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
UK prime minister gives 1st reading
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.
Female bishop participates in coronation for 1st time
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 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.”
Charles is presented to his people
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.