The 'Stone of Destiny' for the UK Coronation Sent to London... Tom Cruise Attends Celebration Performance

150kg Stone, Symbol of Royal Authority

The 'Stone of Destiny,' which plays a central role in the coronation of the British monarch, has been transported to London for the coronation of Charles III.

According to the BBC on the 29th (local time), the Stone of Destiny was moved to London under strict police security after a solemn ceremony on the 27th.

This stone is made of red sandstone, measuring 66 cm in height, 42 cm in width, and 27 cm in depth, weighing 150 kg. It is considered a sacred item symbolizing the royal authority of the Scottish kings. It is known to have been used in the coronations of Scottish kings since the early 9th century, and was taken as a spoil of war by Edward I in 1296. The chair that holds the stone during the coronation has been used since the coronation of Henry IV in 1399. This chair was commissioned by Edward I in 1300.

The Stone of Destiny also suffered a misfortune when it was stolen on Christmas in 1950 by four students from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. The stone was found months later in a Scottish church and was permanently returned to Edinburgh Castle in 1996. However, it is stipulated that the stone be brought to Westminster Abbey for the coronation.

The 'Stone of Destiny' plays a central role in the coronation of the British monarch.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The royal family revealed a scene of the screen consecration ceremony that covers Charles III during the anointing ritual on the 28th. In this ritual, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest-ranking cleric of the Church of England, anoints the king’s head, chest, and hands with holy oil and places the crown on the king’s head.

This ceremony is not open to the public, as it is considered a private moment between God and the monarch. It is regarded as the most sacred ritual of the entire coronation, symbolizing that the king has been chosen by God.

One hundred and fifty people were involved in making the screen, which was embroidered with a large tree chosen by Charles III. Inside the tree are the names of 56 Commonwealth countries and others.

The royal family stated, “In line with Charles III’s environmental protection efforts, sustainable materials were used for the embroidery, and the pole supporting the screen was made from a tree that had fallen in the wind.”

Meanwhile, the royal family announced that Hollywood star Tom Cruise will also attend the celebratory concert held at Windsor Castle the day after the coronation. Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Indian Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor will also attend. In the past, pop stars Take That, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and opera singer Andrea Bocelli have performed at the celebration concerts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.