The service of thanksgiving for the Queen's 70-year reign will take place at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday and is a key event in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The event will be attended by most members of the Royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who will arrive at the cathedral from 11am. However, the Queen will be notably absent.
A last-minute announcement by Buckingham Palace on Thursday night said that the Queen had decided "with great reluctance" that the journey to St Paul's and the length of the service will make it too difficult to attend.
The Duke of York will also miss the service after contracting Covid, as will the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, who is also ill with coronavirus. He will be replaced by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell.
This is the official order of service that was published before the Queen, Prince Andrew and the Archbishop of Canterbury pulled out of the service.
Music before the service
Martin Ford, Acting Sub-Organist, plays:
Music for the Royal Fireworks
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759)
Arr. Martin Ford (b.1986)
I Overture (Adagio - Allegro - Lentement - Allegro)
II Bourrée
III La Paix
IV La Réjouissance
V Menuets I & II
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) plays:
English Folk Suite
Ralph Vaughan Williams, OM (1872-1958)
I March: Seventeen come Sunday
II Intermezzo: My bonny boy
III March: Folk Songs from Somerset
First Suite in E flat for Military Band (Op. 28a)
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
I Chaconne
II Intermezzo
III March
Martin Ford plays:
Pageant from Three Pieces
Francis Jackson, CBE (1917-2022)
Rhosymedre
Ralph Vaughan Williams, OM from Three Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes
Prelude and Fugue in G (Op. 37, No 2)
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Homage to Elgar
Martin How, MBE (b. 1931)
The congregation is asked to join in all texts printed in bold.
At 10.30 am, remain seated as the Chapter, the Bishop of London, the Archbishop of York, the Priest Vicars and the Minor Canons leave the Dean’s Aisle and proceed down the South Aisle to the Great West Door of the Cathedral, following which the Mayor of London and the Prime Minister arrive at the Great West Door and are accompanied to their seats under the
Dome.
At 10.40 am, remain seated as Visiting Representatives of World Faiths leave the Dean’s Aisle and move to their places under the Dome. At 10.40 am, The Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard leave the North Steps leading from the Crypt and move by way of the North Nave Aisle to take up their positions at the west end of the Cathedral.
At 10.50 am, the Lord Mayor arrives at the foot of the West Steps and is received at the Great West Door by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York.
From 10.55 am, Members of the Royal Family arrive at the foot of the West Steps where they are greeted by the Lord Mayor and conducted to the Great West Door where they are received by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York before being accompanied to their places under the Dome.
At 11.05 am, remain seated as the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, Visiting Ecumenical Dignitaries, the College of Canons, the Serjeant of the Vestry of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, the Sub-Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, the Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, the Keeper of the Closet, the Clerk of the Closet, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Representative of the Archbishop of Wales, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland leave the Dean’s Aisle and move to the west end of the South Nave Aisle.
At 11.10 am, Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms leave the South Steps leading from the Crypt and move to the South Nave Aisle to await the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen. At 11.10 a.m., Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the foot of the West Steps and are conducted by the Lord Mayor to the Great West Door where they are received by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York.
At 11.15 am, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the foot of the West Steps and are conducted by the Lord Mayor to the Great West Door where they are received by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York, whilst the Lord Mayor makes his way to the South Door of the Cathedral to await the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen.
Stand as the band plays Jubilee Overture by Philip Sparke (b.1950), and a procession moves through the Nave in the following order:
A Virger
The Crucifer and Acolytes
The Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal
The Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral
The Minor Canons
The Priest Vicars
A Virger
Visiting Ecumenical Dignitaries
A Virger
The College of Canons
The Serjeant of the Vestry of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal
The Sub-Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal
The Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland
The Keeper of the Closet
The Clerk of the Closet
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church The Archbishop of Armagh
The Representative of the Archbishop of Wales
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Cross of York
The Archbishop of York
The Dean’s Virger
The Chapter
A Virger
The Chancellor of the Diocese of London
The Bishop of London
The Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cornwall
The Duke of Cambridge
The Prince of Wales
Sit once those processing have taken their places in Quire and under the Dome.
At 11.28 am, Her Majesty The Queen arrives and is conducted into the Cathedral by the Lord Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword.
Stand as the fanfare ‘Rejoicing’ is sounded as Her Majesty The Queen arrives onto the Cathedral floor and is received by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York, and, with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a procession is formed.
The Queen’s Procession
A Virger
The Cross of York
The Archbishop of York
The Dean’s Virger
The Chapter
A Virger
The Chancellor of the Diocese of London
The Bishop of London
The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms
The Lord Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword
The Prince of Wales
The Queen
The Duchess of Cornwall
The Duchess of Cambridge
The Duke of Cambridge
The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms
Order of Service
Introit
During which The Queen’s Procession moves through the Nave.
I was glad when they said unto me,
we will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is a unity in itself:
Vivat Regina Elizabetha! Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.
Words: Psalm 122. 1-3, 6-7 and Coronation Acclamation
Music: Sir C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918)
Arr. John Rutter, CBE (b.1945)
The Bidding
Given by The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s
We come together in this Cathedral Church today to offer to God our thanks and praise for the reign of Her Majesty The Queen and especially for her seventy years of faithful and dedicated service.
As we gather from communities across her realm and the Commonwealth of Nations, we rejoice in the diverse and varied lives of all those whom she serves, and in the beauty and abundance of the world in which we live.
Inspired by words and music, we pray that God will continue to bless and guide Her Majesty, and that we may all receive grace to honour life and to live in harmony with one another; and we continue to pray for those whose lives are marred by conflict, suffering and tragedy.
And mindful of the call of God to look to the needs of others, we commit ourselves afresh to caring for our world and all for whom it is home, striving always to seek out and nurture that which is good in people and in all creation.
All these our thanksgivings, prayers and pledges we offer to God through the prayer that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn
Christ is made the sure foundation,
And the precious corner-stone,
Who, the two walls underlying,
Bound in each, binds both in one,
Holy Sion’s help for ever,
And her confidence alone.
To this temple, where we call thee,
Come, O Lord of hosts, today;
With thy wonted loving-kindness,
Hear thy people as they pray;
And thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls for ay.
Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
Gifts of grace by prayer to gain;
Here to have and hold for ever,
Those good things their prayers obtain,
And hereafter, in thy glory,
With thy blessèd ones to reign.
Laud and honour to the Father,
Laud and honour to the Son,
Laud and honour to the Spirit,
Ever Three and ever One,
One in love, and One in splendour,
While unending ages run. Amen.
Words: Latin, 7th-century
Trans. John Mason Neale (1818-66)
Tune: Westminster Abbey
Arr. John Rutter, CBE (b.1945)
Collect
Led by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE, Bishop of London, Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal.
Let us pray.
Sit
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour and glory of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
The Old Testament Reading
Read by Canon Dr Paula Gooder, Chancellor, Canon in Residence
O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he uttered, O offspring of his servant Israel, children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; his judgements are in all the earth. Remember his covenant for ever, the word that he commanded for a thousand generations. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!’ Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures for ever.
1 Chronicles 16. 8-15, 31-34
The Psalm
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that therein is:
the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
For he hath founded it upon the seas:
and prepared it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord:
or who shall rise up in his holy place?
Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart:
and that hath not lift up his mind unto vanity,
nor sworn to deceive his neighbour.
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord:
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is the generation of them that seek him:
even of them that seek thy face, O Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors:
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory:
it is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors:
and the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory:
even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.
Words: Psalm 24
Chant: Sir Joseph Barnby (1838-96)
The New Testament Reading
Read by The Right Honourable Boris Johnson, MP, Prime Minister
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4. 4-9
Stand
Hymn
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest – to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish – but nought changeth thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
’Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.
Words: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)
Tune: St Denio
From John Roberts’s
Caniadau y Cyssegre (Denbigh, 1839)
The Sermon
Given by The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, Primate of England and Metropolitan
Anthem
O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord:
O ye waters that be above the firmament, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O all ye powers of the Lord,
O ye sun and moon, O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord:
O ye showers and dew, O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord:
O ye fire and heat, O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord:
O ye dews and frosts, O ye frost and cold,
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the Lord:
O ye nights and days, O ye light and darkness,
O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let the earth bless the Lord:
Yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O ye mountains and hills,
O all ye green things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord:
O ye wells, O ye seas and floods, bless ye the Lord:
O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord:
O ye fowls of the air, O all ye beasts and cattle,
O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
O let Israel bless the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever.
O ye priests of the Lord, O ye servants of the Lord,
O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord:
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord:
O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord:
praise him, and magnify him for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.
Words: Early Christian hymn
Music: Benedicite in G (Op. 13a)
Francis Jackson, CBE (1917-2022)
The Prayers
Led by The Reverend Robert Coupland, Sacrist; John Aylward, Royal Voluntary Service Volunteer, Platinum Champions Award Nominee; Her Excellency the Right Honourable the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations; Samarah Rosario Dado, Cadet (First Class), City of London Sea Cadet Corps; Sir James Scott, President, Royal Forestry Society.
Let us pray.
Remain seated or kneel.
Rejoicing in the Lord and all that he has given,
let us make our supplications with thanksgiving through Jesus Christ his Son.
God of our praise,
in love you sustain us with your Spirit;
fill our hearts with gladness
that we may celebrate your gift of life and worthily magnify your holy name.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our jubilation,
in whose service your servant Elizabeth our Queen
has persevered throughout her long reign;
continue to support and encourage her
to the benefit of all whom she serves.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our peace,
in Christ you draw us together;
as we gather today from the Commonwealth of Nations,
unite us in purpose, renew us in commitment,
and recall us to our promise to live in fellowship.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our hearts,
in whose compassion is our sure foundation;
as we thank you for the support we receive from one another,
bless our families, friends, and all who uphold us.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our hope,
in Jesus Christ you guide your people;
as we offer our songs of praise,
strengthen our resolve to witness to your saving love.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our inspiration,
in your wisdom you have given us a mind to perceive you
and a heart to know you;
grant to all people of faith a will to work together
and encourage us to respect our diversity.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our sustenance,
in your goodness you fashioned the world;
help us to care for your creation and to safeguard the earth,
that we and future generations may enjoy
the wonder of all that you have made.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our strength,
in whose Kingdom there is no pain, nor sadness;
draw near to those who are sick and suffering,
comfort those whose lives are marked by conflict,
and bring to all in need your wholeness and your peace.
Lord, receive our thanks and praise,
and hear our prayer.
God of our prayer,
in whose presence we rejoice,
and in whose hands we are held secure.
Keep Elizabeth our Queen in your faith and favour,
and, as we glory in the gift of her long reign,
may we and all whom she serves be united in faith, hope and love,
this we ask through Jesus Christ, the King of Glory and Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Anthem
Happy is the one who finds Wisdom;
the one who gains understanding.
Her price is greater than silver;
her profit is better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels;
all that you desire cannot compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left are riches and honour.
Her ways are the ways of pleasantness;
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who grasp her;
and those who hold her fast are blessed.
By Wisdom, the Lord laid the foundations of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
Words: Proverbs 3. 13-19
Music: By Wisdom
Judith Weir, CBE (b.1954)
Master of The Queen's Music
Act of Commitment
Led by The Reverend Robert Kozak, Succentor; Young people representing countries for whom Her Majesty The Queen is Head of State.
Delighting in the gifts of life, wisdom and understanding
let us commit ourselves afresh to caring for our world
and all for whom it is home.
Rejoicing in the life and reign of Elizabeth our Queen
will you hallow life in all its richness and diversity?
We will.
Inspired by her dedication to her people
will you serve those alongside whom you live?
We will.
Rejoicing in the joy and happiness of this gathering
will you foster community amongst all people?
We will.
Inspired by all that unites and strengthens us
will you work for peace and justice throughout our world?
We will.
Rejoicing in the beauty of this earth
will you protect and care for our environment?
We will.
Inspired by creativity and endeavour
will you seek out and nurture all that is good?
We will.
Renewed and invigorated by the life we share
and by all that we have celebrated this day,
may we be faithful to all that we have pledged and promised.
Stand
Hymn
Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Sion, city of our God;
He whose word cannot be broken
Formed thee for his own abode:
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
See, the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint, while such a river
Ever flows their thirst to assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord the giver,
Never fails from age to age.
Saviour, if of Sion's city
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy name.
Fading are the worldlings' pleasures,
All their boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasures,
None but Sion's children know.
Words: John Newton (1725-1807), alt.
Tune: Abbot's Leigh
Cyril Taylor (1907-91)
Final verse arr. Simon Johnson (b.1975)
Organist of St Paul's (2008-21)
The Blessing
Given by The Bishop of London
Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak;
help the afflicted; honour everyone;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be amongst you and remain with you always.
Amen.
The National Anthem
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save The Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save The Queen!
Music: arr. Gordon Jacob, CBE (1895-1984)
Music after the Service
William Fox, Acting Organist, plays:
March
Sir William Walton, OM, (1902-83)
For 'A History of the English-Speaking Peoples' arr. Tom Winpenny (b.1983)
Sub-Organist of St Paul's (2006-8)
The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) plays:
Jupiter
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
From The Planets (Op. 32)
Her Majesty The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are conducted by the Chapter, the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of York in procession to the main stairs of the Cathedral, Her Majesty The Queen preceded by the Lord Mayor bearing the Pearl Sword and accompanied by the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.
Members of the Royal Family process to the Great West Door of the Cathedral, where the Chapter bids them farewell.
The Mayoral Party is conducted to the North West Door of the Cathedral.
The Choir of St Paul's Cathedral, the Choir of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, Visiting Ecumenical Dignitaries, the College of Canons, the Serjeant of the Vestry of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal, the Sub-Dean of Her Majesty's Chapels Royal, the Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, the Keeper of the Closet, the Clerk of the Closet, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Representative of the Archbishop of Wales, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland return to the Dean's Aisle.
The Visiting Representatives of World Faiths return to the Dean's Aisle.
Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms return to the Crypt by way of the South Nave Aisle.
The Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard return to the Crypt by way of the North Nave Aisle.
Sit
Please remain seated until invited to leave the Cathedral by a Wandsman or Steward.
Those involved in the service
The combined Choirs of St Paul’s Cathedral and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal are directed by Andrew Carwood, MBE, Director of Music, St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Anthem By Wisdom has been composed by Judith Weir, CBE, Master of The Queen’s Music, to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen and receives its first performance at this service.
The Organ of St Paul’s Cathedral is played for the service by William Fox, Acting Organist and Assistant Director of Music, St Paul’s Cathedral, and before the service by Martin Ford, Acting Sub-Organist, St Paul’s Cathedral.
Before and after the service the St Paul’s Cathedral Guild of Ringers ring ‘Stedman Cinques’.
The flowers have been arranged by The Church of England Flower Arrangers Association.
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) and the Brass and Percussion Ensemble of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood are directed by Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham, RM Principal Director of Music, Royal Marines.
The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry are led by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford.
The Band of the Coldstream Guards is directed by Major Stuart Halliday.
The Fanfare Trumpeters of The Central Band of the Royal Air Force are conducted by Wing Commander PIers Morrell, OBE, Principal Director of Music, Royal Air Force.