Highland Bishop honoured with inclusion at the heart of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation service
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A Highland bishop reflected on his role at the coronation where he took on an important duty.
The Most Rev Mark Strange, head of the Scottish Episcopal Church, presented the sovereign’s sceptre to the Archbishop of Canterbury in Westminster Abbey. Seen as a symbolic moment at the heart of the coronation service, once the bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness presented the sceptre with cross, the archbishop then placed it in the right hand of the King, moments before he was crowned.
Black Isle-based Bishop Mark had been invited to fulfil the role as the Anglican Communion’s representative in Scotland. Afterwards he said: “It’s impossible to enter Westminster Abbey without being awed by the history of the place.
“As I was standing in the Shrine Chapel, about to present the sceptre to the Archbishop of Canterbury who would then place it in the hand of the King, I was very aware that I was about to add my own little piece to that history.”
“The Abbey contains a number of memorials relevant to Scotland – the Shrine Chapel contains the tomb of Edward the 1st, Hammer of the Scots.
“As I passed on the way to the High Altar I gave that tomb a wee tap as I passed by.
“Just ahead of me was the memorial to Mary, Queen of Scots, built here by her son James VI who had claimed the English throne as James 1st.
“And here, today, this was The first time the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church had been acknowledged at a coronation, he added: “In fact, I suspect that the last time a Bishop of Moray had attended a coronation it might well have been for another Charles, the first, just over 400 years ago.
“Amidst all these thoughts I was very aware of the responsibility I felt in representing both my church and the communities we serve. I was honoured, and very proud not simply to be here, but to be bringing a bit of the Highlands and Moray to Westminster Abbey.”
