On 8 September 2022, Prince Charles was proclaimed King Charles III following the death of his mother, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In our worship we give thanks for King Charles’ reign and remember Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable life and witness on the anniversary of her death.

Prayers for Her Late Majesty

Throughout the day and during the Accession Evensong, prayers will be offered for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as we remember her historic reign and those who mourn her loss.

Accession Evensong – 5.30pm

On Friday evening, a special Accession Evensong will be sung by the Vicars Choral and Choral Scholars of York Minster. The service will recall the Accession of His Majesty the King and will help us reflect on our own calling as Disciples of Christ.

The service will include special psalmody, collects and the National Anthem, as well as Byrd’s O Lord, make thy servant which was written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Although based on Psalm 21, the text was altered by Byrd to address Queen Elizabeth I directly, before being adapted for other monarchs after her death in 1603. The original version started to be used once again in 1952 after the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Since the death of Her Late Majesty in 2022, York Minster has been singing the first line as “O Lord, make thy servant Charles our King to rejoice in thy strength.”

On 8 September 2022 Prince Charles was proclaimed King Charles III, following the death of his mother Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In our worship we give thanks for King Charles’ reign and remember Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable life and witness on the anniversary of her death.