On Saturday, King Charles III was crowned in a magnificent ceremony, the largest in Britain in seventy years, featuring a rich display of historical pageantry.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the Anglican Church, adorned Charles with the 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown as he sat on a 14th-century throne in Westminster Abbey. The congregation included around 100 world leaders and millions of television viewers.
Salutes resounded across London, the country, Gibraltar, Bermuda, and naval ships. The congregation at the abbey chanted, “Long live the king!” after a trumpet fanfare. Camilla was also crowned queen during the historic ceremony.
The event, televised for only the second time, showcased a forward-looking monarchy, with participants representing a diverse nation and its various religions. Monarchy supporters argue that the royal family offers global appeal, diplomatic influence, and a way to maintain Britain’s presence on the world stage, especially after leaving the European Union.
Although smaller than Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 event, Saturday’s coronation aimed to be remarkable, displaying a range of historic regalia. Charles, 74, automatically succeeded his mother as king upon her death last September; the coronation, while not required, is seen as a way to validate the monarch publicly.
Charles and Camilla, 75, rode in a procession of 4,000 military personnel from 39 countries, traveling one mile to Buckingham Palace in the four-ton Gold State Coach. Thousands gathered to witness the historic moment despite heavy rain.
Westminster Abbey hosted legislators, Commonwealth representatives, charity workers, and celebrities, including Emma Thompson, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Katy Perry. Charles vowed to govern fairly and uphold the Church of England as its titular head.
After receiving symbolic regalia, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed the St. Edward’s Crown on Charles’ head, and the congregation shouted, “God save the King!” Prince William, 40, then knelt before his father, pledging his loyalty.
The ceremony included elements recognizable to Charles’ ancestors as far back as King Edgar in 973. However, it also featured modern touches, such as an anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a gospel choir.
Neither Prince Charles’ younger son, Prince Harry, nor his brother, Prince Andrew, played a formal role due to high-profile family disputes. They sat in the third row behind working royal family members.
Despite the presence of Republicans protesting the event, the majority of attendees celebrated the occasion or honored family traditions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan attended the coronation, congratulating British dignitaries on the arrangements and expressing gratitude for the UK’s humanitarian aid during Pakistan’s floods last year.
