The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places the St Edward's Crown onto the head of Britain's King Charles III during the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. | Aaron Chown/AFP
LONDON, UK — Britain’s King Charles III was crowned in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023, embracing modernity and inclusivity in a once-in-a-generation event attended by high-profile guests and tens of thousands of well-wishers.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, placed the 360-year-old St. Edward’s Crown on Charles’ head in the coronation’s most significant moment, declaring, “God Save the King.”
The ceremony, lasting just over two hours, followed a traditional template while incorporating key modern elements reflecting the diverse United Kingdom.
Acknowledging the nation’s multiple faiths, Archbishop Welby stated that the Church of England “will seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths may live freely.”
King Charles III took the Coronation Oath and became the first monarch to pray aloud at his coronation, asking to “be a blessing” to people “of every faith and conviction.”
During the sacred anointing with holy oil, the King was presented with the coronation regalia, including the royal Robe and Stole.
In a historic first, the Archbishop invited the British public and those from “other Realms” to recite a pledge of allegiance to the newly crowned monarch and his “heirs and successors.”
Facing criticism, the Church of England revised the liturgy text, offering a choice between saying “God save King Charles” or reciting the full pledge of allegiance.
Queen Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown in her own ceremony and presented with the Sceptre and Rod.
The event also featured a Bible reading by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and, for the first time, gospel music.
The King and Queen arrived at Westminster Abbey in a splendid coach drawn by six horses, accompanied by the Household Cavalry.
After the ceremony, they returned to Buckingham Palace in a grand parade, with 4,000 armed forces members, 250 horses, and 19 military bands.
Weather permitting, the celebrations will conclude with a royal salute, a customary balcony appearance, and a flypast of over 60 aircraft.
Britain’s King Charles III wearing the Imperial state Crown, and Queen Camilla, wearing a modified version of Queen Mary’s Crown leave Westminster Abbey after the Coronation Ceremonies in central London on May 6, 2023. | Toby Melville/ AFPBritain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, all smiles as he arrives at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. | Phil Noble/AFPBritain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey. | Paul Ellis/AFPBritain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (centre) attends the coronations of Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort, at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. | Richard Pohle/Pool/AFP va Getty Images17th Century St Edward’s Imperial State Crown is carried at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023, ahead of the coronations of Britain’s King Charles III. | Phil Noble/AFPBritain’s Camilla, Queen Consort waves from the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. | Sebastien Bozon/AFPThe Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland march on the day of the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camillain central London on May 6, 2023. | Richard Heathcote/AFPBritain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales returns back to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. | Paul Ellis/AFPTroops march on the day of the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort in central London on May 6, 2023. | Piroschka Van De Wouw/AFPA 21 gun salute takes place after the Coronation Ceremony for the new King and Queen, Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Camilla at Cardiff Castle on May 6, 2023. | Geoff Caddick/AFPKing Charles III is crowned. | Screengrab/BBCBritain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort attend their coronations at Westminster Abbey, in central London on May 6, 2023. | Yui Mok/AFPBritain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort arrive at Westminster Abbey, in central London on May 6, 2023, ahead of their coronations. | Kirsty Wigglesworth/AFPBritain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023, ahead of the coronation of Britain’s King Charles III. Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFPBritain’s Prince George of Wales (C) stands at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. Photo: ANDY STENNING / AFPBritain’s Princess Charlotte of Wales and Britain’s Prince Louis of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023. | PHIL NOBLE / AFPAn inside view of Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023, ahead of the coronations of Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort. Photo: GARETH CATTERMOLE / AFPOnlookers view the proceedings from a window on Whitehall in central London on May 6, 2023, during the coronations of Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort. Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFPBritain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Camilla, Queen Consort begin their journey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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