This weekend, Brits across the four corners of the UK will be invited to take an oath of allegiance to the King Charles III during his royal Coronation.
The invite is part of the public's new role in the royal ceremony called the Homage of the People. In a historic first, this will replace the longstanding tradition of royal peers kneeling to "pay homage" to his Majesty before kissing the new monarch's right cheek.
At a service in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, called on those tuning in to take part in a "great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King".
But the news has resulted in public outcry, as the change has been slammed by those who oppose the royals. Anti-Monarch group Republic has described the request as "offensive" and "tone-deaf".
Following reactions, the Archbishop himself, who will conduct the royal ceremony, was forced to clarify that the oath is an "invitation" and not mandatory.
Speaking to ITV News from Lambeth Chapel yesterday, he said: "This isn’t a command. It is to say that anyone who would like to join in and feel part of this is welcome to do so. And if people don’t want to so, that’s entirely up to them.”
Also known as swearing in, the oath of allegiance to the crown is common in British life. For example, before taking their seats in parliament, politicians must take the oath - and are required to do so by law.
During the Homage of the People, Scots will be asked to say: "I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God."
The wording for English pledgers reads slightly differently: "I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God."
This will take place after King Charles III is enthroned and set in the royal crown. The Church of England will first swear allegiance, followed by Prince William then the UK public.
Will you be celebrating swearing allegiance to King Charles III on Saturday? Let us know by taking our poll below
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A recent public poll suggests that interest in the monarchy may be dwindling, especially among Scots.
Published on April 13, the YouPoll survey shows that the UK's a lack of interest around the King's Coronation, as 35 per cent of 3,070 Brits surveyed have "not very much interest" in the forthcoming event.
But Scotland is the country with the least interest as 45 per cent admitted to not caring "at all". A separate YouGov poll revealed that 50 per cent of Scots won't be celebrating the formal induction on Saturday.
Will you swear allegiance to the King this Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.
