Coronation of Philip III of France 1271

On the 30th of August 1271, some months after his father Louis IX of France had died in Tunis, whilst participating in the Eight Crusade, his son Philip III of France is crowned king at Rheims cathedral. Philip had been present when his father died of dysentery.

Following Louis' death the Crusader forces were demoralized and suffering from disease so Philip made the decision to abandon the campaign, as the crusade had effectively failed. Philip organized ships and supplies to sail back to France, whereravel across the Mediterranean was slow and risky, especially with the weakened army and potential storms.

Having arrived at Marseille he travelled first to Paris and then Reims where the coronation of Philip occurred at Reims Cathedral, the traditional site for French royal coronations, and as was customary, the archbishop of Reims conducted the coronation, anointing Philip III with oil. from the Holy Ampulla, a sacred vial believed to have been brought by a dove during the baptism of Clovis, the first King of the Franks. This oil was applied to the king's head, chest, shoulders, and hands, symbolizing his divine selection and the sanctity of his reign.  Philip III then swore an oath to defend the Church and uphold justice, reaffirming his role as God's appointed sovereign and protector of the realm's moral order. After which he was invested with the golden spurs and sword of Charlemagne, linking his reign to the legacy of past monarchs and reinforcing the continuity of the Capetian dynasty

The nobles and clergy pledged allegiance and the continuity of the Capetian line was reinforced through the use of traditional regalia and rituals, linking Philip III's reign to that of his predecessors and ensuring the stability of the monarchy.