As King Charles III succeeded to the throne, the lyrics of the national song were modified to “God preserve our gracious King,” using the pronouns “him” and “he.”
When George VI, the Queen’s father, was in power, this form was last used.
The first stanza will now be performed, which is customarily: “God preserve our great King! Live long, great King! Save the King, God! God rescue the King, send him with victory, joy, and glory to rule over us for a long time.
Not law, but custom governs this.
The 18th century is when the British National Anthem first appeared in its current form.
It gained popularity during the fervour of nationalism that followed Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s 1745 triumph against King George II’s troops in Scotland.
The director of the band of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, planned a performance of God Save The King for after the show after learning of Prince Charles’ victory in the war. After that, it was replayed every evening.
The National Anthem’s lyrics are a matter of tradition, hence there is no official version.
Over the years, other verses have been added, although they are seldom utilised.
As King Charles III landed in London today, throngs gathering outside Buckingham Palace could be heard chanting God Save the King.
The King shook the hands of people waiting to see him and Camilla, the Queen Consort, enter Buckingham Palace.
Before the audience began singing the national anthem, people could be heard yelling, “God save the King.”
Since the passing of the Queen’s father, Monarch George VI, in 1952, this will be the first time the national anthem will be performed to a king using the pronouns “he” and “he.”
Following a moment of silence observed before the start of West Ham’s game against Real Sociedad last night at the London Stadium, the crowd spontaneously sang the national anthem.
As soon as word of the Queen’s passing spread, it was also sung by patriotic Britons in bars all around the nation yesterday night.
The throng sang a combination of “God Save the King” and “God Save the Queen.”
The current version of the British national anthem originated from the 18th century.
The song was performed in London theatres when Prince Charles Edward Stuart defeated King George II’s forces in Scotland in 1745, according to the royal family’s website.