Did The Grim Reaper Really Show Up To King Charles' Coronation? Westminster Abbey Offers An Explanation

On May 9, 2023, the United Kingdom and the world witnessed the coronation of King Charles, marking a new era in British history. The event was a momentous occasion, attended by dignitaries, leaders, and representatives from around the globe, as well as thousands of well-wishers who lined the streets of London. King Charles was born on November 14, 1948, in Buckingham Palace, London, as Charles Philip Arthur George. He is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning British monarch, having ascended to the throne in 1952. King Charles' family history is deeply rooted in the British monarchy and includes notable ancestors like King George VI, his maternal grandfather, and Queen Victoria, his great-great-grandmother.

The coronation ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey, was a splendid display of British tradition and culture. Distinguished attendees included the members of the British royal family, prime ministers and presidents from the Commonwealth nations, as well as key figures from various religious, political, and social institutions. The diverse guest list was a testament to the significance of the event, signifying unity and continuity within the United Kingdom and beyond. As the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history, King Charles has waited for this moment for decades. However, even though the ceremony was beautiful, many people couldn't help but notice there was a black, hooded figure that walked past the open doorway in the lobby. People have been asking whether it was the Grim Reaper.

Did the Grim Reaper Really Show up to King Charles' Coronation?

In some mythologies, the Grim Reaper is known as the personified force of death that is meant to come and collect a dying person's soul. It is characterized by a floor-length black robe with a matching black hood that covers its face. It carries a long scythe, which is a tool used for mowing grass and tending to crops, but it has a long, curving blade that makes it look particularly ominous. At one point in the coronation ceremony, a figure that fit this description walked past the open doors at the back of the church. He walked by fairly quickly, and it's very easy to miss. There were many tweets about this clip, and the moment went viral.

Many demanded to know who invited the Grim Reaper, and why such a scary character would show up to such an event. Was there some kind of message being sent? Are there dark forces at play? At first, some people thought it was a doctored image. Then there was speculation that it was some kind of prank. But renowned author Naomi Wolf, who has served on two presidential campaigns, reminded everyone that "no one unauthorized can wander across a national stage at a moment such as that." They simply don't have access.

People started to search for other explanations. That's when Westminster Abbey chimed in with a response. Newsweek contacted the Anglican Church, who explained that the figure was a verger – a member of the abbey community who assists with religious services but isn't a member of the clergy. A verger will sometimes carry a rod before a bishop or cardinal to show a symbol of office. While this seems to explain who this person was, not everyone online is buying it. Some users are still tweeting about how this hooded figure was meant to represent something darker that supposedly happens behind the scenes with the British royal family.

But a verger is a real figure in Westminster Abbey, and you can even schedule a tour guide with one in order to get a closer look into the Abbey. Vergers are also known to take care of guests and clergy members at the church, as well as make sure things run smoothly at Westminster Abbey in general.