This is the bible of the British aristocracy, and it is red. It counts the centuries of life and predicts every aspect of the (social) life of those who bear titles and are definitely related to the Crown. As you might expect, Debretta is the ultimate compass for Carl’s enthronement.

When the British government officially announced the aristocrats who would participate in the coronation on Saturday, May 6, Debret began an almost literal, step-by-step analysis of who would do what. And, as you know, what Debret says is true.

This is because it is not just a who’s who guide (3,000 names are included in its latest revised edition), but a compass on many levels, often as disparate as, for example, who has the experience to become a member of the House of Lords or… who is a wealthy groom or wealthy bride for those who wish to join Britain’s illustrious aristocratic choir.

After all, on its pages, which have been reviewed for years, you can most often find out-of-wedlock births, adoptions, same-sex marriages and cohabitations. And, of course, the line of succession of each title.

And not only this; Debrett’s offers special services such as advice on finding a school, on investments, on manners, on various occasions that have their own protocol, proposals for exchange of correspondence, proposals for weddings, funerals and other rituals.

It is perhaps because of this aristocratic bible that all 13 aristocrats were chosen to play key roles in the enthronement of King Charles and royal wife Camilla, and whose selection has historical as well as social depth in coronations over the centuries.

As further stated in a British government press release issued on 9 April, those who have successfully demonstrated that they qualify for their historical eligibility to participate in such a ceremony have been selected. All roles have been reviewed by the cabinet’s Office of Coronation Claims, which has received recommendations from senior legal, ceremonial and ecclesiastical experts, the statement said.

Thus, those who, among others, will play a significant role in the enthronement are the following:

• The Earl of Errol, who will also bear the silver scepter as Lord High Warden of Scotland.
• Barons of the Five Ports (of the five ports of South East England comprising 14 coastal towns including Kent and Sussex).
• The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice, who will carefully record the procedure.
• The Lord Great Chamberlain, who will take part in the awarding of the king’s insignia – the Crown Jewels.
• The Bishop of Durham as an assistant to the Bishop of the King, who is head of the Church of England.
• Bishop of Bath and Wales also as Assistant to the Bishop of the King.
• The rector of St. Peter’s, who will officiate and guide the monarch in regards to the ritual.
• The Earl of Dundee, who will carry the Banner of Scotland.
• Lord Lyon, chief of the officers and preachers of Scotland, who will accompany the king.

Who will do what?

And these are just the main factors, since the protocol for the coronation of Charles and Camilla includes most of the roles for the British aristocracy.

For example, Karl’s insignia (regalia) will be distributed, among other things, as follows:

• The Commander-in-Chief of the Tower of London, Sir Gordon Messenger, will wear the St. Edward’s Crown.
• Baroness Manningham will carry St. Edward’s Rod.
• The Duke of Queensberry will carry the scepter with the cross.
• Keeper of the Jewel House, Brigadier General Andrew Jackson, will wear the Monarch’s ring.

Kamila tokens will be distributed approximately as follows:

• The Duke of Wellington will wear the Queen Mary crown.
• Baroness Kennedy of the Swans will carry the baton to the royal wife.
• General Sir Patrick Saunders will carry the royal consort’s scepter.
• The Reverend and Lord of Chartres will wear the Royal Consort’s ring.

And these are just a few of those who will participate, because, in addition to those who will bear the insignia, there will be those who will present them to the new monarchs of Britain.

Dress code

Debrett’s, of course, also provides the dress code – clothing and jewelry – that applies on such occasions, but also one that Charles himself has chosen for those attending Saturday’s enthronement ceremony, perhaps as part of a further modernization of the British monarchy. and after the enthronement of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 1953, who also called for more modest dress for the aristocrats in her entourage, as well as for the attendants.

In this context, the aristocrats of the “red book” were asked not to wear the traditional robes and vestments provided for the enthronement of kings and bearing insignia that reveal their position in the hierarchy of the royal court. Therefore, Charles ordered that they wear either ermines, which are worn at the beginning of the parliamentary term, or … just formal dress – without tiaras and coattails.

The historical record carefully analyzes the history of all the insignia – from the crown to the rings – thus emphasizing the symbolic significance of the persons crowned, but at the same time pointing to the continuity of the British Empire over the centuries.

Protocol for…outside

Debrett’s does not leave out its proposals for more personal coronation celebrations for those who either will not participate in an official role, or have not been invited, as well as for those who would like to live in a fairy tale – or simply celebrate this day, which for Britain is a landmark event, which, one way or another, is already 70 years old. To intruders especially, Debrett tries to sound… hopeful – both to those who haven’t sent an invitation and to those who haven’t received an invitation, at least not yet, because there’s an annual for upscale receptions and celebrations, as well. In fact, the “red book” details the protocol that applies to how an uninvited host and an uninvited potential visitor should behave.

For those who want to celebrate the coronation in private, Debrett has many ideas suitable for the occasion, and the first and best suggestion is to watch the coronation from your receivers. He also suggests organizing “peaceful street parties” as London will be largely shut down.

At the same time, for those who want to celebrate the day at home, a special decoration is offered, and it is surprising that disposable materials decorated with the faces of the day are offered. Of course, there is no shortage of flags, music, but also a note that the weather must be checked before hosting parties, barbecues (which could be on the scale of a Buckingham reception) or other social gatherings.

Either way, whether you’re invited or not, it’s going to be a big day – literally and figuratively – for everyone, not to mention the monarchs who will grab the attention of the planet.

Debret in numbers

2000
pages of the “red book” under the heading “Peerage and baronets”.

150
editions of The Peerage and Baronetcy, 1769;

1000
Years of British history are covered in the guide.

700
copies of Peerage & Baronetage’s latest 2019 print edition, priced at £450.

9
different versions of the protocol and etiquette for different events.