Changes to the Coronation Oath
King Charles III will take his Coronation Oath on 6 May 2023. What will the King say, and how has the oath changed since its creation in 1688?
On this page
Coronation of King Charles III
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The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
A briefing paper on the preparations for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, what took place on Coronation day and other events associated with the ceremony.
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The King’s style and titles in the UK and the Commonwealth
King Charles III is the Monarch of the UK as well as each of the Commonwealth Realms. His title differs between countries, and it recently changed in Canada.
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The coronation: History and ceremonial
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on 6 May 2023. Preceding coronations and the planning and execution of the contemporary ceremony are examined in detail in this briefing.
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The Accession of King Charles III
A briefing on the constitutional and ceremonial events surrounding the Accession of King Charles III
The monarchy
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The Crown and the constitution
A briefing paper on the constitutional aspects of the Crown
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The royal prerogative and ministerial advice
A briefing paper on the royal prerogative and ministerial advice to the Crown on both the prerogative and statutory public appointments
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Regency and Counsellors of State
A briefing paper on the statutory arrangements for a Regency and Counsellors of State in the event that a monarch is too young to assume all Royal functions, ill or absent from the UK
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The line of succession
A short briefing on the line of succession to the throne, including how changes are made.
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Finances of the Monarchy
A briefing on the Finances of the Monarchy, including the Sovereign Grant, Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and tax arrangements for members of the Royal Family.
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The removal of titles and honours
In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.
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The death of a monarch
The death of a monarch – and the accession of a new sovereign – involves the Cabinet, the Privy Council, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Church of England. This paper outlines the historical precedents for events that follow a demise of the crown.
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How are royal jubilees celebrated in the UK?
June 2022 marks Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. How have previous Royal Jubilees been celebrated?
Parliament, the Church, and the monarchy
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Royal Assent
A briefing paper on the history of and procedure relating to Royal Assent, not just in the UK Parliament but in the devolved legislatures and for Church of England Measures.
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The Privy Council: history, functions and membership
A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council
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The relationship between church and state in the United Kingdom
A briefing paper on the relationship between church and state in the United Kingdom, covering the Church of England and Church of Scotland. There are shorter sections on the Church in Wales and the Church of Ireland.
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State Opening of Parliament – history and ceremonial
A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial
The Commonwealth, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
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The Crown Dependencies
A briefing paper on the constitutional status of the Crown Dependencies, which are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark) and the Isle of Man.
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How autonomous are the Crown Dependencies?
What is the constitutional status of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, and how are they governed?
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70 Years: The Queen's role in the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth’s changing role over the last 70 years, and the role of the monarchy.
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Barbados becomes a republic
The Queen will no longer be head of state in Barbados but the country remains a member of the Commonwealth.
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The UK Overseas Territories and their Governors
The paper describes the role of UK-appointed Governors in the Overseas Territories to make law and policy on reserved topics, such as external affairs.
Legislative and executive instruments
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What are Orders in Council?
An Order in Council is legislation made by the Monarch and the Privy Council instead of Parliament. Such an order can be used to change constituency boundaries.
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What is a proclamation?
A proclamation is a form of legislation made by the King rather than by Parliament. Proclamations can only be made in certain circumstances.
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What are letters patent?
Letters patent are a legal document which is authorised by the King. They are mainly used for certain sorts of public appointments.
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What is a Royal Warrant?
A Royal Warrant is a legal document authorising an appointment or specific action. These are signed by the King and mainly used for certain public appointments.
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What is a Royal Charter?
A Royal Charter incorporates a body, turning it from a collection of individuals into a single legal entity.
