The oil used to anoint the King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla in the coronation on 6 May will be cruelty-free.
In a historic move, the Church of England has announced that the traditional recipe for the holy oil used in the coronation of the British monarch will no longer include ambergris, a substance extracted from the intestines of whales.
This decision comes as part of a wider effort to promote environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and reflects growing concerns about the impact of the global whaling industry on whale populations.
The use of ambergris in the holy oil dates back to the coronation of King Charles II in 1661, when it was included in the recipe as a symbol of the monarch’s dominion over the seas. However, in recent years, the practice has come under increasing scrutiny, with many people arguing that it is cruel and unnecessary.
Ambergris is a rare and highly sought-after substance, prized for its musky scent and its ability to enhance the fragrance of perfumes and other scented products. However, its extraction involves killing whales, and there are serious concerns about the impact of the global whaling industry on whale populations. Many countries have taken steps to ban or restrict the hunting of whales, and the use of ambergris in the holy oil has become increasingly controversial.
The decision to remove ambergris from the holy oil recipe was made by the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission, which is responsible for the development and revision of liturgical texts and practices. The Commission worked closely with experts in the fields of environmental sustainability and animal welfare to identify alternative ingredients that would be more in line with modern ethical standards.
The new recipe for the holy oil will include a blend of organic vegetable oils, combined with natural fragrances such as frankincense and myrrh. These ingredients are all plant-based and environmentally sustainable, and are widely used in the production of natural cosmetics and personal care products.
The decision to remove ambergris from the holy oil recipe has been widely welcomed by animal rights activists and conservationists. It is seen as an important step towards promoting environmental sustainability and animal welfare, and reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect the natural world for future generations.
The coronation of King Charles III is expected to take place on May 6 and the use of the new recipe for the holy oil will be an important symbol of the Church of England’s commitment to promoting ethical and sustainable practices.
