The 21-meter-long manuscript is the first Coronation roll without animal skin, showcasing exquisite calligraphy and illustrations

In a centuries-old tradition, King Charles III has received a meticulously crafted Coronation scroll, a handwritten and illustrated record of his crowning ceremony at Westminster Abbey nearly a year ago. The 21-meter (69-foot) long manuscript, dubbed a “Coronation roll,” is a stunning work of art and an official account of the historic event.

For the first time in over 700 years, this Coronation roll eschews the use of animal skin parchment, a significant departure from tradition. Instead, the document is expertly inscribed on high-quality paper, reflecting modern sensibilities and the King’s commitment to environmental concerns.

Upon being presented with the roll at Buckingham Palace, the King marvelled at its extraordinary length, joking, “It goes on for miles.” Queen Camilla, equally impressed, quipped that she would need her glasses to read the intricate calligraphy.

The roll’s creation was a labour of love and endurance for calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill. Over an intense 56-day period, without weekend breaks, she meticulously inscribed 11,500 words in elegant copperplate script, fueled by classical music and breathing exercises to maintain her focus.

“It was very intense,” Gill acknowledged, but the result “feels like a piece of art.”

Complementing the exquisite calligraphy are intricate illustrations by artist Tim Noad, who also designed the King’s cypher, the royal monogram that will grace new banknotes, public buildings, and eventually, post boxes.

The Coronation roll chronicles the ceremonies, processions, and promises made during the Coronation service, documenting the attendees’ roles and listing the royal guests, politicians, and overseas representatives present. However, not all guests are mentioned by name, with Ant and Dec, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie lumped under the heading “Other groups.”

In a nod to modernity, a digital video version of the roll will be made available online, featuring interviews with attendees like Penny Mordaunt, the Leader of the Commons.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, who presented the roll to the King, said, “For the first time, this Coronation roll will be digitized, bringing the tradition into the 21st Century and giving as many people as possible the opportunity to see it.”

The completed roll, carefully signed by the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, Antonia Romeo, at the College of Arms in London, is expected to go on public display before being preserved at the National Archives, where it will serve as a lasting record of King Charles III’s Coronation for future generations