Historic Coronation Scroll of King Charles III Released Online

In a momentous occasion at Buckingham Palace, King Charles III was presented with a remarkable artifact of history - the Coronation Roll, a 70-foot-long hand-lettered document that chronicles the official record of his coronation. This tradition, which dates back to the coronation of Edward II in 1308, has taken a modern turn with King Charles III's scroll. For the first time in history, this document will be accessible online for public viewing starting Friday.

The Coronation Roll, meticulously crafted by heraldic artist Tim Noad and calligrapher Stephanie Gill over a continuous period of 56 days, is composed of 56 hand-stitched pages and contains approximately 11,600 words. Unlike its predecessors, this edition is printed on paper instead of vellum, aligning with the king's stance on animal welfare. Vellum, traditionally used for its durability and texture, is made from animal skins.

The document offers an intricate account of the coronation ceremony held on May 6, 2023. It details the procession into Westminster Abbey, the anointing, the crowning of the king, and lists all participants and official guests. The digital presentation of the scroll is enriched with a video, photographs from the ceremony, and interviews with key figures such as Penny Mordaunt, Lord President of the Privy Council, who played a significant role during the event.

Stored at the National Archives alongside 17 historic Coronation Rolls, this latest edition serves as a testament to the evolving relationship between the monarch and his subjects. Sean Cunningham, head of medieval records at the National Archives, emphasized how the roll encapsulates allegiances, oaths, and homages while narrating the day's events.

Upon reviewing the document at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, King Charles expressed his gratitude to Noad and Gill for their dedication. The unveiling also provided a light-hearted moment when Queen Camilla remarked on the challenge of reading the detailed script without her glasses. In response to past rolls being written in Latin and French, King Charles appreciated that this version was in English.

This digitalization marks a significant milestone in making royal history accessible to a global audience. It reflects not only a respect for tradition but also an embrace of contemporary values such as sustainability and inclusivity.