During King Charles’ upcoming coronation, the cross that he will carry will reportedly include supposed relics from the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

This follows a gift from the Vatican on Wednesday. The use of relics from the “True Cross” has been a longstanding tradition to signify the sanctity and importance of certain objects.

However, due to the vast number of supposed relics in existence, many people question their authenticity. The Vatican has gifted King Charles with two wooden splinters, measuring 0.2 and 0.4 inches, as reported by The Times of London.

These pieces will be placed into the Cross of Wales, which will lead the coronation procession on May 6th.

“In a significant ecumenical gesture, the Cross of Wales will incorporate a relic of the True Cross, the personal gift of Pope Francis to His Majesty the King to mark the coronation,” the Church in Wales said Wednesday.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Church in Wales, King Charles commissioned the Cross of Wales in 2020. In November 2022, he visited the Goldsmiths’ Co. to apply his own mark, a leopard head, which is a historic first for a British monarch, according to the company.

After the ceremony, the Cross of Wales will be shared by both the Anglican and Catholic churches in the United Kingdom.

“We are honored that His Majesty has chosen to mark our centenary with a cross that is both beautiful and symbolic,” said Andrew John, the archbishop of Wales. “Its design speaks to our Christian faith, our heritage, our resources and our commitment to sustainability.”