The Archbishop was then joined by the Archbishop of York and ecumenical leaders to say prayers of blessing for The King and His people, an innovation for this Coronation. 

The Archbishop of York prayed: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you His peace.” 

The Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira & Great Britain prayed: “The Lord protect you in all your ways and prosper all your work in His name.”

The Moderator of The Free Churches prayed: “The Lord give you hope and happiness, that you may inspire all your people in the imitation of His unchanging love.” 

The Secretary General of Churches Together in England prayed: “The Lord grant that wisdom and knowledge be the stability of your times, and the fear of the Lord your treasure.” 

The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster prayed: “May God pour upon you the riches of His grace, bless you and keep you in His holy fear, prepare you for a happy eternity, and receive you at the last into immortal glory.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury concluded the prayers of blessing, saying: “And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always.”

The congregation declared “Amen!” before sitting.

While the choir sang an anthem by Thomas Weelkes, based on words from The Book of Common Prayer of 1559, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York then processed to The King’s throne and stood on its left and right. They were followed by the bearers of the Sword of Temporal Justice, Curtana the Sword of Mercy, and the Sword of Spiritual Justice, who stood behind the throne and were joined by Great Officers of State, the Lord High Steward, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Lord High Constable, and the Earl Marshal. The King was then escorted to the throne crowned and, still holding the Sceptres, by the Bishops of Durham and Bath and Wells, preceded by the Lord President of the Council holding the Sword of State and followed by the Bishops of the Royal Household, the Bishops of London, Worcester, and Carlisle.