King Charles III's coronation: The biggest moments of the historic event
Charles’ coronation was the first in the U.K. in 70 years.
King Charles III had his crowning moment Saturday as the United Kingdom celebrated its first coronation in 70 years.
Charles and his wife Queen Camilla were celebrated in a weekend of festivities, highlighted by Saturday's coronation service at Westminster Abbey.
Key moments:
- King Charles and Queen Camilla's official coronation photos released
- William honors Charles with moving speech
- Charles, Camilla return for encore appearance on Buckingham Palace balcony
- Charles is crowned with 400-year-old crown
- 1st look at Camilla in St. Mary’s Crown
- Charles pledges the coronation oath
- William pays homage to Charles, public invited to also
Biden tweets to congratulate Charles, Camilla
While not present for their coronation, U.S. President Joe Biden offered his congratulations to Charles and Camilla via Twitter.
"Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation," the president tweeted Saturday. "The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples. I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion."
U.S. first lady Jill Biden, who attended the coronation in London, added her own message, tweeting: "The United States and the United Kingdom have a special relationship. It's an honor to represent the United States on this historic day at Westminster Abbey."
Princess Anne leads procession back to Buckingham Palace
Charles selected his only sister, Princess Anne, to lead the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
Anne is following right behind Charles and Camilla on horseback as she leads a procession featuring 4,000 personnel, the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind since the queen’s coronation in 1953.
Charles, Camilla ride off in Gold State Coach
The newly-crowned king and queen departed in style from Westminster Abbey to travel back to Buckingham Palace in the Coronation Procession.
Their Majesties rode in the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since 1831.
The public last saw the Gold State Coach at the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration last year.
Charles, Camilla depart Westminster Abbey
The congregation and choir join in singing the National Anthem as Charles and Camilla process out of Westminster Abbey.
The Robe of Estate worn by Charles was also worn by his grandfather King George VI in 1937. It is made of purple silk velvet and is embroidered in gold.
Camilla’s purple velvet Robe of Estate was designed and created for her by the Royal School of Needlework, of which she is patron. The design features hand-embroidered plants and insects, which were included to reflect her and Charles’ love of nature.