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What are the lyrics to God Save the King?

The national anthem will be sung after King Charles' coronation

King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort
The lyrics to the national anthem were changed when Charles became King. (Getty Images)

The national anthem, God Save the King, will ring out after King Charles is crowned at Westminster Abbey today.

Well-wishers lining London's streets are expected to sing the anthem when the monarch leaves the historic coronation ceremony at around 1pm.

Some of the song's lyrics were changed when Charles ascended to the throne last year, upon the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

The line "God save the Queen" became "God save the King", while "send her victorious" was replaced by "send him victorious".

God Save the King lyrics

First verse

God save our gracious King!

Long live our noble King!

God save the King!

Send him victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us,

God save the King.

A general view along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace
Saturday's coronation ceremony is part of a three-day celebration. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Second verse

Thy choicest gifts in store

On him be pleased to pour,

Long may he reign.

May he defend our laws,

And ever give us cause,

To sing with heart and voice,

God save the King.

Who wrote God Save the King?

Historians are unsure who wrote God Save the King, although its melody may date back to a Tudor chant.

It was first publicly performed in 1745 to show support for George II during the Jacobite Rebellion, then adopted as the UK's national anthem at the start of the 19th century.

It is also serves as the royal anthem for most Commonwealth countries, including Canada and Australia, although they have their own national anthems. Norway and Liechtenstein are among other countries which also use a variation of the music.

There is no definitive version of the lyrics, and extra verses have been added over the years. However, it is customary for only the first verse to be sung at official events.

Watch: The ultimate guide to the King's coronation