Justin Welby praises King’s sense of duty in face of cancer diagnosis

The King wears St Edward’s Crown during his coronation in Westminster Abbey

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he has been “struck” by the King’s sense of duty in the face of his cancer diagnosis, as he described the Coronation as the “privilege of a lifetime”.

A year on from the May 6 ceremony, the Most Rev Justin Welby paid tribute to the King’s “openness in sharing his condition” which he described as a “characteristic of his willingness to help and support others”.

Gun salutes will be heard across the capital on Monday in celebration of the first anniversary of the Coronation, with 41 volleys fired at noon by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Green Park.

An hour later, the Honourable Artillery Company will fire a 62-gun salute from Tower Wharf.

Mr Welby said in a statement: “As we mark a year since the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, we celebrate their service and give thanks for their contribution to the life of our nation.

“On that historic day in Westminster Abbey, King Charles said he came not to be served but to serve – following the example of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.

“It was the privilege of a lifetime to anoint and crown His Majesty, surrounded by so many of the charities and organisations he supports, as well as hundreds of people who are serving their communities.”

Mr Welby said he worried he might drop the heavy St Edward’s Crown – Victoria Jones/AFP

It comes after the Archbishop admitted that the “extraordinary” moment of crowning was “a mixture of the ridiculous and the sublime” as he worried that he would drop the heavy St Edward’s Crown.

He said in a recorded interview for the Coronation Roll website that for him, the anointing, which took place behind a screen, was the most “significant” part of the ceremony.

“There was a stillness there, an absolutely mysterious and almost mystical stillness and a sense of the presence of God,” he revealed. “It felt almost as though we were alone.”

In his statement, the Archbishop also hailed the legacy of the Big Help Out, the volunteering initiative that saw seven million people donate time to their local communities.

A second Big Help Out for 2024

Earlier this year, the King urged people to get behind the second Big Help Out, to be held from June 7 to June 9, saying: “I have long believed that one of the greatest strengths of our nation is our ability to come together and help each other through times of hardship.

“Throughout my life, I have been encouraged and inspired by those selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to helping others, across all communities and across the full breadth of our country.”

The Archbishop said: “The Coronation weekend inspired millions up and down the country to volunteer, and I’m delighted that the Big Help Out is returning in June, for us to get together and make a difference.

“The past year has presented the King with some great personal challenges. But I have been struck by his continued sense of duty, having recently returned to royal engagements following treatment.

“His openness in sharing his condition has been characteristic of his willingness to help and support others.

“I continue to pray for King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Royal Family. May God guide, comfort and strengthen them in their service to us all.”

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