A CALL from organisers of King Charles’s coronation for members of the public to swear allegiance to the monarch has prompted widespread negative reactions.
King Charles’ Coronation is due to take place next Saturday (May 6) and will include the first Homage of the People – an addition to the ancient ceremony which aims to see people across the UK and overseas realms swear an oath of allegiance to Charles.
The proposed oath to the King has caused some controversy in Winchester.
During the service, the Archbishop of Canterbury will invite the public to pledge allegiance to the new monarch.
A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace said: “Our hope is that when the archbishop invites people to join in, that people wherever they are, if they're watching at home on their own, watching the telly, will say it out loud - this sense of a great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King.”
For some Winchester residents, the concept of saying a pledge felt unfamiliar to them.
The Hampshire Chronicle spoke to people shopping in the city centre on May 2 to ask their views.
Kate Mellor said: “Some of our friends and family who have become British citizens, at their ceremony have said a pledge of allegiance to the monarch. Maybe it feels a bit different for people who were born British. So it’s a bit alien to us, that concept of having to actually speak an oath out loud.”
Winchester resident, Beth Babb, said: “It might feel strange because we’re used to a Queen. I think it’s a gender thing, we’re quite feminist as a culture, pledging allegiance to a white man in power feels a bit odd. Maybe it’d be different if it was a woman.”
Rosie Mellor, the organiser of a local street party, was unsure about how she felt about having to say the oath.
She said: “I feel slightly uncomfortable about it actually. I think it’s a lovely idea and it’s obviously a completely voluntary thing but I’m not sure I’ll be doing it.”
Pressure group Republic has labelled the oath as ‘offensive, tone-deaf and a gesture that holds the people in contempt’.
Nathan Caplan, a 22-year-old student from Winchester, said he can see why people may be offended by the oath.
He said: “It’s got to be accepting of all people really, representative of the people. I understand if you don’t want to do it if you don’t stand with the royal family or don’t believe in their sort of morals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel