Opponents of the monarchy criticize the call for an oath of allegiance to Charlemagne

Opponents of the British monarchy have heeded a call from the Church of England for a public oath of allegiance to King Charles III. sharply criticized. The plan for the May 6 coronation is insulting and contemptuous of citizens, Graham Smith of the Republican organization said, according to the PA news agency. “In a democracy, the head of state should swear allegiance to the people, not the other way around,” Smith said. “This nonsense should have died with Queen Elizabeth II and not outlived Elizabeth.”

Smith also criticized the formula used to pay tribute not only to Charles, but also to his “heirs and successors”. Smith said it was an invitation to recognize Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, who is eighth in line to the British throne and extremely unpopular due to his involvement in an abuse scandal. “This is definitely going too far.”

In the coronation service for Charles on May 6, a “tribute of the people” to the king is planned for the first time, a “homage to the people”. This replaces the tradition of other royals and nobles kneeling and paying homage to the king. The Anglican Church said it hoped the sweeping change in service would spark a “great cry across the country and around the world in support of the King”. The congregation and the millions of viewers are called upon to say: «I swear allegiance to Your Majesty and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

Republic had recently demonstrated against Charles with yellow signs and the inscription “Not my King”. The group is planning a large protest on the morning of the coronation on May 6. (sda/dpa)