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.


0

1st look at Camilla in St. Mary’s Crown

Camilla’s crowning moment is here as she is anointed on the head by the archbishop, and presented with the queen consort’s ring.

Camilla is crowned with the Queen Mary’s Crown, marking the first time a new crown was not created for a queen consort.

The Queen Mary Crown was redesigned though for Camilla, including the removal of the replica of the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Camilla's crown features the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, a tribute to Elizabeth, who counted the diamonds as part of her personal jewelry collection.

As Camilla is enthroned, the choir is singing “Make a Joyful Noise,” a new anthem composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the coronation.


William pays homage to Charles, public invited to also

William pays homage to his father on behalf of the royal family, following an homage from the Archbishop of Canterbury on behalf of the Bishops of the Church of England.

In a coronation first, members of the public are invited to pay homage to Charles too, led by the archbishop.

The public homage sparked controversy when plans for it were first revealed, with critics saying they should not have to pledge allegiance to the king. The archbishop responded to the controversy by telling the BBC the oath is "an invitation; it's not a command.”
Charles' younger son Harry was seen in the congregation paying homage to his father.


Charles is crowned with 400-year-old crown

The moment of crowning happened as the Archbishop of Canterbury places the St Edwards Crown on Charles’ head.

At that moment, the congregation sang out, “God save the king,” the bells of Westminster Abbey rung and gun salutes were fired across the U.K.

The St Edwards Crown weighs nearly five pounds and is made of solid gold. The coronation service is the only time the king will wear the crown.


Charles given orb, scepters and coronation glove

Charles is given a series of coronation regalia including the orb, a symbol of the Christian world, and two scepters, one with a dove, a symbol of mercy, and one with a cross, a symbol of justice and power.

The regalia was last seen publicly atop the queen’s coffin at her funeral in September 2022.