Why King Charles III Didn’t Sing British National Anthem During His Coronation

Well, it would be a touch awkward for King Charles III to wax on about saving himself. 

After the 74-year-old was formally crowned during the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the more than 2000 guests—including his wife Queen Camilla and sons Prince William and Prince Harry—joined in the chorus of "God Save the King," the British national anthem. One person not singing? The King himself.

 
And the reason for this is actually quite simple. The national anthem is sung to the reigning monarch so it's in tradition for them to not sing along. As such, the anthem is a slightly adjusted version to the one sung to Queen Elizabeth II. 

For the late sovereign's 70-year reign, the song was known as "God Save the Queen," with the title and lyrics of the nearly 300-year-old anthem shifting from "Queen" to "King" when Charles acceded the throne immediately following her death in September.

In fact, during Queen Elizabeth's Sept. 19 funeral, Charles appeared emotional as mourners at sang along to "God Save the King."

But the national anthem is just one of many changes to come as Charles adjusts to life as monarch. This includes being the new face of the U.K.'s currency, which has featured Queen Elizabeth's face on all banknotes since 1960. 

The Bank of England confirmed in September that it would be printing new money featuring Charles' portrait to begin circulating sometime in 2024. However, the King's late mother will continue to be memorialized on the pound as currency printed during her reign will still be considered valid. 

In addition to being honored on the U.K.'s currency, the late monarch's been the subject of several subtle tributes from her family—most recently on Charles and Camilla's coronation invitations. And Charles has made it clear that the homages to his mom won't stop there. During his first public address as King, he praised the late Queen's leadership and vowed to bring that tenacity to his own reign. 

 "Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen—my beloved Mother—was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example," he said in the Sept. 9 speech. "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."

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