10 things you didn't know about Coronations

A cat, a bat, an earthquake and even a banned Queen Consort have all made an appearance at previous coronation ceremonies. 
Find out about some of the interesting and unexpected things that have happened during previous coronations at Westminster Abbey. We’ve hosted them for over 1,000 years.
Richard I and the bad omens: 00:00:27
Mary I's new oil and chair: 00:01:27
Charles I and the earthquake: 00:02:27
James II and the early Coronation: 00:03:32
William III, Mary II and the wrong ring: 00:04:22
George III and the supper during the ceremony: 00:05:14
George IV and the banned Queen Consort: 00:06:17
Victoria and the wrong finger: 00:07:08
Edward VII and the postponed Coronation: 00:08:07
Elizabeth II and the Coronation Chair cat: 00:09:05
Coronations at the Abbey: www.westminste...
Plan your visit: www.westminste...
#coronation

[@kellyshomemadekitchen]

Very interesting! I cannot wait to visit Westminster next summer!

[@vomo767]

Enjoy, it's probably the most interesting place to visit in London and saturated in history, amazing

[@chong2389]

I recommend purchasing a ticket for the verger guided tour. It is well worth it! Enjoy!

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

You will have a great visit 😊

[@janetwilcock2120]

Matins obviously brought Queen Elizabeth II a lot of good luck as she had a record breaking reign of over 70 years. 👸🏻👑🐈‍⬛

[@RoxanneM-]

Loved the black cat story! 🐈 That cat symbolized the 7 lives, seven decades of her reign perhaps?

[@elizabetha.morris6661]

A fascinating account of past coronations. Thank you. 🇨🇦

[@sandramorey2529]

I visited in 1967. All the Cathedrals are so impressive. I love the story about the horse and also about Matins, the black cat.

[@spacenerd9499]

The architecture is breathtaking. Wow

[@chong2389]

Thank you! Amongst my most treasured memories are the two visits I made to the Abbey - the high points of two wonderful vacations. The vergers, on both occasions, were a wealth of information. 🍁

[@roberthossen8354]

Lovely short documentary! You missed one thing though. At the coronation of king George VI, the Archbishop couldn't make out what was back and front of St. Edward's crown. Someone had removed a thread around the front cross pâté and so the Archbishop couldn't make out what was front or back. King George VI later wrote he thought the Archbishop had probably placed the crown backwards on his head.... so much for preparation...

[@iwasglad122]

There is actual footage of that very incident here on YT! It's an awful few moments as Lang, the ABC, turns the crown around and around looking for that very thread! In the documentary about the Queen's coronation, the late Elizabeth II is shown the footage. Alastair Bruce comments that the King was possibly not too happy about it, and our late Queen agrees, very curtly, 'No he wasn't!' God, I miss her.

[@bosdavy1]

I read a wonderful story about the coronation of Edward VII once. Hubert Parry’s “I Was Glad” had been written specifically for use at the entry of the monarch into the Abbey. Apparently it started early, before the King had arrived, and so the anthem was played twice! (This anthem has been played at all subsequent coronations since, as has Handel’s Zadok the Priest since it was first commissioned in 1727)

[@WendyInCollingwood]

I love facts 👏 Thank You for sharing Westminster Abbey’s Coronation facts 🙏 Viewed, with gratitude, from Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@chriscaughey1103]

Someone should write a book about Matins for children. "Matins the Coronation Cat!"

[@snowmonster42]

Or for grown-ups. I want to know more about Matins too.

[@kat2270]

That story about Matins reminded me of the old nursery rhyme. Pussycat Pussycat where have you been? I've been up to London to look at the Queen. Pussycat Pussycat what did you there? I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

[@musicandbooklover-p2o]

Obviously Matins was a favourable portent of what was to come. Great, and very interesting, video. Thank you.

[@KA-su9ww]

Who said black cats are bad luck matins may have brought the queen good luck

[@carolineb3527]

Black cats are not bad luck in Britain, on the contrary they're regarded as lucky.

[@celestialskye1]

​@@carolineb3527 Exactly, black cat's are GOOD LUCK 🐈‍⬛

[@junjunagbayani4792]

I think in this Internet age, a coronation cat will be very welcome.

[@MotorCityKitty1112]

It’s so sad how some idiots believe black cats are bad luck! I believe people that believe black cats are bad luck are bad luck themselves and of low IQ’s…..

[@annalieff-saxby568]

Black cats are lucky in the UK.

[@graphiquejack]

Anne Boleyn’s coronation was unique for a Queen consort because she was crowned with the monarch’s crown, not the consort’s one. There are theories that perhaps this was because she was pregnant and it was assumed the child would be a male heir. It ended up being Elizabeth I who was crowned queen regnant despite her sex.

[@stephenowens354]

Elizabeth was a bastard king syphilis 8th was still married she wrecked the country and paid for it with her straggly neck

[@adihartono]

I'm so looking forward for the coronation today, warm greetings from sunny Indonesia ☀

[@marywest2896]

did you notice that it was 400 years exactly between the first crowned queen to the last crowned queen? Mary I 1553 Elizabeth II 1953? cool...

[@ludovica8221]

They are First Cousins 13 times removed (I had to look that up lol)

[@SEm-ir4qw]

It would be very interesting if Princess Charlotte became queen in 2053. But more likely William might become King in 2053

[@hoodieandred8411]

​@@SEm-ir4qw isn't George next in line to William?

[@stabilobossdear]

@@hoodieandred8411 yes george is second in line to the throne.

[@timmyjones1921]

So much awesome history and well presented also.

[@joevasquez3434]

Finally a video concerning coronations/British history most people did not know. Very well enjoyed; thank you.

[@jcortese3300]

I think all coronations should include a kitty as part of the ceremony now, or else they're invalid. 🐈

[@Wosiewose]

I hope Simon's Cat received an invitation! :)

[@rosanna5515]

Next coronation should be of two cats. Might make more sense. I like cats more than I like most humans❤.

[@NicolaW72]

Thank you very much.

[@FitMediaChannel]

Queen Victoria, after being crowned, had a moment to retire to the Shrine of St Edward behind the altar, to allow her to change clothes. However, she was shocked to find the shrine was being used by some workmen as a place to eat their sandwiches. The queen complained about if afterwards in her diary.

[@joyciejd9673]

loved this! thank you for the excellent and very entertaining history!

[@yagnasrinambiar4734]

The United Kingdom had the best queen ever, in Queen Elizabeth ll

[@MyMagical1]

Couldn’t agree more. 🇬🇧☺️

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

ABSOLUTELY 😊

[@tomspence8506]

​@@patriciaoreilly8907I also agree. Queen 👸 Elizabeth II was the BEST monarch this country has EVER had. It's so hard to believe she has gone, but what an AMAZING life she led. Rest in peace EIIR 👑, you are greatly missed!

[@snuggles03]

black cats always bring the best luck. QE2 would agree ( i outlasted them all 😊)

[@markhughes7927]

Well interesting!❤ Glad to see the coronation chair close up and see that the carving is W G and not W C which the camera angle made me think it was yesterday! (Sat 6 April)

[@MrJazzBond]

Good luck for the preparation!

[@tobiasg.7438]

Edward VII reigned for 9 years. 1901-1910

[@stephengraham5099]

The music was rather loud.

[@rosanna5515]

Good music, but the volume was distracting.

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Over powering at times.

[@janicecooper875]

Looks like history has shown that strange things happen at Coronations.

[@ianport2185]

Surely the funniest moment at Queen Victoria's coronation was Lord Rolle tumbling (rolling) down the steps of the throne as he attempted to pay homage. Incidentally whoever decided to include the 'People's Homage' (in fact a modified version of the Oath of Allegiance) must be out of their mind. I won't be taking it.

[@NickGreenwoodable]

Because you are an anti-monarchist despite knowing a lot about Royal history?

[@NickGreenwoodable]

Or because you disagree with the change in the official ceremony?

[@DominicNJ73]

So don't take it you bloody traitor. You owe the King your allegiance. God Save the King!!!!

[@Rickyrab]

I didn't take it either, as I'm an American and my allegiance is to the USA.

[@Rickyrab]

However, if I moved to Canada or Australia or New Zealand and became a citizen of those countries I'd be happy to take that oath.

[@huggiver1221]

Speaking of bad omens, it was a full moon last night, not a good sign for charles 😮 ,but he has made history as the oldest monarch ever crowned

[@jackking605]

Significant!

[@damariowilson9694]

King George III now that what I call a coronation 😂🍗🍽🍻

[@doggiesarus]

Oh, to be a coronation cat.

[@miaomiaochan]

Cats still think themselves as royalty. And I regard them as such.

[@alanhigh8125]

My cat even has a title... Sir Linus of Knox Street, the Earl of Friskies. 🐈 👑

[@anneroy4560]

cats belong to no one so they are not licenced for ownership like those fawning, suck up dogs ... every house needs two cats ... if only for the sound of pleased purring ...

[@kellyshomemadekitchen]

@@alanhigh8125 that’s comical, I call mine Duchess Von Duffer

[@Wosiewose]

My two black cats are definitely regal. "Your Royal Highnesses, din-din is served!"

[@rosanna5515]

As it should be. Long live Queen Bast!

[@learkingofalbion8520]

George III and the rear end of the horse…. There is a painting in Boston, MA’s Museum of Fine Arts about The Battle of Dorchester Heights with George Washington getting the same treatment. Is there a connection? Same era, obviously.

[@kathypeyser8507]

Interesting indeed...

[@sharongauss9298]

I am an ancestor of King Willam the Conqueror and Lady Godiva. I guess my Coronation invitation of King Charles was lost in the mail!

[@maureentaphouse5206]

fascinating .

[@mousetreehouse6833]

As an American, I found this extremely interesting....and just a quick question: was Lady Jane Grey ever coronated? If so, how many weeks (months?) was she queen? Again, thank you for this bit of royal history! 🤴👸

[@sarahn1348]

@Mouse Treehouse Lady Jane Grey was never crowned since she only ruled for at least nine days before being overthrown by Mary I or Bloody Mary.

[@samanthafordyce5795]

the word is *crowned* There is no such word as coronated.

[@mousetreehouse6833]

@@samanthafordyce5795 👍

[@ludovica8221]

@@samanthafordyce5795 well.. the word "coronate" means "shaped like a crown" but yeah "coronate" in context of the *crowning* of a monarch is an ignorant neologism of American origin which has very unfortunately been included in some dictionaries ...so it looks like we are going to be stuck with it :( Regrettably

[@Ally-gatorade]

The great-granddaughter of Henry VII, Jane inherited the crown from her cousin Edward VI on 9 July 1553. She arrived at the Tower of London to prepare for her coronation, but within a fortnight she was back as a prisoner of her Catholic cousin, Mary I who had claimed the throne as rightfully hers. That's all I know. Hope it helps.

[@bsasteve]

Matins is the best Story.

[@richardsingh5827]

Interesting video

[@robfogg7459]

That’s a fantastic video and the music is fitting although could be tweaked down a bit as it’s a little loud interferes with concentration

[@davidmccann9811]

The Coronation Chair was once painted white and gold, but the paint has worn off.

[@baraxor]

The Deputy Earl Marshal at George III's coronation, Lord Effingham, being taken to task by King George for the various bungling and confusion during the service and banquet, replied that he had taken steps to ensure that the NEXT coronation would be perfect.

[@LEGIOUSIAM8888]

Whom art thou as in thy greatness Who is as I AM...

[@knotcensored932]

God Bless The United Kingdom! God Save The King!

[@davedoug99]

You said Edward VII reigned for just under eight years. He actually rained for just over nine years, 22 January 1901 - 6 May 1910. You said Victoria rained for nearly 63 years. She actually ran for nearly 64 years, 20 June 1837 - 22 January 1901.

[@alienrex]

The stone of scone was Jacob's pillow

[@WickedFelina]

Who and when was it said that Edward VII should not be crowned? That sounds very interesting! Thanks!

[@kevnwarriner8819]

No...Edward VII's Doctor discovered that he needed to have a life saving operation so the Coronation ceremony was shortened, rather than cancelling it until Edward had recovered from the Operation

[@stuartlyon]

Guess the time period between the Queen’s funeral on 19th September 2022 and the King’s coronation 6th May 2023.

[@caroltapia1343]

I miss QE2

[@michael7324]

Good bless Queen Elizabeth

[@virginiabotha3545]

Queen Diana ❤

[@matthewthomas0330]

...THE MORNING STAR CAN OVER-RULE EVERYTHING...

[@markmccormack1796]

Richard I, the King of England that spent the least amount of time in England. Always off somewhere causing trouble.

[@BEEyonced]

You can Thank Him daily for fighting Islam back to the desert! If only dumb corrupt politicians would do so today.

[@baraxor]

About six months out of a ten year reign; his Queen, Berengaria, is the only Queen Consort of England never to have stepped foot there.

[@annsas-nsas3470]

Very Very strange

[@arbabakram1198]

When the stone of scone, the crown jewel and the bloodline are not yours, what about the coronation?

[@robbieg416]

I dare say none of us know anything about coronations, because none of us were alive for the last one.

[@janel342]

I was 9 at the last coronation and cried because I didn’t have red white and blue ribbon for my pigtails

[@DEFarnes]

8 things I didn't know.

[@fashunpuss6279]

Pussy cat pussy cat where have you been?

[@virginiabotha3545]

Queen Diana.❤

[@leahengland6704]

How? They divorced! 😂😂😂

[@KB-ke3fi]

I know it's gonna cost 150 million dollars.

[@fitsumgebreyohanes8872]

King Charles

[@petronelastelawhite-anca7964]

Masonic traditions ( under ritualistic circumstances of the Pegan 's interludes as well as Protestants Sect😢; now days we name this Kookoxklan Organisation/Sect!🎉😢

[@panchiprincess345]

Thieves! Even They stole the chair . Don’t be proud about it!!!

[@ympcglobal]

My question is where do royals go when they die hell or heaven think about for a moment!

[@mikeharland3358]

How about why Charles protected the sex offender Bishop Ball? Can we have a report on that?

[@HerMajesty1]

This coronation is unlike others. They are ringing in the Beast.

[@mousetreehouse6833]

Missingyou, Naw; the last I heard, Meghan isn't going to be there. 😁😉

[@HerMajesty1]

@@mousetreehouse6833 Hilarious 😂

[@kellyshomemadekitchen]

Please! 🙄

[@michaelmontagu3979]

I would be ashamed to make such a stupid comment.

[@Rickyrab]

That baffled old fella is "the Beast"? 😂

[@kurtsupreme]

King Charles III and THE ROTTWEILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@janel342]

Loyal steadfast dutiful unwavering in devotion.

[@kurtsupreme]

@@janel342 Boy, have YOU been brainwashed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@a24-45]

I really wanted to watch this; but after a few minutes i had to stop, because the cheesy background music was so insanely irritating. Loud and like some cheap tourist ad. Westminster Abbey, you can do better.

[@bigboy0625]

Love British history just so much to take in we have no history in New Zealand just made up stories by the Maori people all good stories but no facts.

[@petronelastelawhite-anca7964]

Do you know, I have a strong feeling that Princess Catherine & Princess Meghan Markle indeed will divorce absolute their husbands: Prince William and "Prince "Harry 😢.

[@dimazandhika]

Number 1 costing taxs payer money 😂

[@charlesmugleston6144]

A Nations Conscience A Nations Identity Poetic Justice With all due respect, it is such a pity that His Majesty King Charles the III, the Earl Marshall, The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, The Dean and Chapter of The Abbey do not appreciate the depth of feeling, of sadness that the Sovereign, Free and Independent People of Scotland have not been listened to down the ages - receiving instead quite disgusting treatment by the english even up til now treating Scotland as though it is only their own backyard and a nice little earner... King Charles if he was a Spiritually Mature individual would have made a deep and full apology to the Scottish People for all the centuries of deep hurt, the still open and festering wounds of distrust, giving up the Rights and Usages of The Stone of Scone (stolen from the Scots in 1296) as a magnanimous gesture - instead we find such a collective gloating over its use which is totally selfish and shameful. The idea was offered to them all of having a New Stone made in due return to make and mark a New beginning in and way out of the difficult relationship, perhaps made of the beautiful green and white marble of Iona - as a necessary symbol of healing and peace, but they have not listened choosing to go their own wilful way with its consequences. Let us hope for an IIth hour change of mind /heart / will , which is called Metanoia bringing its own rich rewards not of this earth. For Goodness, Truth and... "Beauty will redeem the world" Dostoyevsky

[@fitsumgebreyohanes8872]

King Charles and the grim reaper

[@YvonneWilson312]

It was a verger.

[@janieherrada2967]

I will not be watching it I don’t care for it only if it was Harry not them

[@JesusismyRock773]

Ten things I don't care to know about Coronations.

[@constancesichello5997]

REGENT, not regnant .

[@SeldimSeen1]

Regnant is also appropriate as it means reigning or ruling. Look it up.

[@constancesichello5997]

@@SeldimSeen1 Yes. You are right. I looked it up as you suggested ....thank you for letting me know.

[@purelica]

Queen Regent means Stand-in guardian of a monarch who is underage or not yet able to carry out the duties. Queen Regnant means a monarch in their own (birth) right, just like the late Queen Elizabeth II.

[@pointyfinger]

Not my King!

[@leahengland6704]

Get out and live in another country! 😂😂

[@galesly8787]

Don’t know anything about how the coronation works and I don’t want to the king is a cheater plus his queen consort is a home wrecker

[@glen7318]

not making any sense at all

[@leahengland6704]

But Diana Spencer cheated too with several married men. She was a homewrecker too. If Queen Camilla broke one family. Diana broke up a lot of families. Diana wasn't a saint either.

[@leahengland6704]

@@glen7318 Diana Spencer wasn't a saint either. She had 7 lovers. Three of them were married. 👎Dodi was engaged. She was a HOMEWRECKER too. She slept with several married men.

[@miekadegerness67]

It's Over Rated , And Over Priced Landing on TAX PAYERS I Have a Very Special KING . He is The SON OF GOD > Called Jesus Chris

[@leahengland6704]

Our Royal Family don't live off public funds! Research, then write your comments!

[@stephenowens354]

AND ONE THING I DO KNOW not interested "Not My King"

[@leahengland6704]

😂😂😂 Get out and live in another country!

[@janel342]

Stephen Owens Well he’s mine. And I rejoice and give thanks.

[@saulteanuts-vg8iu]

They should recycle this monstrosity.