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PICS: King Charles III crowned in UK’s first coronation in 7 decades
Historic moment as King Charles III is crowned, ushering in a new era for the UK and the Commonwealth realms.
King Charles III wearing St Edward’s Crown during the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. Photo: AFP/Pool/Richard Pohle
On Saturday, King Charles III was officially crowned king of the United Kingdom, in the coronation ceremony held at Westminster Abbey.
This follows after a lifetime as the heir apparent to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022.
King Charles’ coronation ceremony
With Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby presiding over the ceremony, the 74-year-old monarch was greeted by cheers of ‘God save the king’.
PICS: King Charles crowned
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- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, places the St Edward’s Crown on King Charles III’s head. Photo: AFP/Pool/Richard Pohle
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- The Crowned King Charles III on 6 May 2023. Photo: AFP/Pool/Richard Pohle
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- King Charles III wearing the St Edward’s Crown at the Coronation Ceremony on 6 May 2023. Photo: AFP/Pool/Richard Pohle
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- Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places the St Edward’s Crown onto the head of Britain’s King Charles III during the Coronation Ceremony. Photo: AFP/Pool/Richard Pohle
Outside of the United Kingdom, he is also king of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Camilla, his second wife, was crowned as queen alongside him.
Formerly known as the Queen Consort, she will go by Queen Camilla after the ceremony.
‘Coronation Procession’
According to the Royal coronation guide, King Charles and Queen Camilla will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’.
The procession passes through Trafalgar Square, down Whitehall, past Parliament Square, and ends at Westminster Abbey.
Watch the procession here:
They will be joined in this procession by other members of the Royal Family, including William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The Royal family will then gather at the Buckingham Palace balcony for the Flypast and the conclusion of the day’s ceremonial events.
Coronation: Historic facts
The coronation is the first in Britain in 70 years, making it the second coronation in history to be televised.
Moreover, King Charles III is the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the central London church since King William I in 1066.
Coronations have taken place at Westminster Abbey since 1066, making it the historic location for this royal ceremony.
Prior to the construction of the Abbey, coronation ceremonies were held at various convenient locations, including Bath, Oxford, and Canterbury.
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