King Charles's coronation procession to be led by cross containing relics given by Pope

Fragments from the True Cross have been given to the British monarch ahead of his coronation at Westminster Abbey

The Cross of Wales will be carried into Westminster Abbey next month containing two shards of the True Cross. PA

King Charles' coronation procession will be led by a cross that includes religious relics given as gifts to the monarch by the Pope.

Two shards of the True Cross — which is said to be the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ — were given to the king by Pope Francis to mark the royal occasion.

The small fragments have been incorporated into the Cross of Wales, which will be seen by millions as it is carried into Westminster Abbey on May 6.

Both pieces are shaped as crosses, one being 1cm in size and the other 5mm, and are set into the larger silver cross behind a rose crystal gemstone so they can only be viewed up close.

The Cross of Wales, which is a gift from the king to the Church in Wales to celebrate its centenary, will be blessed by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, in a service at Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno, North Wales, on Wednesday before it heads to London.

Upon its return, the cross will be shared by the Anglican and Catholic churches in Wales.

Crafted from recycled silver bullion, provided by the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales, the cross also includes a shaft of Welsh windfall timber and a stand of Welsh slate.

Words from the last sermon of St David are inscribed on the back of the cross in Welsh, which read: “Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain”, translated as: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”

The silver elements of the cross bear a full hallmark, including the Royal Mark — a leopard’s head, which was applied by the king himself in November 2022 when visiting The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London.

The Archbishop of Wales said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen to mark our centenary with a cross that is both beautiful and symbolic.

“Its design speaks to our Christian faith, our heritage, our resources and our commitment to sustainability.

“We are delighted too that its first use will be to guide their majesties into Westminster Abbey at the Coronation Service.”

The public service held in Llantrisant will begin at 9am at the start of the Church’s Governing Body meeting.