Erm, so there's a major part of King Charles III's coronation that won't be on TV
Life for the Royal Family over the next few weeks will low-key (read: high-key) feel pretty much like a reality show. That's because King Charles III's coronation has attracted the world's attention, with everything from the history-making crowning ceremony to the star-studded celebratory concert set to air on TV.
But, despite so much of the big day due to be blasted on screens across the globe, one element of the coronation won't be on TV – and it's a pretty major moment, too!
Why won't King Charles III's anointment be shown on TV?
During the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury will pour holy oil from the Ampulla (a special vessel) into the Coronation Spoon (a silver-gilt spoon that dates back to 1349). The Archbishop will then anoint Charles on the hands, chest and head, with this serving to emphasise the 'spiritual status' that the sovereign holds. The tradition harks back centuries, and up until the 17th century, it was believed that sovereigns were appointed directly by God.
But, despite perhaps being the most important moment of the whole event, Charles' anointment is not expected to be televised on 6 May – unlike the rest of the day's ceremonial activities.
"Precedent has never been for it to be a publicly viewable moment, given its sanctity," a royal source told The Times, adding that: "A way has been found to ensure that remains the case this time."
It comes after previous reports speculated that Charles could be the first monarch in history to allow the public to view the anointing ceremony by using a transparent canopy. In previous ceremonies, like his mother's coronation in 1953, a canopy was used to cover the monarch and shield them from public view.
Although the secrecy of the anointment will stick with tradition, there have been some changes to the monumental moment. For the first time ever, the oil used to anoint the King and Queen Consort Camilla will be cruelty-free, as it will not contain animal products as previous versions have.
The traditional formula for the holy oil includes civet oil, from the glands of the small mammals, and ambergris from the intestines of whales. But the new formula that'll be used at the upcoming coronation has been made with Charles' passion for the environment and wildlife in mind, and its ingredients include olive oil and perfumed essential oils (sesame, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom).
Head here for everything you need to know about King Charles III's coronation.
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