Oxford University will produce the coronation bible with one of only three copies made to be gifted to King Charles III.

Oxford University Press (OUP) has been commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury to produce the bible to be used in the king's coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

The bible will play a significant role in the ceremony, with the king set to place his hand upon it while reciting the coronation oath.

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Inspired by historical coronation bibles and the king's love of the natural world, the bible will be hand-bound in leather and decorated in gold leaf by renowned bookbinding company, Shepherds, Sangorski and Sutcliffe.

Nigel Portwood, chief executive of Oxford University Press, said: "We are confident that it will be a fitting tribute to a momentous occasion in British history and we hope it will be cherished by His Majesty for many years to come."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "On this momentous occasion, the bible will be the first, and most important, gift offered to the king.

"The scriptures offer a guide and light to all and I pray these living words will offer strength and encouragement to His Majesty."

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The OUP produced coronation bible for many previous British monarchs, most recently for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The tradition of specially produced bibles for the coronation ceremony dates back to Edward VII in 1902, while the first recorded use of an Oxford Bible was at the coronation of George III in 1761.

The coronation bible used in the service will be retained by the Archbishop of Canterbury and placed in Lambeth Palace’s archive alongside a collection of all four 20th-century coronation Bibles.

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OUP will then produce three identical copies: the King’s personal copy, which will be given to him as a gift, and a further two to be placed in the archives of Westminster Abbey and Oxford University Press’s head office.

Special services and live-streaming events will be held at Oxford University to celebrate the historic occasion.

There will be a service of thanksgiving for the coronation at the University Church of St Mary The Virgin on May 5 at 4.30pm.

Christ Church Cathedral will also host a special service of celebration to mark the occasion on May 5 at 6pm.

Members of the public can also attend Christ Church Cathedral to watch the Coronation live-streamed on May 6.

The following day (May 7) there will be a choral evensong to commemorate the coronation at St Peter’s College between 6pm and 7pm.