THE HOMAGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7477, 11 August 1902, Page 4

THE HOMAGE.

THE AGED ARCHBISHOP. A PATHETIC FIGURE. LONDON, August 9. Afiler the ceremony of exhortation, the Archbishop of Canterbury did homage to the King. He knelt with the utmost difficulty. The King and two bishops helped him to rise. He then kissed the King en •both cheeks. The Archbishop nearly collapsed, descending from the dais, and iw> bisfiops and an attendant were required to assist him. He was supported towards his fchair at the north end of the altar, where ■ he stopped. The Prince of Wales then doffed his coronet, and did homage, the King warmly kissing him and shaking lis hands. Afterwards, the selected Veers paid homage, touching the crown, and kissing the King's cheek, the choir meanwhile singing the anthem, "Kings Shall See and Arise.'/ When the paying of homage had ended, the people shouted amidst the beating ot ! drums and blaring of trumpets,, i "God Save King Edward." "Long live King Edward." " May the King live for ever." ' THE CORONATION OF THE QUEEN. Up till now the Queen had remained at i the faldstool. She now advanced and knelt on a cushion, on the steps of the altar, where the Archbishop of York conducted her Coronation as prescribed. The Queen was anointed under a canopy held by four Duchesses. The Archbishop o£ York presented her with sceptres, and a ring, and a new crown, replacing the circlet which, she had worn till now. THE COMMUNION. The celebration of the Holy Communion followed, the power of the Archbishop of Canterbury's voice in this portion of the service showing that he had recovered from his emotion and physical strain. The King and Queen having made 'the prescribed oblations at the altar, the Archbishop of Canterbury administered; the Sacrament to himself and Dean Bradley before the King and Queen, as prescribed. The Archbishop is so blind that walking along the front of the altar without a Bishop's guidance he groped his way, feeling along the edge of the table, holding the Paten so much askew that the Holy Elements nearly slipped on to the floor. Dean Bradley 1 also is exceedingly infirm. When carry- ' ing the Communion cup from the Qu*en to the table hi* knees gave way, and two bishops ran to his assistance.

Apart from this physical contretemps", the entire service went most smoothly. There was no confusion in the processions, or anything else. Stainer's "Gloria" was magnificently rendered. THE RECESS. The whole of the Coronation, office having been performed, the King ajid Queen retired into Saint Edward's Chapel, where they partook of slight refreshment. During the recess the "Te Deum"^as sung. The King changed the pallium for an ermine and purple velvet pallium mantle of State and the Royal Crown for a new crpwn of greater brilliancy. The Queen's procession was the first to leave the Abbey, her Majesty wearing a new crown containing the famous Koh-i-noor diamond and carrying the two sceptres. The Kingi's procession followed, he carrying the orb. These insignia were handed to State officers in the annexe, and the Sovereigns rode, wearing their crowns, through the streets to the palace. They received immense acclamations witJiin and without the Abbey. The King appeared to have borne.the ceremony well. He wore the cape of State from entering the Abbey until the crowning ceremony.