A King is made! Charles’ Coronation in pictures from cheeky Louis to Harry’s swift exit
King Charles and Queen Camilla were officially crowned at Westminster Abbey today in a historic ceremony, before appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony to cheers from royal fans
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned today in a Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, with crowds lining the streets in central London from the early hours to catch a glimpse of the historic day.
The King and Queen had the eyes of the world on them as they were officially crowned in a two hour ceremony.
While King Charles became monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year, today’s ceremony formalised the proceedings and saw him officially crowned King while Camilla was crowned Queen.
In a break from tradition, the pair travelled the procession route, which is also known as the King’s Procession, in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach which is a relatively modern horse drawn carriage.
The couple travelled in the carriage, which features air conditioning, electric windows and up-to-date suspension, for 1.3 miles in front of spectators who lined the streets of London.
Buckingham Palace previously revealed that the ceremony would “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future” – a topic that has been of significant interest to the King as he looks to modernise the monarchy.
A few minutes past midday today, Charles became the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, the nation’s coronation church since 1066, as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St Edward’s Crown on his head.
Prince William’s interaction with his father, where he touched St Edward’s Crown then kissed his father on the right cheek, appeared a poignant moment for Charles.
As William knelt before Charles, who held his son’s hand between his palms, he said: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Charles' son Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was among the congregation after travelling to the UK from his home in California, sitting two rows behind his brother with the Duke of York’s family, and he was seen intently watching the crowning.
After being crowned, the King and Queen left Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach, leading the procession back to Buckingham Palace.
They were then joined by other members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony to view a military flypast over The Mall that signalled the end of the day’s proceedings.
Originally intended to be made up of more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the flypast was scaled down to include only helicopters and the Red Arrows due to the poor weather.
Take a look at all the pictures from the historic day below...
The newly-crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to royal fans from the Buckingham Palace balcony
1 of 40The King and Queen had their four Pages of Honour either side of them on the balcony, as they waved to the cheering crowds
(Image: PA)2 of 40The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were also on the balcony, alongside Prince Edward and his family
(Image: PA)3 of 40King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their Coronation
4 of 40King Charles III stands after being crowned during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey
(Image: Getty)5 of 40King Charles III is the 40th monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey. He succeeds his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II
6 of 40From today onwards, Saturday 6 May, King Charles' wife of 18 years Camilla will be known as Queen Camilla
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)7 of 40The late Queen Elizabeth II expressed her wish for Camilla to become Queen when Charles was crowned
(Image: Getty)8 of 40Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, holding the Sword of State walking ahead of King Charles III during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
9 of 40King Charles was visibly moved when his son, the Prince of Wales, kissed him on the cheek during the service
(Image: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)10 of 40