Move FM Global News

LONDON, England: Forth-eight scholars from the prestigious Westminster School will be the first to formally acclaim King Charles as he is crowned at London’s Westminster next month by singing out “Vivat Rex.”

They have been practicing for months for their big moment on May 6, a tradition which dates back to at least 1685.

“I think all of my friends are excited for me,” said one of the pupils, Moahnishan, 14, who is originally from the United States.

“I suppose they would never have thought that a boy from Kentucky, the USA, would have come all the way here to take part in such an honorable event. I think they’re going to be amazed by what’s to come,” he said, as quoted by the Associated Press.

The tradition for the scholars, boys and girls, ages 13 to 18, to participate in the coronation was first recorded when James II was crowned, making next month’s ceremony the 14th in which the students have played a part.

“It’s a fascinating preparation because the King’s Scholars of Westminster School aren’t members of a choir, as such, but are the academic scholars of the school,” said Tim Garrard, the school’s director of music, as reported by the Associated Press.

“So this is not a professional choir that’s being rehearsed, but it’s very much the idea that it’s a kind of crowd scene proclaiming the ‘Vivat’, so we’re really enjoying preparing for it.”