The anointing took place behind a newly-commissioned screen held around the Coronation Chair. Screens or canopies such as these can be traced back to the Old Testament as in the Middle Ages sovereigns would travel beneath a canopy. In the context of the Coronation, it represents the embrace and presence of God during the anointing and protects the sanctity of this most sacred moment.

The screen combines traditional and contemporary sustainable embroidery practices to produce a design which speaks to His Majesty The King’s deep affection for the Commonwealth. The screen was gifted for the occasion by the City of London Corporation and City Livery Companies.

You can find out more about the anointing screen on the Royal School of Needlework’s website