Nellie, you are quite right in terms of the simple mechanics. The expression is that the monarchy never dies (the Royal Standard is the only flag never flown at half-mast) and moves from one breath to another. Thus, the almost-mythological 1952 story of the young lady and her visit to Treetops, who 'went up a Princess and came down a Queen', is absolutely true. The letters of postponement, dated 6 February 1952 from Sagana Lodge in Kenya, are signed Elizabeth R.

The Accession Council meets as soon as is practicable: in 1952 this was the afternoon of 6 February. The Declaration should have taken place then but was delayed until The Queen's return and was held on the morning of 8 February. Immediately following, the Officers of the College of Arms made the public Proclamation in wording which is vitally important to explain what has taken place. It's the text beginning, 'Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His mercy...'

And therein already lies the crux of the answer to your question. The Sovereign is the living embodiment of the State and is inextricably tied to the Church. Central to coronation is anointing, and anointing is a Sacrament. Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification. They are bestowed as the visible confirmation and recognition of what exists in essence.

The earliest account of coronation is that of Edgar at Bath in 973. Those assembled were told, not to expel or plot against the king 'as the wretched Jews had once treated the kind Jesus', but rather 'that the most reverent bishops might bless, anoint, consecrate him, by Christ's leave, from whom and by whom the blessed unction of highest blessing and holy religion has proceeded.'