In a ceremony steeped in tradition and grandeur, King Charles III has been crowned as Britain’s new monarch in historic scenes that have not been witnessed by the public in 70 years.
After a lifetime as the heir to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, 74, became the oldest sovereign to be crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6 in front of over 2300 guests and millions watching around the world.
The momentous day began with The King’s Procession as the soon-to-be crowned King and Queen departed Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach for Westminster Abbey, followed by other members of the Royal Family.
Accompanied by The Household Calverly, the royal couple were greeted by cheering crowds as they made their way through the streets of London.
Their Majesties entered Westminster Abbey through the Great West Door, upon which the choir sang Hubert Parry’s I was glad, which was composed for the Coronation of King Edward VII.
The Archbishop of Canterbury gave a greeting from the High Altar, welcoming the congregation to the Service. The choir then sang the Kyrie, which was sung in Welsh for the first time.
After being officially recognised as the true monarch, King Charles turned to each point of the compass to receive recognition from key figures. Lady Eilish Angiolini, Christopher Finney, and Baroness Amos were just a few of the esteemed individuals in attendance to recognise the King’s coronation.
The King was then presented with a new Holy Bible commissioned for the service by Lambeth Palace, before taking the Oath and signing copies presented by the Lord Chamberlain. As the choir sang an Anthem by William Byrd, His Majesty kneeled before the High Altar to pray aloud, inspired by the hymn I vow to thee, my country.
The Anointing, regarded as the most sacred element of the ceremony, was conducted away from public view. The Guardsmen of the Household Division ushered in the Anointing Screen, and behind it, the Archbishop of Canterbury anointed the King’s hands, chest, and head. This solemn act, shrouded in secrecy, imbued the ceremony with a profound sense of spiritual significance, underscoring the importance of this momentous occasion.
For the Investiture, the King was vested with the Colobium Sidonis, the Supertunica, and the Coronation Sword Belt. The Spurs were presented by the Lord Great Chamberlain, and the Dean of Westminster delivered St Edward’s Crown for the crowning.
The culmination of the coronation ceremony saw His Majesty The King crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who offered a blessing. As the congregation of Westminster Abbey united in proclaiming “God save The King”, the sound of gun salutes and ringing bells filled the air in celebration. The stirring strains of the Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare played once more, adding to the sense of grandeur and occasion. To cap it all off, ecumenical leaders blessed the King in a moment that will live on in British history as truly unforgettable.
Following the Coronation Service, Their Majesties departed Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach to return to Buckingham Palace as thousands lined the streets to cheer on the newly crowned King and Queen.
The Coronation Procession was a grand display of military might, bringing together the Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories, alongside all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, The Sovereign’s Bodyguard, and the Royal Watermen.
With nearly 4,000 personnel involved, this was a major military ceremonial operation, unmatched in scale since the 1953 Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The impressive display of pomp and pageantry left spectators in awe and was a testament to the power and grandeur of the British monarchy.
Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace, their majesties were greeted by the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces who stood at attention in the Palace Garden, offering a Royal Salute to the newly crowned monarchs.
Later, Their Majesties emerged onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace, flanked by other members of the Royal Family to the roaring cheers from a thousands-strong crowd who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their new King and Queen.
The eagerly-awaited Flypast culminated with the renowned Red Arrows of the Royal Air Force soaring over Buckingham Palace, marking the end of a truly momentous and historic day and the start of King Charles III’s reign.