In just a few weeks, the Coronation of King Charles III will take place in Westminster Abbey, marking the fortieth coronation to be held at the Abbey since the Norman Conquest almost

1,000 years ago. Over the centuries, numerous traditions have been established, and many individuals have inherited the right to participate in the ceremony. To ensure that all of these claims are properly heard and evaluated, a special court is convened prior to every coronation, and the upcoming ceremony is no exception.

Known as the Coronation Claims Office, this court is part of the Cabinet Office and has been established specifically for King Charles III's coronation in 2023. It is an updated version of an ancient tradition, designed to respect the past while incorporating modern elements. In 1953, it was known as the Court of Claims, but its fundamental purpose has remained unchanged.

The Coronation Claims Office is responsible for evaluating all claims made by individuals who believe they have a historic or ceremonial role to play in the coronation ceremony. The court examines a variety of factors, including whether the service was performed at previous coronations and how the claimant is related to the person who performed the role in the past. In 2023, government officials have been tasked with examining these claims, but they have also worked closely with the Royal Household and experts from Lambeth Palace, given the historical and ecclesiastical significance of many of these roles.

The deadline for submitting claims to the Coronation Claims Office was February 3rd, 2023, to allow the office adequate time to evaluate and decide well in advance of the ceremony, which is set to take place on May 6th of the same year. Those whose claims are accepted will be able to continue traditions that have been in place for centuries, adding to the significance of this historic event. Photo by Dan Marsh, Wikimedia commons.