'Much like the National Anthem, it's for people to join in if that feels right for them. They added: 'We live in a wonderfully diverse society with many different perspectives and beliefs, and it's quite right that people decide for themselves how they relate to this moment. 'For those who do want to take part, some will want to say all the words of the homage some might just want to say 'God Save The King' at the end others might just want to it to be a moment of private reflection. 'It's simply an opportunity offered by the Archbishop so that, unlike previous Coronations, those who wish to join in with the words being spoken by the Abbey congregation could do so in a very simple way. They said: 'This is very much an invitation rather than an expectation or request, as you can see from the Archbishop's introduction to the homage. Last night a Lambeth Palace source clarified that the invitation was very much optional and simply an opportunity for people to join in should they so wish. Labour's Shabana Mahmood MP agreed, saying it was a 'lovely idea to involve the people' and that the oath was a 'lovely touch'. Republic, the anti-monarchist organisation, said it was 'an offensive and tone-deaf gesture that holds the people in contempt'.īut Transport Secretary Mark Harper told Sky News he would be swearing the oath and said MPs already pledge allegiance to His Majesty. Labour MP Clive Lewis told the Guardian that he thought the proposed oath would be 'either unwelcome or ignored by many'.

Many felt their well-meant rallying cry played into the hands of Republicans and critics of the ceremony generally, sparking an outpouring of comment and criticism on social media.

While it was clear there is no diktat whatsoever to do so, both Buckingham Palace and Lambeth Palace were clearly taken aback yesterday by the strength of feeling the invitation provoked, however. 'Our hope is at that point, when the archbishop invites people to join in, that people wherever they are, if they're watching at home on their own, watching the telly, will say it out loud - this sense of a great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King.' So help me God.'Ī spokesman for Lambeth Palace said: 'The Homage of the People is particularly exciting because that's brand new. The order of service will read: 'All who so desire, in the Abbey, and elsewhere, say together: I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law.

A Pledge of Silence by Flora J. Solomon