What iconic British custom is associated with the coronation of monarchs at Westminster Abbey?

The iconic British custom associated with the coronation of monarchs at Westminster Abbey is the oath-taking and anointing. This ceremony is a pivotal part of the coronation, where the new monarch pledges to govern the people faithfully and uphold the laws of the land. The anointing with holy oil signifies the divine sanctioning of the monarch, embodying an important religious and symbolic element of the coronation rite.

During this solemn ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury plays a central role in administering the oath and anointing the new sovereign, which highlights the unique blend of religious and state functions inherent in the British monarchy. This tradition has deep historical roots, emphasizing the continuity and legitimacy of the monarchy in British history.

The other customs mentioned, while significant to British culture, do not specifically pertain to the actual coronation ceremony. For instance, raising the Union Flag and the Royal Procession are part of the broader celebrations around a coronation but do not encapsulate the core religious and legal significance of the event. Meanwhile, the Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial tradition that represents the British military and its history but is not directly linked to the coronation rites themselves. Therefore, oath-taking and anointing stand out as the essential customs directly