King Charles III’s coronation: How the ancient ceremony has changed over centuries

While the UK is gearing up for King Charles III’s coronation, it hasn’t always been the lavish ceremony that we’re expecting on 6 May.

The coronation ceremony stemmed from medieval times, and the private anointing with holy oil has always been a more important part of it than the crowning.

The holy oil has been used since around the seventh century, and was a symbol that the monarch had been chosen by God.

Almost every monarch in the last 1,000 years has been crowned at Westminster Abbey, and Charles will continue the tradition.

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