Edgar’s first marriage was to Æthelflæd, who died young. Ælfthryth became Edgar’s second wife, marrying him around 964 CE. The marriage was politically significant. Ælfthryth brought connections to important noble families, reinforcing Edgar’s control over the western regions of England. It is notable that Ælfthryth’s coronation as queen was an unprecedented event. Unlike earlier queens who were consorts by marriage but were not formally crowned, Ælfthryth was the first English queen to be crowned and anointed alongside her husband. This act elevated the status of the queen consort, reinforcing her importance in the monarchy and setting a royal precedent.
Ælfthryth’s Coronation: A Milestone
The ceremony of Ælfthryth’s coronation marked a turning point in the English monarchy. According to historical sources such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the writings of later chroniclers like William of Malmesbury, Ælfthryth was crowned by Archbishop Dunstan around 973 CE.
This anointing symbolized divine approval and sanctity of the queen’s position, giving Ælfthryth a religious authority that went beyond being a mere spouse. It also highlighted the evolving role of queenship in Anglo-Saxon England—from silent consort to an active participant in governance and royal legitimacy.
The coronation of Ælfthryth also indicated the growing power of the Church in legitimizing monarchy. Archbishop Dunstan, a key religious figure of the period, played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between the monarchy and the Church. His involvement in Ælfthryth’s coronation underscored this alliance. shutdown123