Organizers of the king's coronation were under 'strong pressure' from the BBC to let them film Charles' anointing
Coronation organizers came under 'pressure' to allow recording of the intimate moment King Charles was anointed with oil, according to a new book.
But the royal biography reveals that the request was rejected and the historic moment between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the new monarch remained private.
A billion people watched as Charles stepped behind a screen to have the oil dabbed on his chest by the Archbishop.
The book claims that organizers were 'under strong pressure from the BBC to let them film 'the Solomon moment' – so called because the Old Testament king was the template.
It was one of the most memorable scenes during the solemn event. As the chorus of Handel's coronation song Zadok the Priest sounded, Charles – stripped of his state robes and dressed in a shirt with sleeves – disappeared from public view for the sacred moment between the sovereign and God.
Coronation organizers came under 'pressure' to allow recording of the intimate moment King Charles was anointed with oil, according to a new book
A billion people watched as Charles stepped behind a screen to have the oil dabbed on his chest by the Archbishop
The coronation was watched by a peak television audience of 20 million Britons, and up to a billion people around the world tuned in to watch the occasion
The archbishop, who anointed the king in the shape of a cross on the hands, head and heart, later recalled that it “felt extremely intimate” and that there was “a sense of the presence of God that was completely indescribable” .
The fascinating biography of famed royal writer Robert Hardman, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, published in the Daily Mail, reveals that there was 'some discussion' in the palace over whether the harrowing anointing should be public.
Last night a BBC spokesperson declined to comment.
However, a BBC source claimed that 'no request' was made to film the anointing 'as it was always understood and respected that this was a private moment'.
But according to the book, Sir Clive Alderton, His Majesty's private secretary, and his committee “came under strong pressure from the BBC to let them film 'the Solomon moment' but held out,” Hardman writes. '
Alderton argued that some things should remain unknowable. “The mystery of the monarchy had to be preserved,” someone from his team emphasizes.
The king needed a few seconds away from the public eye to make his own pact with his Maker. The BBC got very angry.'
The coronation was watched by a peak television audience of 20 million Britons, and up to a billion people around the world tuned in for the occasion.
At Westminster Abbey there were 2,200 guests, who were offered 'solo' invitations rather than a 'plus-one' that allowed them to bring a spouse.
There was one notable exception, the book reveals: Prince William “absolutely insisted” that all Middletons be given accommodation.
Despite years of planning, there was a timing problem as the council waited for Charles and Camilla to enter the abbey
Hardman writes that one front row features 'Michael, Carole, Pippa and James Middleton – the parents, sister and brother of the Princess of Wales'.
Despite years of planning, there was a timing problem as the council waited for Charles and Camilla to enter the abbey.
The King's Procession from Buckingham Palace unexpectedly completed the 33-minute journey in just 26 minutes. In addition, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived one and a half minutes late.
They were supposed to arrive eight minutes before the monarch, but in the end Charles and Camilla arrived early for their coronation and before the Waleses.