King Charles' coronation is fast approaching, and many figures of huge historical importance will be taking on ceremonial roles in the event.
Although King Charles has scaled the proceedings back somewhat, there are still over a dozen individuals who will be involved on May 6.
One of the people who will be involved in an essential capacity, as Bishop Assistant to the King, is Rt Revd Paul Butler, the Bishop of Durham. He will undertake this duty alongside Rt Revd Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
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Being the Bishop Assistant to the King involves accompanying King Charles into Westminster Abbey, and being ever-present throughout the ceremony.
This role dates back hundreds of years, with the duty being assumed by the Bishops of these areas since the coronation of Richard I in 1189.
Bishop Paul has spoken about how honoured he is to be playing such an essential role in the ceremony.
“It is a huge honour and privilege to have been asked to undertake the role that some of my predecessors have done for many previous Coronations", he said.
Altogether there are 13 people with historic claims like that of Bishop Paul. who will be taking part in the coronation, due to a process in which they were chosen after having to prove that their claim related to a historic service performed in previous coronations.
They then had to prove that they are the established office holders or the holders of the relevant title or land to be able to perform this task.
This is still only a relatively small amount of the people participating in the coronation, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. The other attendees of Westminster Abbey on the day of the coronation will be recipients of honours from all walks of life.
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