Coronation of King Charles III: What is Penny Mordaunt's role in ...
Politics
Penny Mordaunt has become the first woman to carry and present the Jewelled Sword of Offering at a coronation
By Dale Miller
Published 6th May 2023, 11:51 BST
Ms Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Council and the Leader of the House of Commons, was a notable figure in proceedings, dressed in a teal midi-dress complete with a fashionable cape.
She has been given the official role of bearing the Jewelled Sword of Offering.
The sword is blessed by the Archbishop and presented to the King by Ms Mordaunt – the first time the sword has been carried and presented by a woman.
The intricate tapered sword, made for George IV’s 1821 coronation, has a hilt encrusted with diamonds, rubies and emeralds and a scabbard decorated with jewelled roses, thistles and shamrocks.
It symbolises royal power and the monarch accepting his duty and knightly virtues.
It is placed in the King’s right hand, then clipped onto his girdle and eventually unclipped.
The King steps forward and offers the sword to the Dean, who places it on the altar.
The sword is “redeemed” by Ms Mordaunt, who places the redemption money on an almsdish, held by the Dean.
Ms Mordaunt was then instructed to draw the sword and carry it in its naked form – without its scabbard – before the monarch for the rest of the service.
