Ministry of Justice permanent secretary Antonia Romeo is set to play a historic role in the coronation of King Charles on Saturday.
As MoJ perm sec, Romeo’s job incorporates the centuries-old post of clerk of the Crown in Chancery – which evolved from the medieval office of the Chancery, one of the two main administrative offices at the time.
Her role at the coronation will be to record proceedings. Romeo was named by the Cabinet Office alongside 12 other individuals and organisations with major ceremonial roles for the event.
They include the Lord Great Chamberlain, Baron Rupert Carrington; the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of St Peter; the Lord High Constable of Scotland, the Earl of Erroll, Merlin Hay; and Bishop of Durham Paul Butler.
Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden said some of the historic roles involved in the coronation dated back 800 years.
“It will be wonderful to see these centuries-old traditions played out on Coronation Day,” he said.
“Those given coronation roles will be at the heart of this historic ceremony, but of course the entire nation will have its part to play in events up and down the country, in what promises to be a weekend to remember.”
The first processions into Westminster Abbey on Saturday will be made up of faith leaders and representatives.
After that, flags of each realm will be carried by national representatives accompanied by the governors general and prime ministers.
It will be followed by the procession of King Charles and Queen Camilla, which will be led by hereditary peers the Marquess of Anglesey, the Duke of Westminster, the Earl of Caledon and the Earl of Dundee.
Chief of the defence staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will also take part in the procession, acting as Lord High Constable of England – an office he will hold for Saturday only.
The role of Lord High Constable is a great officer of state that has historically been connected to the military.