Royal Fanfare — Accessions, Coronations, and Jubilees
Oath of Fealty Procession, Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, 1740
From: Erb-Huldigung, welche der
Allerdurch-leuchtigst-Grossmächtigsten Frauen
By Georg Christoph Kriegl
Vienna, Austria: Johann Baptist Schelgen, ca. 1740
Identifier: 394.5 K67
This engraving shows Maria Theresa in a carriage on her way to the Lower Austrian Estates to be formally recognized as Archduchess of Austria. The procession which took place in November, 1740 was the first public event in her reign.
From as far back as the Middle Ages, most monarchs commenced their rule immediately at the death of the previous monarch. In order to observe a period of mourning, the coronation was held several months later. The period of rule leading up to the official coronation was called the accession.
The coronation ceremonies of today have changed very little from hundreds of years ago. The new sovereign is acclaimed by the people and takes an oath to uphold the law. Anointing and crowning rituals are followed by the presentation of the regalia, symbols of state power such as the sceptre and the orb.
Jubilee celebrations highlight significant anniversaries in the sovereign’s reign. The Silver Jubilee marks 25 years, the Golden Jubilee, 50 years, and the Diamond Jubilee, 60 years.
View the above images on Flickr.