The preparation for the coronation begins several hours before the arrival of the King and Queen. The congregation of several thousand arrive in prescribed order, at strictly appointed times. The orchestra and organist perform for well over an hour throughout the assembly of many foreign kings, queens and dignitaries.

In accordance with tradition, the Royal Regalia have been stored overnight in the Jerusalem Chamber, near the West door. On a given cue the Regalia Procession of clergy and the choirs of Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal leaves the Jerusalem Chamber and processes around the cloister, singing the hymn Rejoice today with one accord, accompanied by five brass instruments. Initially heard at a distance, the procession then enters by the south transept. The Litany follows, sung on the steps of Saint Edward’s Chapel, although it is questionable how audible this might be to the congregation. The procession files towards the West door, singing another great hymn, O God our help in ages past. The British Royal Family then enters to more orchestral music, before a fanfare announces the great ceremonial entrance of the King and Queen.

from notes by Paul McCreesh © 2018