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A Guide to the Christian — and Catholic — Symbolism in King Charles III’s Coronation

Howard ChengThe Imperial State Crown, Sceptre, and wreath of symbolic flowers adorn the coffin of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the gun carriage for the funeral procession, Sept. 19, 2022.

As part of the coronation, the king’s head, hands, and breast will be anointed with chrism oil, which in the Catholic Church is most commonly associated with baptism and confirmation.