Coronation of King Charles III: What is Penny Mordaunt's role in coronation? What is the sword she is carrying?

Penny Mordaunt has become the first woman to carry and present the Sword of State at a coronation

Senior UK Government minister Penny Mordaunt has won plaudits on social media for her role in the coronation service for King Charles III at Westminster Abbey.

Ms Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Council and the Leader of the House of Commons, was a notable figure in proceedings, dressed in a teal midi-dress complete with a fashionable cape.

She was given the official role of carrying the Sword of State – a large golden weapon – as she walked through Westminster Abbey. She was then presented with a second, smaller sword – the Jewelled Sword of Offering – which she presented to the King as part of the service, becoming the first woman to do so.

Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, carrying the Sword of State, in the procession through Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London. Picture: PA

The intricate tapered sword, blessed by the Archbishop, was made for George IV’s 1821 coronation, has a hilt encrusted with diamonds, rubies and emeralds and a scabbard decorated with jewelled roses, thistles and shamrocks.

It symbolises royal power and the monarch accepting his duty and knightly virtues.

It is placed in the King’s right hand, then clipped onto his girdle and eventually unclipped.

The King steps forward and offers the sword to the Dean, who places it on the altar.

Penny Mordaunt, Lord President of the Council (second from left and guests attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

The sword is “redeemed” by Ms Mordaunt, who places the redemption money on an almsdish, held by the Dean.

Ms Mordaunt was then instructed to draw the sword and carry it in its naked form – without its scabbard – before the monarch for the rest of the service.