Charles will be hoping the coronation is free from these amusing mishaps

From sleeping monarchs to rancid anointing oil, past coronations have not always been straightforward. Ian Bradley looks back at a litany of errors

Although they have generally been solemn and dignified affairs in keeping with their prime function as Christian services of worship, British coronations have sometimes been marred by misdemeanours and mishaps.

Not all monarchs have taken their coronations as seriously as they should. St Dunstan, the abbot of Glastonbury, was appalled by the behaviour of the Anglo-Saxon King Eadwig immediately after being crowned and anointed at Kingston upon Thames in 955. The abbot noted that "the lustful man suddenly jumped up and left the happy banquet and the...