CNN
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The Church of England has changed the wording of its invitation to the public to pledge allegiance to King Charles during his coronation, following a public backlash.
In a break with coronation tradition, British and Commonwealth citizens around the world are initially invited to recite a pledge of allegiance to the new monarch and his “heirs and successors.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who authorized the new liturgy, presented plans for public participation in the ceremony as a democratic initiative.
But, after public criticism, the archbishop will now give people the option of saying “God save King Charles,” instead of making the full pledge of allegiance.
According to a revised text of the liturgy for the coronation service, published on Saturday at Lambeth Palace, the archbishop will say: “I now invite those who wish to offer their support to do so, with a moment of private reflection, by joining to say ‘God save King Charles’ at the end, or, for those who have the words before them, to utter them in full.
The full pledge reads: “I swear that I will give true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors in law. So help me God.”
British royal titles, explained
In the previous version of the text, published in April, the archbishop should “call upon all persons of good will in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and in other kingdoms and territories to pay their respects, in heart and voice, to their undoubted king, protector of all.”
The earlier version was described as “bad advice” by Jonathan Dimbleby, a veteran broadcaster and prominent friend of the King.
“I can’t think of anything more disgusting to him. He really doesn’t want to be respected. He never wanted, as far as I know, for anyone to pay respect to him other than in derogatory terms as a joke,” Dimbleby told BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program on Friday.
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