London
CNN
–
The holy oil that will be used to anoint King Charles III at his coronation on May 6, has been consecrated at a Christian holy site in Jerusalem, Buckingham Palace announced.
The “Christian oil” was created using olives harvested from two pits on the Mount of Olives, a ridge east of the Old City of Jerusalem, which has religious significance for Christians.
Olives from the Monastery of Mary Magdalene and the Monastery of the Ascension were pressed just outside Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was allegedly born.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said he wanted to see new oil extracted from the olives from the Mount of Olives since planning began for the coronation.
“This shows the deep historical connection between the Coronation, the Bible and the Holy Land. From ancient kings to the present day, monarchs have been anointed with oil from this holy place. As we prepare to announce the King and Queen Consort, I pray that they will be guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit,” he said in a statement.
On the day of the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury will perform the anointing service, a duty undertaken by the office since 1066.
In a ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the oil was consecrated on Friday. It was hosted by the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, His Eminence Patriarch Theophilos III, and the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Most Reverend Hosam Naoum. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified where the Holy Place is now.
Charles’ coronation oil is based on the centuries-old formula used in his mother’s 1953 anointing of Queen Elizabeth II, but with important differences.
The late Queen’s coronation oil contained a concoction of orange, rose, cinnamon, musk and ambergris oils. Ambergris is a substance that comes from the sperm whale.
The King’s holy blend is made with oils of sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber and orange blossom – without animal ingredients.
It is also used to add Camilla, the Queen Consort, to the statement.
