The Prince and Princess of Wales have given the public a rare glimpse behind the scenes of King Charles’ coronation ceremony, sharing exclusive footage from the historic event.
Taking to their Twitter page, Prince William and Princess Catherine shared a clip providing royal fans with a never before seen look at highlights from the day’s festivities, including moments from the procession to the Abbey and the Flypast over Buckingham Palace.
What. A. Day.
Thank you to everyone who made it happen #Coronation pic.twitter.com/qaYFXSjjli
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 6, 2023
After the royal couple shared their highlights from the historic day, an adoring public was inspired to do the same, offering up their own favourite moments from the coronation in the comments section.
“It was absolutely splendid! Your gesture toward your father with kiss on the cheek was very gracious and honourable; the King was full of emotion and happy. As a father of a son. I felt the joy in the King’s expression. A great day. God save the King,” one person said.
“Spectacular! Well done all of you especially Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.”
“I didn’t get to watch it! So I’m loving all the pictures and clips,” another commented.
“I was up all night watching every minute on TV. Thank you for sharing your special day with those of us in America. God bless you all.”
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In a ceremony steeped in tradition and grandeur, King Charles III was 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.
Upon arriving at Westminster Abbey, King Charles was officially recognised as the true monarch, turning to each point of the compass to receive recognition from key figures.
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
The Anointing, regarded as the most sacred element of the ceremony, then followed 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.
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. 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.
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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.