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The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

  • myheavenlymother
  • Nov 8, 2022
  • 13 min read

Updated: Nov 20, 2022


PREFACE


I have to credit my past professor, and religious scholar, Robert C. Line for introducing me to the subject of coronations, particularly Queen Elizabeth's coronation. It was one of the first events that set me off in discovery of my Divine Mother, in understanding my potential as a daughter of Heavenly Parents. Line spoke about the ancient history behind this sacred coronation and the traces our own rituals have from this ancient order. I came to recognize how Queen Elizabeth II was indeed anointed, crowned, and exalted as a queen, priestess, and a goddess... and what that meant for me, personally. I hope you'll come along with me on this journey of discovery.


AUTHOR'S NOTE


This article is chock-full of information and research. If you have limited time, I recommend you reading the sections, "The Anointing" and "The Enthroning," as well as the Introduction.


I also want to note that I will be sticking to strictly the history of the event. My personal application and opinion of how this relates to Latter Day Saint rituals as well as to ancient roots is something that is ever evolving. I will highlight points without stating any opinion or perspective, in hopes that you will come to your own conclusions. I hope this peaks your interest!



INTRODUCTION


Coronations have a sacred significance throughout history, involving a process of initiation, anointing, setting part, blessing, enrobing, and enthroning queens and kings to reign. The process of the coronation is something that stems far into ancient roots and there are elements that can be seen cross culturally.


This process may very well hold symbols that we can relate to our very own temple experience and the promises that are given there. Let’s note that the only things that we are not to share outside of the temple are the things we covenant specifically to hold sacred and not reveal. However, we can look at history and learn from the symbols there and see how it might apply to us.


Some things that we are told in the beginning of our temple experience, that is outside of the covenant bounds, is that we are given the gift to one day be inheriting the roles of kings and queens, priests and priestesses. And with that, we can become gods and goddess unto the Most High.


Coronations were designated specifically for this purpose, in symbol and in rites. There are specific symbols that you can trace throughout history, and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II is worth noting.


QUEEN ELIZABETH'S CORONATION


The crowning of a monarch for the first time on live television was revolutionary. It held particular significance as it so happened to be the reigning of not a king, but a queen that was put on public display for the first time for the entire world to see.


For centuries, coronations had been kept only to the royals and dignitaries, to those of the royal lines, and those who had made commitments to the throne. For the first time in history, the world could take in the sacred initiation of a monarch, anointed by the power of God- and it just so happened to be a Queen.


The crowning was not simply giving her a right to lead the kingdom, but rather it esteemed her to be an actual goddess at her enthronement. She made promises with God, and in the process, became a god, herself. She went through the entire process of being anointed, clothed (enrobed), set apart, blessing with the rights to reigning, being enthroned, and exalted as a queen and a goddess, in the flesh.


The Crown, Season 1: Episode 5 is an astonishing portrayal of the process - going back and forth between the actual footage of the original coronation and the live action version I highly recommend you check out both the original filming and the recreation of the events (about 42 minutes into the episode).


Now, let's lead into the high points of the coronation event. (Remember, being adorned in clothing holds a lot of symbolic significance).


THE ARRIVAL


That morning, the duchess wore a white, satin dress with embroidered flowers to represent the United Kingdom and countries within the Commonwealth. (Sounds quite like bridal imagery. Think the Bride and the Bridegroom). The gown was also threaded with leeks, representing Wales, and also included shamrocks below the hem on both sides where her hands fell, for good fortune. Her heels were adorned in gold and rubies, and were inspired by the structure of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Elizabeth also wore the State Diadem. a circlet of gems. (Think "price above rubies").


In the original footage, one can see Elizabeth arriving in the Gold State Coach, a royal carriage, traveling along the lined streets with crowds cheering on her behalf.




The future queen exits the carriage, then enters into the west hall of Westminster Abbey. (The location was one of historical significance, in which had been held the coronations and funerals of kings and queens that came before her).



Six maids of honors escort Elizabeth down the aisle through the chapel hall, lining behind her in two rows, holding the ends of the train of her scarlet robe, as the choir sings the hymn, "All People that on Earth do Dwell." At the altar, Her ladies lower her train to the floor with care as she falls to a seated position upon the royal chair. (Now, take a note of the laying out of this process. There may be some semblance there).




It was tradition - for ages - that during these ceremonies, of supreme order, that women to be seated or lined along one half of the hall, to the left of the queen. Men would be seated or lined along the other half of the room, along the right side of the queen. All were clothed in royal robes and regalia.



(The procession is quite lengthy, so we will come back to it later - but I want us to first focus on the anointing service, and her enthroning, because that is where a lot of the symbolism in our rituals are reflected).


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THE ANOINTING


Before the anointing, the televisors turned off their cameras in an effort to hold and keep sacred this portion of the ceremony that was not to be witnessed by those outside the confines of those walls. The common people cannot see it, because they are "mortals", as they have not come to make covenants with God and to their kingdom. But, fortunately for us, “The Crown” covers that section for us in their recreation of the episode. As it was, the anointing was considered the most sacred ritual of the entire coronation ceremony.


First, Elizabeth is disrobed of her crimson robe by the Mistress of Robes. She stands before the congregation at King Edward's Chair. Knights of the Garter bring forward a golden canopy to cover the throne, shielding her from view as a veil, in reverence to the supreme, sacred rites that were about to take place. The knights hand her a cloth of gold, and stand at either end of the canopy, holding their swords upright with both hands. Elizabeth sits upon the sacred chair.


The archbishop (high priest) approaches and gives instruction and an explanation of the events as they unfold. (Note that Queen Elizabeth had been given prior instruction before stepping in to make these covenants).



Now this is how "The Crown" episode plays it forward.


The archbishop asks, "Is your majesty willing to take the oath?"

To which Elizabeth responds, "I am willing."

The high priest continues, "Will you maintain and preserve..."

Only to lose his words.

Elizabeth looks at him square in the eye and responds, "Inviolably? I will."


The camera then captures the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, both crowned with royal gems, beaming in pride at response to her boldness. This moment undoubtedly manifested Elizabeth possessing knowledge of the responsibilities to be placed upon her shoulders, what specifically she was covenanting, and holding form for what she was to be placed under. You see her husband, Philip Mountbatten - the Duke of Edinburgh - wearing his royal regalia and robes. You might also notice that Elizabeth wears a white dress, with a particularly lined design on the shoulders.


Holy oil is poured from a golden chalice - the Ampulla, shaped as an eagle - and drops into the golden Coronation Spoon. Elizabeth places her palms forward to receive as the archbishop dips his fingers into the oil. With his forefinger, he places the oil upon her palms, reciting these words:


"Be thy hands, anointed, with holy oil."



He goes to anoint above the breast, hesitates. Elizabeth politely and assuredly nods at the task which must take place. He anoints just below her clavicle and oil runs down the center of her breasts, as he recites,


"Be thy breasts, anointed with holy oil."


He anoints her forehead and recites,

"Be thy head, anointed with holy oil."



He steps back and recites, "As... kings, priests, and prophets were anointed, and as Solomon was anointed... king, by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, so be thou anointed, blessed, and consecrated... Queen over the people of who thy Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost... amen."


To which she responds, "Amen."


You see the priest look at her in complete awe and reverence, recognizing that something truly matchless has just occurred - the significance having anointed a woman into this higher state of being, as was anciently performed. A historical moment, to be sure.




THE ENTHRONING


The golden canopy is removed, and the anointed is invested in royal regalia - the Colobium Sindonis and the Supertunica - and the Imperial Robe by help of the Mistress of the Robes.


On, "the Crown", Elizabeth then ascends the stairs and sits upon her throne.

Now, take notice of what positions she takes here.


Sitting upon her throne... in her right hand, extended in cupping shape, the archbishop places the Sovereign's Orb. It stands a symbol of her reign over the earth, that "the monarch's power is derived from God". The Monarch is "God's representative on earth." Upon the orb also stands a cross, representing ‘Christ’s dominion over the world’." The orb is laid upon the altar.


Next, in her left hand is placed the Sovereign's Scepter with Cross, symbolizing power and governance. Her left arm is extended upright, in an L shaped fashion. In her right arm, in the same fashion, is placed the Rod with the Dove, symbolizing equity and mercy.


The cameras get rolling again. Finally, the archbishops and high priests bring forward the royal crown of glory and righteousness. St. Edward's Crown is "the most important and sacred of all the crowns" and "is only used at the moment of crowning itself," the jewels representing the kingdom.



The archbishop places the crown upon her head, and she is sanctified. As the episode has it, at this point the choir breaks into singing:


Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, anointed Solomon king.


The archbishop, after placing the crown upon her head, raises his arms high above his head, as the noble men and women in the congregation - kings and queens, knights of the garter - place their crowns above their heads.

Their arms are lowered, and the archbishop, nobles, and the congregation all respond, repeating three distinct times, the words...


"God save the Queen.

God save the Queen.

God save the Queen."


(Does that sound familiar? It should. Symbol upon symbol. We actually have a hymn within our hymnal entitled, "God Save the King").


And in that moment, Elizabeth was proclaimed a Goddess.



OATHS TO THE QUEEN



Now, I find this next part very significant. The first thing that is done in the film after the queen is enthroned is the oath of her consort, her husband to her as the queen. Her husband kneels before her.


Her husband walks forward in his red robes. Phillip hands over his crown, ascends up the steps to her level, below the throne. Phillip then crouches down, kneeling before her.

He gives the oath.


"I Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, do become your liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I will bear unto you, I will live and die against all manner of folks, So help me god."


He bows his head, touches the crown and leaves a kiss on her cheek. He descends from the steps, and bows to his Queen.


In the actual events, the Queen was first greeted by the archbishop after being enthroned, but directly after the archbishop was met by her husband.



DEPARTURE


The Queen, with the scepter and the orb in hand, is escorted back down the aisle by her maid of honors, and archbishops, and the Knights of the Garter.





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THE EARLIER PROCESSION


Now that we have hit the high points of the ritualistic symbolism, I want to walk us back through the beginning of the initiation process, leading up to the anointings, as it was in real time. There is a lot of wordplay here that I find significant.


After her entrance, at both the altar and King Edward's Chair, the oaths take place. Elizabeth is presented with the bible, the chalice, and paten. The congregation cries out, "God save Queen Elizabeth."


Elizabeth touches the bible and promises to protect the providences under her care, as well as the Church of England. She kneels and kisses the bible. She is granted Wisdom, the "Royal Law", the "Oracles of God" - the Gospel of God.


The archbishop prays to the Almighty God, the Holy Spirit, and Christ, to grant Elizabeth the Spirit of Wisdom and government, so she may wisely govern, and the Church be kept in safety, that she might enter God's everlasting kingdom. And this is done in the name of Jesus Christ, "thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God forever and ever. Amen."


1 Peter, Psalm 141:2, and Matt. 22,15 are read.


This next part, I find this significant, so I will quote this whole section.

The Queen stands, and the choir performs these words.


"I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,


"And was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets... I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. Amen."


The Queen kneels upon her faldstool, and the choir sings,


Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart. Thy blessed Unction from above Is comfort, life, and fire of love. Enable with perpetual light The dulness of our blinded sight: Anoint and cheer our soiled face With the abundance of thy grace: Keep far our foes, give peace at home; Where thou art guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee, of both, to be but One; That, through the ages all along, This may be our endless song: Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.


The arch bishop offers a prayer, with the Ampulla in hand.


Let us pray. O Lord and heavenly Father, the exalter of the humble and the strength of thy chosen, who by anointing with Oil didst of old make and consecrate kings, priests, and prophets, to teach and govern thy people Israel: Bless and sanctify thy chosen servant ELIZABETH, who by our office and ministry is now to be anointed with this Oil, and consecrated Queen: Strengthen her, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost the Comforter; Confirm and stablish her with thy free and princely Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and government, the Spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and fill her, O Lord, with the Spirit of thy holy fear, now and for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


After this point, the Queen is anointed. After the anointing, the archbishop gives her this blessing.


"Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who by his Father was anointed with the Oil of gladness above his fellows, by his holy Anointing pour down upon your Head and Heart the blessing of the Holy Ghost, and prosper the works of your Hands: that by the assistance of his heavenly grace you may govern and preserve the people committed to your charge in wealth, peace, and godliness; and after a long and glorious course of ruling a temporal kingdom wisely, justly, and religiously, you may at last be made partaker of an eternal kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."


Many more prayers, and blessings take place during this time. Afterwards, in real time, she is then enrobed and is presented with spears and the Sword of State, for the protection of those at her hand. Elizabeth is also given the bracelets of Wisdom, the Queen's Ring which holds a ruby cross. She is then brought the orb and the scepters, is crowned, enrobed in the Imperial Robe and finally enthroned. Her realms are blessed. Many hymns, prayers, trumpets sounding, drums beating, and cries from the congregation are all given in praise of Her. The Queen rises and exits the chapel, and greets her people with scepter and orb in hand. Afterwards, a glorious National Anthem is sounded and is sung by all assembled.


And that was the closing of the sacred ceremony.



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If you are all still awake after this, thank you for taking the time! I hope this has been informative and enlightening for you all! I have plenty of references below for your access. I hope you are able to see the significance of this event, and of coronations in general, as well as the application we can make with our own rituals. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. Reach out at any time @myheavenlymother.







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