Portsmouth MP first woman to present sword to King
Penny Mordaunt has been praised for her role in the coronation
The Jewelled Sword of Offering was carried and presented to the monarch by a woman for the first time.
The sword was blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and presented to the King by Lord President of the Council, Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt, during yesterday's Coronation.
It had been carried into the Westminster Abbey by Petty Officer Amy Taylor, who became the first woman to undertake the duty of carrying the sword into the Abbey after being selected to represent service men and women as a tribute to the King's military career.
The sword was placed in the King's right hand, then clipped onto his girdle and eventually unclipped.
The King then stepped forward and offered the sword to the Dean, who placed it on the altar.
The sword was then "redeemed" by Ms Mordaunt, who placed the redemption money on an alms dish, held by the Dean, before drawing the sword and carrying it in its naked form, without its scabbard.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said she was "honoured" to have been part of the coronation.
Ms Mordaunt, who carried the ceremonial sword in Westminster Abbey in her role as Lord President of the Council, said: "I'm very aware that our armed forces, police officers and others have been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep us all safe.
"In comparison, my job was rather easier."