Political changes have impacted coronations too. During the English Civil War, after the execution of King Charles I, the original regalia was destroyed and had to be remade in 1661 for King Charles II’s coronation. Although he did not believe in the institution of monarchy, when Oliver Cromwell accepted the position of Lord Protector, he did so in a ceremony in Westminster Hall sitting on the Coronation Chair.
Music has always played a central role in worship and new pieces of music have been composed for coronation services. Most notably Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” has been played since George II’s coronation in 1727. With Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, another big change happened. Millions of people all around the world were able to watch on television what had never before been seen by those outside Westminster Abbey.
