Worcester residents have shared their thoughts on plans to pledge allegiance to the King.

As part of the Coronation proceedings, millions watching around the world are being asked to cry out and swear allegiance to King Charles III.

This will mark the first time in history the public is given an active role in the ancient ceremony.

However, it’s fair to say that not many in Worcester are planning to join in.

Richard Hughes said: “My allegiance has to be earned.”

Sue Russell added: “No, I don't think I shall, thanks.”

“No, time to end this circus,” said Tony O’Neil.

The new Homage of the People was introduced to allow “a chorus of millions of voices”, Lambeth Palace said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will call upon “all persons of goodwill in The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and the Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all”.

Everyone who desires to do so will then say “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

Many Worcester News readers are planning to do something a bit different instead.

Shelly Givans said: “The only thing I can pledge allegiance to is wine, wine never lets you down.”

Others felt that this new practice was too “American”.

“‘So help me God’? Have we become American all of a sudden? Either that or someone has been watching too much tv!” said Ian Langford.

Katie Willis added: “The last time I looked I was not American…I am sure I am British.”

Not everyone was against the idea, with Shaun Payne planning to join in, with the added bonus of “winding people up”.

A Lambeth Palace spokesman said the homage is “very much an invitation rather than an expectation or request”, with people joining in if it feels right for them, much as they would take part in the national anthem.

They added: “It’s simply an opportunity offered by the Archbishop so that, unlike previous coronations, those who wish to join in with the words being spoken by the Abbey congregation could do so in a very simple way.

“For those who do want to take part, some will want to say all the words of the homage; some might just want to say ‘God Save The King’ at the end; others might just want it to be a moment of private reflection.”