King Charles III's coronation: The biggest moments of the historic event

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped up to the podium and gave the first reading from the Epistle to the Colossians, the twelfth book of the New Testament.

The gospel is read by Bishop Sarah Mullally, marking the first time in history a female bishop from the Church of England is participating in a coronation service.

In total, around one dozen clergy members of differing faiths and from across the U.K. are assisting the Archbishop of Canterbury in the service.

Charles pledges the coronation oath

Charles places his hand on the Holy Bible and says, "The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God."

The king signs an oath, pledging to serve the people and rule according to law.

The coronation oath marks the only time a monarch signs a written obligation to their people, according to ABC News royalty consultant Alistair Bruce.

Following the oath, Charles kneels before the High Altar and prays. Charles’ prayer is inspired by the hymn, “I vow to thee, my country.”

During the recognition, as it is known, Charles is presented to each of the four points of the compass.

He is presented to the East by the Archbishop of Canterbury; to the West, by Christopher Finney, a holder of the George Cross; to the North by Baroness Amos, a Lady of the Order of the Garter; and to the South by Lady Eilish Angiolini, a Lady of the Order of the Thistle.

This is to affirm and acknowledge that the king is the one they recognize as head of state.