The Coronation, by Sir Gerald W Wollaston, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
Many people think of the Coronation merely as a pageant, the most magnificent of those great State ceremonials which we in this country stage with, perhaps, unrivalled dignity. But it is not in essence a pageant, it is a religious ceremony in which the Queen is dedicated to the service of God and of her people. […]
The first item is the ‘Recognition’. The Archbishop of Canterbury […] proclaims Her Majesty as Queen and says ‘Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, Are you willing to do the same?’ This Recognition dates back to early Saxon times, when the succession of the Sovereign had to be confirmed by the people. It may, perhaps, be compared with the well-known question asked in the marriage service about impediment, and, as in that case, no one quite knows what would happen if those present said ‘No’ to the Archbishop’s question! In fact, they reply with acclaimations of ‘God save Queen Elizabeth’. […]
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