Swearing in the New King

This study focuses on the three statutory oaths which the new sovereign must swear at accession and coronation. Because these oaths are enshrined in statute, it would require amending legislation to revise and update them. We explain the history and background of each of the oaths, before discussing how they might be revised, if there is political will and parliamentary time to do so. If they are not updated, then on accession the government might wish to make a parliamentary statement and publish background briefing explaining the historical context of the oaths, and how they might best be understood in modern times.