Ancient Form of the Service

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22725, 11 May 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

Ancient Form of the Service

COMMONS HAVE NO PART IN THE HOMAGE ONE thing is conspicuously wanting in the Coronation ceremony, says Michael Macdonagh. The Commons have no part in the Homage. When the service was composed "the people" had practically no political existence, and to bring them, or representatives of them, into personal association with anything closely relating to the Monarchy and the Court - was unthinkable. The authors of the service obviously did not indulge in dreaming on things to come, or, if they did, they did not foresee the sweep of the world into a broader day bringing new majesty of Kings of mighty States by - political power in widest commonalty spread. Accordingly, the Coronation of the King ia, of the ceremonies of the Constitution, the only one that remains wholly old, fixed and stereotyped, without any of the modern democratic tenets. And thus it is that the House of Commons, in the person of the Prime Minister, or Leader of the House, is not included in the Homage paid to the Head of the State on the day of his crowning. Still, the great constitutional fact remains that the declaration of allegiance by the subjects, represented by bishops, princes and peers, cdmes after the King has eworn his oath of contract to the country, and he has been duly crowned according to the prescribed rites of the Realm. Shares with the People The elemental qualities of mankind, which, happily for himself, a King shares with the humblest of hi's people, will out, even, as he sits in Cloth of Gold, with jewelled Crown upon his head in Westminster Abbey on the greatest day of all his days, the sole centre and essential figure in a wonderful service. The most moving episode at the Coronation of Edward VII. had no place in the official Form and Order of the Service. The Prince of Wales did homage by taking off his coronet, and kneeling before the King, declaring m the prescribed words, a thousand years old— I George, Prince of Wales, do become your leigeman of life and limb, and of earthly worship and faith and truth I will bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. So help me, God." Then, rising to his feet, the 'Prince touched the Crown on the King's head and kissed His Majesty on his left cheek. As the Prince was about to turn away the King took hold of his robe to detain him. They were no longer King and leigeman, but father and son. The father placed his left hand on his son's shoulder, still holding his robe with his right, and drawing him toward him, kissed him affectionately- on each cheek. Then taking his son's hands in his own the father gripped them warmly. This manifestation of paternal emotion illuminated the service, in the sight of the great assembly, as with a sudden and unexpected accession of glory.