To the surprise of many (including myself), the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday was not substantially different from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Yes, there were a few alterations. For the first time, ministers from other Protestant denominations and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster each offered a blessing for the newly-crowned king, who also received a greeting from non-Christian religious leaders at the end of the ceremony. The service featured new music, including an anthem written by the composer of
Cats
. But the basic elements of the ritual—anointing, investiture with regalia and crown, enthronement, the Eucharist—were seen again this past weekend, indicating that at the heart of the British Constitution remains an exchange of vows before God, binding ruler to ruled with rights and obligations.