Ancient Millennium Perfume Formula Used to Anoint King Charles III

The History of Millennium Perfume at British Coronations

As King Charles III prepared for his coronation on May 6th, 2023, many traditions dating back over 1000 years were upheld. One of these rich traditions was the use of a special millennium perfume to anoint the new monarch during the ceremony.

Perfume's Symbolic Role in the Coronation

The use of fragrant oils and perfumes to anoint royalty and religious leaders dates back to ancient times. The word "perfume" comes from the Latin phrase "per fumum" meaning "through smoke," linking the scented oils to the sacred smoke of incense.

This millennium perfume signifies the divine nature of Britain's monarchy which has ruled for over a thousand years. The scent is believed to represent the enduring nature of the crown as it is passed down from one generation to the next.

The Origins of Britain's Coronation Perfume

The specific millennium perfume used at coronations today was originally created for the coronation of King Henry IV in 1399. This floral scent contains extracts of rose, jasmine, orange blossom, and musk.

According to legend, the precious original bottle of millennium perfume was hidden during the English Civil War but rediscovered just in time for the restoration of the monarchy and coronation of King Charles II in 1661.

The Perfume's Significance for King Charles III

As Charles III was anointed with this 723-year-old millennium perfume, it marked the continuity of his reign with the great kings and queens of Britain's pre-modern history. This included Queen Elizabeth I and the legendary King Arthur.

The symbolic meaning of the millennium perfume connects Charles to English history stretching back over 1000 years to William the Conqueror in 1066. This emphasizes the endurance of Britain's institutions.

The Coronation Perfume Formula Kept Secret

The botanical formula for this special millennium perfume has been kept secret for over 600 years. It is carefully preserved by the Worshipful Company of Perfumers based in London that has supplied the royal family since the 1390s.

Rumors About the Fragrant Oil

Despite the secrecy behind the fragrant oil, there have been rumors about its composition and origins. Some say it contains exotic ingredients from the Far East including sandalwood, cinnamon, and myrrh.

Other legends claim that rose oil from the Middle East was added to the mix by Crusading knights. However the true formula remains protected to preserve its symbolic royal heritage.

Oil Preparation is a Closely Guarded Process

The small number of licensed perfumers trusted to make this millennium perfume for coronations undertakes elaborate precautions.

The precious oil is prepared behind locked doors monitored by security guards. Only natural ingredients are used following ancient alchemical methods stretching back to medieval times.

The Future of the Coronation Perfume

As King Charles III's reign begins, this ancient millennium perfume connects him to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy. The secret floral oil represents the symbolic and spiritual roots of the crown.

Ancient Traditions Brought Into Modern Times

This rich ceremonial tradition has been brought into modern times for the television age. Images of blue and gold vials containing the scented millennium perfume captured the world's attention.

This has sparked interest in the botanical origins and alchemical preparation of this scent honoring Britain's heritage. The timeless fragrance links past and present royalty through symbolic meaning and ritual anointment.

Perfume Points Towards the Future

As this ancient millennium perfume passes forward to anoint the new generation of royalty, it represents the endurance of the British monarchy. The mysterious floral fragrance carries traditions from the past while signifying a stable transition into the future.

King Charles III breathed in the perfume's symbolic spice and flower extracts, connecting with over 600 years of coronation history - and the perpetuity of the crown.

FAQs

What is the millennium perfume used at British coronations?

The millennium perfume is a floral scent containing rose, jasmine, orange blossom, and musk, used to anoint the new British monarch at coronations for over 600 years. Its origins trace back to the 1399 coronation of King Henry IV.

Why is the perfume formula kept secret?

To preserve its symbolic royal heritage, the exact formula of the millennium perfume has been a closely guarded secret for centuries, entrusted only to a select group of licensed London perfumers.

Who prepares the coronation perfume?

The Worshipful Company of Perfumers, established in England since the 1300s, has the exclusive duty of making the millennium perfume for royal coronations down through the generations.

What's special about King Charles III's coronation perfume?

For King Charles III, the ancient perfume signifies continuity from previous eras of British history while marking the stable transition into his new reign.

Will the heritage of the coronation perfume continue?

As an enduring ceremonial tradition for over 600 years, the secret millennium perfume formula will likely continue to be used to anoint future British monarchs at their coronations.