Coronation rites and rituals

The United Kingdom is the only European nation with a coronation ceremony. Other monarchies around the world feature rituals and ceremonies steeped in ancient tradition

2023, King Charles III: Legendary Stone of Destiny – symbol of Scottish nationhood – is placed beneath Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey 

2022, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini: In traditional KwaZulu-Natal ceremony, monarch takes place in ritual called Ukungena Esibayeni. King enters sacred royal cattle enclosure at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace, where he is introduced to royal ancestors and nation as next AmaZulu King

2019, Emperor Naruhito: Following abdication of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito of Japan, his son, Naruhito, becomes Emperor. Ceremony includes Kashikodokoro-Omae- no-gi ritual in which Naruhito visits Kashikodokoro – main sanctuary in Tokyo Imperial Palace where  Sun Goddess is said to
be enshrined.
Emperor then officially proclaims his ascension to Chrysanthemum Throne at Imperial Palace

2019, King Maha Vajiralongkorn: Thailand’s King, also known as King Rama X, pours holy water over his wife, Queen Suthida, who kneels in front of him in traditional display of respect
     
2008, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck: Bhutan’s King abdicates throne in favour of his son. During coronation in Throne Room of Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, his father places Raven Crown on his head, crowning world’s youngest monarch

2004, King Norodom Sihamoni: Cambodia’s former King Norodom Sihanouk pours holy water onto his son and new King during religious ceremony at Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
As there were no provisions in Cambodia’s constitution to cover an abdication, Sihamoni was selected
by nine-member council

1999, King Abdullah II: Hours after death of his father, King Hussein, Abdullah becomes King of Jordan. Speaker of Senate Zaid Al-Rifai recites from Al-Fatiha – opening chapter of Holy Koran. “God, save His Majesty... God, give him advice and take care
of him”

1999, Asantehene Osei Tutu II: Ghana’s King is “enstooled” over most sacred object in Ashanti culture. Golden Stool – Sika Dwa Kofi – represents “soul of the Ashanti people.” Stool is so holy nobody is allowed to sit
on it
Monarch is raised and lowered over Golden Stool during coronation without touching it

1997, King Letsie III: Coronation held in Lesotho’s Maseru Sports Stadium. Ceremony features beaded headband and feather to crown King Letsie



 
 
  
Sources: Encyclopædia Britannica, The South African, Town & Country Pictures: Getty Images, History of International Relations © GRAPHIC NEWS