King Charles III recently viewed a new, uniquely-crafted Coronation Roll, a departure from a 700-year tradition as it was made on paper instead of animal skin. This 21-metre long document, intricately handwritten by calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill over 56 days, contains over 11,500 words detailing the ceremony of King Charles’s coronation.

During his examination of the document, King Charles humorously commented on the meticulous effort involved, suggesting the creators deserved “a very stiff drink.” The roll, featuring artwork by heraldic artist Tim Noad, not only serves as an official historical record but also highlights the King’s commitment to modernizing royal traditions and promoting animal welfare.

Antonia Romeo, the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, explained the significance of the roll to King Charles and Queen Camilla, emphasizing its role in affirming the King’s authority and the loyalty of attendees. The roll, preserved at the National Archives, is one of 18 such documents and includes a detailed account of the participants, prayers, and music from the coronation ceremony.

Further enhancing the accessibility of this historic document, a digital version of the Coronation Roll is planned, which will include additional features such as photographs and videos. This is part of a broader initiative to make such records available to a wider audience and ensure the preservation of royal history for future generations. The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, underscored the importance of the roll in charting a new chapter in the nation’s history during the viewing.

This engagement with the Coronation Roll marks King Charles’s continued dedication to his royal duties following his earlier cancer diagnosis, demonstrating his active role in both preserving tradition and embracing innovation within the monarchy.