This letter was published in The Times on July 10. It was prompted by comments in the paper following a national service of thanksgiving and dedication in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, on July 5, during which the historic Honours of Scotland - consisting of crown, sword and sceptre - were presented to the King.
Sir, For centuries no one would have agreed that “the monarch cannot be crowned twice” (leading article, Jul 6). It happened in medieval times. Richard Coeur de Lion had a second coronation in 1194 on his return from the Crusades. Henry VI was crowned for a second time as king of France.
Stuart monarchs had coronations in both Scotland and Westminster Abbey after the Union of the crowns in 1603. The last was Charles II who was crowned during the civil wars in a Presbyterian ceremony at Scone in 1651, ten years before his Westminster coronation after the Restoration. The Union might today have been stronger if double coronations had continued.
Lord Lexden
House of Lords
