THE city's new sword-bearer has described the honour of leading a civic procession through Worcester to mark the coronation of the King.

The procession began at 4pm on Sunday from Worcester Guildhall, heading along the High Street towards the Cathedral as crowds gathered to watch the ancient ritual. 

Dignitaries including the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson, took part in the procession and attended the Coronation Evensong.

Worcester News: Mayor of Worcester Cllr Adrian Gregson with the ceremonial sword behind him at Worcester Cathedral Mayor of Worcester Cllr Adrian Gregson with the ceremonial sword behind him at Worcester Cathedral (Image: Supplied by Paul Harding)

A spokesperson for Worcester Cathedral described it as 'a special county Service of Thanksgiving in Celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III', led by the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge. 

Paul Harding, who led the procession for the first time as sword-bearer, held steady the large sword which dates from 1655, not long after the defeat of Royalist forces at the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.

Mr Harding, 46, said: "It was a great honour to be asked to be the Swordbearer for the Coronation celebrations for the City of Worcester.

Worcester News: TRADITION: Bishop of Worcester, John Inge at Worcester Cathedral TRADITION: Bishop of Worcester, John Inge at Worcester Cathedral (Image: Supplied by Paul Harding)

"I have been a Macebearer for a great many years and was really happy to agree to take up the Cap of Maintenance and the Civic Sword for such a prestigious event. The meaning behind our City regalia is deep rooted in the history of our great city. It was very special taking the oath of allegiance to the King, his heirs and successors whilst acting as the Swordbearer."

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He was flanked by Sergeants at Mace, Mark Harding, Ken Woodfield and Jenny Killam. 

Worcester is one of only a few Ancient Cities that has a Cap of Maintenance or Cap of Dignity.

The Cap of Maintenance is gifted by Monarchs and it is believed they started life as Capelots and Lambreguins, helmet coverings used by knights.

Worcester News: Paul Harding with the ceremonial sword as Worcester marked the coronation with a historic ritual Paul Harding with the ceremonial sword as Worcester marked the coronation with a historic ritual (Image: Supplied by Paul Harding)

Mr Harding said: "The City's Cap of Maintenance is confirmed in a number of Charters including the 1621 Charter.

"Sadly the original Cap was lost during the English Civil Wars and had to be replaced in the 18th Century.

"This Cap can be seen in the painting of Robert Howarth, on the Guildhall stairs."

In the 1930s it was decided that a replica 18th century uniform should be made for the Sword Bearer.

The present Sword Bearer still wears a replica of this uniform including the Cap of Maintenance.

The Cap is slightly wider at the top and made from a light brown cloth and has two ornate gold and red tassels, meeting on the chest.

Mr Harding added: "Three Ostrich feathers top the Cap.

"Some people believe these decorative feathers could be a medieval symbol of the Trinity or even a gift from the King, after the City buried Prince Arthur in Worcester Cathedral.

"Prince Arthur was the Prince of Wales and his symbol is three White Ostrich feathers.

"The Cap of Maintenance can be seen at most Civic functions and is not a common feature across Britain."