The United Kingdom, Canada, and the entire Commonwealth are witnessing an epoch-making event as Charles, at the age of 74, has been ceremoniously crowned as King Charles III, marking the first coronation in seven decades.
London, the heart of the UK, came alive despite the persistent rain as spectators lined up along the path of the royal parade to behold the pomp and pageantry of the royal crowning ceremony. Amid the spectators, dissenters opposed to the monarchy were subsequently apprehended by the police.
Post-ceremony, the newly anointed King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla embarked on their regal parade back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.
Although there were expectations for Charles’ coronation to be a more subdued affair than Queen Elizabeth’s, the event was indisputably extravagant. The ceremonial activities commenced with a procession at 5:30 a.m. ET, starting from Buckingham Palace and culminating at Westminster Abbey.
International leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, were in attendance, alongside Dame Emma Thompson and French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron. While U.S. President Joe Biden was absent, First Lady Jill Biden and their granddaughter Finnegan Biden graced the occasion.
The official ceremonies kicked off at 6 a.m. ET with the royal couple’s grand entrance from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a glimmering carriage. Enthusiastic crowds braved the rain to witness this momentous event as festive band music led the royal couple to the Abbey.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children were present in Westminster Abbey. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, appeared in ceremonial attire, with Catherine and Princess Charlotte adorned in dresses designed by Alexander McQueen. On one of the pages of honour, Prince George was tasked with carrying the king’s extensive robe as he strolled down the aisle of Westminster Abbey while Prince Louis was seated with his sister and parents.
Around 7 a.m. ET, Charles was officially crowned in the presence of the Stone of Destiny and other royal regalia, with Camilla’s coronation following shortly after.
Once the crowning was official, the procession exited the abbey, heading back to Buckingham Palace for a guard salute and a balcony appearance by the newly crowned King and his family.
Despite the inclement weather causing a reduction in the planned military jet flyover, a royal flyby still took place over the palace, accompanied by helicopters and the Red Arrows, as seen below.
Following the grand balcony appearance, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and their family proceeded to greet the massive crowd of well-wishers who had gathered outside Buckingham Palace, despite the rain. Bearing flags and souvenirs, the spectators responded with an overwhelming cheer, marking a warm welcome for the new King and Queen.
The day’s events culminated in a grand banquet held at the palace, attended by dignitaries, royals, and members of the aristocracy worldwide. The event’s grandeur was unparalleled, with the palace’s halls adorned with priceless artifacts and lavish decorations.
Among the highlights of the evening was the royal toast to the new King and Queen, followed by a grand feast that included some of the finest delicacies from around the British Isles. The guests were also treated to a spectacular fireworks display above the palace grounds, lighting up the London sky in a fitting finale to the historic day.
However, not all activities were centred around the opulence and grandeur of royalty. In a fitting gesture to King Charles’ dedication to environmental conservation, a series of events were held to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.
King Charles III and Camilla’s coronation marks a new era for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. As the country enters this new chapter, the world watches with anticipation to see how this reign will shape the future of the monarchy and the nation.
