King Charles Commissions New Hymn for Beloved Balmoral Chapel

In a touching tribute to royal tradition, a new hymn commissioned by King Charles for the beloved Crathie Kirk at Balmoral is set to make its public debut. The piece, aptly named "Crathie," will be broadcast for the first time on BBC's Songs of Praise, coinciding with the second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing on September 8, 2024.

Crathie Kirk, a small Church of Scotland parish church, has been an integral part of royal life for generations. Located near Balmoral Castle, it has served as the place of worship for the British Royal Family during their stays in Scotland since Queen Victoria's time in 1848.

The new hymn was composed by Professor Paul Mealor, who has previously created music for significant royal occasions, including the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011 and King Charles' coronation in 2023. Prof Mealor set the music to the words of the traditional hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

"This place here, Crathie, is such a glorious place. It's had a huge history of the Royal family right back to Queen Victoria, and it's not got its own hymn. Well, now it does."

The Royal Family's connection to Crathie Kirk runs deep. It is where Princess Anne married her second husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, in 1992, and where the royals sought solace during a service of prayer just two days after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022.

Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, who has served as minister at Crathie Kirk for over two decades, shared insights into his role as a personal chaplain to both Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles. He emphasized the late Queen's deep faith and her sense of divine calling to serve the nation.

The church's history is intertwined with royal patronage. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone for the current church building in 1893, which was completed in 1895. The structure, now a Category A listed building, features intricate carved woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows, accommodating about 200 worshippers.

Crathie Kirk continues to be a central part of royal life, with King Charles and Queen Camilla expected to attend a private service there on the anniversary of his accession. The church remains open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence, allowing visitors to experience its rich history and architectural beauty.

The debut of "Crathie" on Songs of Praise marks a significant moment in the program's history. As the world's longest-running religious television show, it has been celebrating Christianity as a living faith since 1961. The late Queen Elizabeth II herself recognized the program's importance, congratulating it on its 60th anniversary in 2021.

This new hymn not only honors the royal family's connection to Crathie Kirk but also continues the tradition of musical innovation within the monarchy, blending historical significance with contemporary composition.