KING Charles was officially crowned at a Coronation on May 6, 2023.
Here’s what we know about whether or not he sings the national anthem.
During the Queen’s funeral service on September 19, 2022, members of the Royal Family including Prince William, Prince Harry and their wives Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle sang along to the National Anthem in an emotional moment,
However, King Charles III remained silent.
That is because the anthem is typically sung to the reigning monarch, and it would be inappropriate for them to join in.
As a result, it is unlikely the King will sing the anthem at his coronation service either.
The National Anthem in its current form dates back to the 18th century.
It was first performed in 1745 and it remains unclear who wrote the original lyrics and tune, although an attribution to composer John Bull has sometimes been made.
Though Queen Elizabeth II did not sing the National Anthem, she would stand in respect of those singing.
When he was heir to the throne, the then-Prince Charles always sang the anthem for his mother.
However, King Charles’ coronation will see the monarch remaining seated once the crown is placed on his head, so the national anthem will be sung while he is sitting on this occasion.
The lyrics to the UK’s national anthem God Save The King are as follows:
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the King!
O Lord our God arise,
Scatter his enemies,
And make them fall:
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On him be pleased to pour;
Long may he reign:
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King!
God Save The King is still used as a national anthem by some Commonwealth countries.
It’s one of two official national anthems in New Zealand and is still used as the royal anthem in Australia, Canada, Jamaica and Tuvalu – although it is rarely played.
