For the first time, traditional languages in each of the four UK countries will be used during the coronation of King Charles III.
Irish, Scots Gaelic and Welsh will all be spoken along with English at Westminster Abbey for the new King of England’s coronation.
This is the first time that traditional languages of the UK countries, including Irish, Welsh, and Scots Gaelic, will be spoken alongside English during the coronation. The languages will be included in the service in the form of a hymn.
Irish language to be used during King’s coronation – one of the four traditional languages
A spokesperson for the Archbishop of Canterbury has confirmed that the ancient traditional hymn, ‘Veni Creator’ (Come Creator Spirit), will be sung after the sermon on 6 May.
‘Veni Creator’, also known as ‘Come Holy Ghost Our Souls Inspire’, has been a part of coronation services since the 14th century.
The spokesperson for the Archbishop of Canterbury said, “This ancient hymn has been part of coronation services since the 14th century and is also used in ordination services when people are ordained deacons, priests and bishops.
“For the first time, we will hear this sung in the traditional languages of the nations of the United Kingdom: English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic”.
The hymn – sung in Irish, then in English
The hymn’s Irish language verse goes as follows.
“Go dti dhiot gurb aithnid duinn
an tAthair, Mhac, a Spioraid, a run,
Tu leo an Triur i neinphearsa
Creidimis ionaibh tre bhiotha na mbeatha”.
It then repeats in English:
“Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee, of both, to be but One.
That, through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”.
Royals and traditional languages – forging unity with language
Along with English, the congregation gathering for the King’s coronation will hear verses in three Celtic languages, Welsh, Irish, and Scots Gaelic, for the first time.
Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was praised during her historic trip to Ireland in 2011 for speaking Irish.
This visit was momentous as it was the first time a British monarch had visited the Republic in 100 years.
At a banquet in Dublin, she was met with applause when she said, “A Uachtaráin agus a Chairde” (President and Friends).
Furthermore, Charles famously travelled to Aberystwyth University to learn the Welsh language under Welsh nationalist Edward Millward when he was a young man. He was the first English Prince of Wales in 668 years to learn the language.
