of managing public perception in the age of instant communication and social media. Any perceived slight or misstep is amplified and disseminated rapidly, fueling debate and criticism. The monarchy, traditionally insulated from such immediate feedback, is now forced to contend with a more vocal and discerning audience. This demands a level of sensitivity and strategic communication that was perhaps less critical in previous generations. Furthermore, the historical context cannot be ignored. The shadow of Princess Margaret’s strained relationship with the Queen Mother, as documented in [Princess Margaret Was "Barely on Speaking Terms" With the Queen Mother Over One Controversy, Says Royal Author], serves as a stark reminder of how even seemingly minor disagreements can escalate into significant familial rifts and public controversies, underscoring the weight of tradition and the potential for missteps to reverberate through the monarchy.
Ultimately, the backlash over the coronation change serves as a cautionary tale for King Charles and his advisors. It demonstrates the importance of carefully considering the potential impact of any deviation from established norms, even when those norms may feel outdated or restrictive. The monarchy’s long-term survival depends on its ability to adapt to changing times while preserving the core values and traditions that have defined it for centuries. The question now is, how will King Charles navigate this ongoing tension between honoring the past and embracing the future, and will he be able to cultivate a sense of trust and connection with a public that is increasingly demanding transparency and accountability?
Following Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 8, 2022, King Charles became the monarch. His coronation officially took place at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. But according to one royal author, "backlash ensued" regarding an allegedly "offensive" change to the event.
In the new book Crown and People: British Coronations and the Shaping of National Identity 973–2023, George William Cullen Gross discusses the proposed change regarding King Charles's coronation.
According to Gross, the lead up to King Charles's coronation contained "one of the more problematic and controversial moments of 2023," which was "a proposed 'Homage of the People.'"
Gross continued, "The idea as an 'innovation' was raised a number of days in advance of the coronation, to update the service by replacing the homage by the peerage, with members of the public 'pledging allegiance' to King Charles III."
The liturgy included the phrasing, "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law."

As Gross explained, "This is a new and significant moment in the tradition of the coronation. Never before in our history have the general public been offered such an opportunity to join with national figures in declaring their allegiance to a new Sovereign."
Unfortunately, the proposed change wasn't particularly well received.
"A backlash to the idea immediately ensued, with discontent from across the political spectrum, with some labeling the idea 'offensive,'" Gross noted.

It was subsequently revealed that the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, had suggested the wording, with King Charles largely unaware of the change. Per Gross, Welby was "forced to refer to the whole idea as 'voluntary,' and an 'invitation' not a 'command'...and the magnificence of the actual day overshadowed the drama."
Crown and People: British Coronations and the Shaping of National Identity 973–2023 by George William Cullen Gross is available now.
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience
