Fifteen new Church of England ministers have become the first ordinands in history to swear a vow of allegiance to King Charles III.

The service took place just hours after the Royal Proclamation of the new monarch and fifteen women and men from across Devon were ordained Deacons in a service led by the Bishop of Exeter.

Speaking afterwards, Robin Smith, from Holy Trinity Church, Barnstaple, said “What a momentous day. It was a privilege to be part of this amazing Church and serve the King and serve the country. The last few days have been a lot to get my head around but it’s great to be here.”

Joanne Parker, from Plymstock and Hooe in Plymouth, said “Obviously the events of this week have been weighing on all of us, but it felt like a real historic moment to actually swear allegiance to the King today.”

Ruth Beckett, from Torquay, was the very first person to make her vow. She said “I am beyond excited. To be the first to affirm my oath to the new King was amazing but in ministry, we affirm our allegiance to Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and always. It has been a good reminder that people come and go but Christ is constant.”

The Church of England traces its history back to 597. That year, a group of missionaries sent by the pope and led by Augustine of Canterbury began the Christianisation of the Anglo-Saxons.

Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Throughout the Middle Ages, the English Church was a part of the Catholic Church led by the pope in Rome. Over the years, the church won many legal privileges and amassed vast wealth and property. This was often a point of contention between the Kings of England and the church.

ALSO READ King Charles III Reflects On Important Christian Values