ANDOVER residents have been asked if they would swear allegiance to the King ahead of the coronation.

King Charles III’s Coronation takes place on Saturday, May 6, with the service set to feature several modern adjustments from Queen Elizabeth II’s crowning more than 70 years ago. The Archbishop of Canterbury will invite the public to make the pledge together, although Republican groups and a minority of Britons have already said they will refuse to join in.

The 'Homage Of The People' will replace the traditional Homage of the Peers during the ceremony, which saw members of the aristocracy lining up to pledge their support for the monarchy and its heirs. 

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Lambeth Palace said it was hoped the change to the historic service will result in a 'great cry around the nation and around the world of support for the King' from those watching on television, online or gathered in the open air at big screens. 

When asked if they would be swearing allegiance to the King, Andover residents gave a mixed reaction.

An elderly couple said: "Rightly so, we will. We both swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II over 70 years ago, and we will do the same for King Charles on Saturday. We're both proud to be British and have a monarchy, and that is something that should be cherished and celebrated by the masses."

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A middle-aged woman said: "The monarchy is outdated and out of touch with the times we're living in. Charles in himself doesn't annoy me, but the Royal Family as a whole do. I won't be watching any of that rubbish over the weekend."

A young man said: "I don't really understand what it means to pledge allegiance, but no matter how you look at it, he's going to be King. I don't understand why some people are getting so angry about it, ultimately it's a big occasion but it doesn't affect a person on the day-to-day. If you don't like it, just don't watch it."

A spokesman for Lambeth palace said the homage is “very much an invitation rather than an expectation or request”, adding that people might join in if that feels right for them, as they would take part in the national anthem.