New Zealand wool used at coronation
<b>The anointing screen used in the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III, in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London. Photo: Supplied.</b>
A handmade anointing screen that was used as part of King Charles’ coronation ceremony was made from New Zealand and Australian wool, finished off in British mills.
The screen portrays a tree representing the 56 Commonwealth countries and was worked on by expert craftspeople and members of the Royal School of Needlework. The thread used to stitch the outline of the tree is made from 100 per cent fully sustainable lyocell fibres.
The anointing process is known as the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony, during which the Archbishop of Canterbury will pour holy oil onto the Coronation Spoon, then placing it on the King’s hands, head and chest. The anointing has never been seen by guests or broadcast. Queen Elizabeth II’s anointing was conducted under a gold canopy cloth held up by four Knights of the Garter.
King Charles has long been a champion of wool and has spearheaded the promotion of sheep’s wool. He is also the patron for The Campaign for Wool. With a focus on encouraging consumers to understand the benefits of wool and grow the industry.