The Bishop of Carlisle is encouraging people to hold His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort in their prayers, ahead of the Coronation.

The Rt Rev James Newcome will attend the Coronation service - to be held in Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May – as part of his role as Clerk of the Closet in which he heads up the Ecclesiastical Household.

The Church of England has published a special book of prayers - 'Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III' - which runs from April 9 (Easter Sunday) up to the Coronation Day, and includes daily prayers, readings, and reflections.

Bishop James said: “It would be wonderful to have as many people as possible across our county holding His Majesty in prayer ahead of what will be a momentous occasion, both for our nation and him, individually.

“In particular, I pray for continued wisdom as he works through how best to inhabit the role of King which is markedly different to that of the Prince of Wales. He has made it clear that he wants to follow in the footsteps of his mother and be a servant to the nation and to us all. I pray he is given the space to determine how best to do that.

“I also pray for his stamina and perseverance as he prepares to take on a role which is so gruelling and demanding.

“Equally I pray for the Queen Consort as she prepares to take on the role of Queen, providing that source of constant support for her husband, while also continuing to serve the country in so many other rich and varied ways.”

Bishop James will travel down to London on Tuesday in preparation for the service.

He added: “Whilst I’m not officially representing Cumbria at the service, the very fact that I’m there as the Bishop of Carlisle means I’m able to, to a degree.

“Over recent weeks a number of people across the county have asked me if I am going to the service and who said they would feel involved as a result, which is lovely.”

Meanwhile a number of church services and community events are being planned throughout the county. Bishop James will preach at a Coronation Evensong at Carlisle Cathedral on Friday 12 May at 5.45pm

Bishop James said: “In recent correspondence with clergy I had encouraged churches to do what they felt was appropriate around the Coronation, so I’m delighted that so many have chosen to reflect it within their local context.

“Our King has spoken openly about the importance of his Christian faith and his openness to also reach out to those of all faiths and none. So, it will be wonderful to think that such Christian service can be celebrated in churches throughout Cumbria as together we mark the Coronation weekend.”

Ends

Notes for editors

Click here for more information about Coronation resources.

Click here to view a list of church services and community events which the Diocese of Carlisle has been notified of.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications, on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.