Although the former Prince of Wales became King Charles III when Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, his position as the new monarch needs to be cemented by a final ceremonial event: the coronation, which is taking place today.
The last crowning ceremony was held nearly 70 years ago on June 2, 1953 when Queen Elizabeth was anointed Queen of England. As the royal family enters a new era in a modern age, Charles’ ceremonial crowning “will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry,” according to an official statement released by Buckingham Palace.
The historic occasion is set to unfold at Westminster Abbey, the coronation location for the past 900+ years, in several phases. The ceremony will begin with the recognition (when Charles is presented to the attendees as the new monarch), followed by the oath (the King will take an oath to uphold the law and the Church of England), the anointing (Charles’ hands, breast, and head will be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop), the investiture (the Archbishop will present the monarch with the Royal Orb, the Sceptre, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, then St Edward’s Crown will be placed on his head), and the enthronement and homage (when Charles will take the throne and attendees will kneel before him as His Majesty King Charles III). Following the 74-year-old monarch’s enthronement, Queen Consort Camilla will also be anointed and crowned.
Approximately 2,000 guests are expected to attend the hour-long coronation, including the British Royal Family (with the exception of Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet), the British prime minister, representatives from the House of Parliament, heads of state, and other royals from around the world.
Scroll on for the best photos of the momentous event as coronation day unfolds.
Saying His Royal Goodbye
King Charles took it all in as he waved for the crowd while leaving the balcony.
King Charles III coronation
The King and Queen checked in with one another while on the balcony.
Red, White & Blue
While the royal family was on the balcony, a flypast by aircraft from the Red Arrows flew over the palace.
Looking Up
The royal family looked up to the sky during the flypast. Little Prince Louis seemed extra compelled.
The King & Queen’s Palace
The Golden State Coach delivers the new king and queen back home to Buckingham Palace.
God Save the King
The grand procession weaves its way through London’s streets, jam-packed with excited spectators.
His Majesty, the King of England
King Charles smiles and waves at the people he serves, just as his mother did 70 years ago.
Waving to Her People
Camilla smiles and waves at spectators as she and Charles navigate London’s streets in the gilded coach.
Riding in the Golden State Coach
The new king and queen chat with one another as they ride back to Buckingham Palace in the Golden State Coach.
Princess Anne Looking Regal
Princess Anne rides horseback in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
The Royal Trio
Prince Louis looked out the window admiring all the fans while Prince George and Princess Charlotte debriefed about the ceremony.
The Young Princes
Prince George looks relieved to have made it through his Page duties, while Prince Louis looks wholeheartedly unimpressed by all of the commotion.
Sweet Charlotte
Princess Charlotte gave a sweet smile to onlookers as well.
The Next Queen
Kate looks at peace as she takes in the crowd during the ride back to Buckingham Palace.
A Moment with Princess Eugenie
Harry briefly caught up with his cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank after the ceremony as well.
Prince Harry Leaves With a Smile
Prince Harry looked jovial as he left Westminster Abbey, appearing to catch the eye of a friend.
They’re Next
The Prince and Princess of Wales leave the coronation service knowing they’re next in line to take part in the monumental event.
Regalia of the Sovereign
King Charles exits Westminster Abbey holding the Royal Orb and the Sovereign’s Sceptre.
Wearing Queen Mary’s Crown
Queen Consort Camilla wears an emotional smile with Queen Mary’s Crown atop her head as she exits Westminster Abbey.
Coronation-42
King Charles makes his way out of Westminster Abbey after being crowned His Majesty King Charles III — the King of England.
Wearing Queen Mary’s Crown
Camilla wears Queen Mary’s Crown, originally made in 1911, as she takes in the full weight of her new role: the Queen Consort of England.
A New Queen
Following the crowning of her husband, Camilla was officially crowned Queen Consort by the archbishop.
A Touching Moment
The Prince of Wales then gave his father a sweet kiss on the cheek — an extremely touching moment.
Next In Line
Prince William swears his allegiance to his father and the monarchy, resting a hand upon the crown.
Soaking It In
The new king takes a moment to absorb the enormity of his new role — one he’s prepared for his entire life.
The Crowning of a New King
The archbishop grandiosely lowers the magnificent Imperial State Crown onto King Charles’ head.
In It Together
Charles and Camilla steal a glance at one another, each shooting a reassuring smile at the other.
Mommy-Daughter Moment
Kate and Charlotte look sweet as they read from a shared program during the ceremony.
Cementing His Oath
Charles places a kiss on a bible as he makes his oath to serve God and his country as the Sovereign.
The Royal Family
The royal family sits as a group as the coronation unfolds.
An Observation by Prince Louis
Prince Louis points out something interesting to his big sister, the two looking cute as ever.
Honoring Ceremony
Charles kneels, honoring an age-old ceremonial procession to become the next British monarch.
Prince George Looks So Grown Up
Prince George looks older than his 9 years as he sings ceremonial music with his fellow Pages.
The New King & Queen
The new queen joins her husband at the head of the venue as the coronation ceremony begins.
Officially Becoming Queen Consort Camilla
Camilla follows her husband down the center aisle of Westminster Abbey to officially be crowned Queen Consort.
The Weight on His Majesty’s Shoulders
Charles seems to make a moment of somber reflection as the crowning ceremony begins.
George, the Dutiful Page
George tends to the train of his grandfather’s ceremonial outfit, proving to be quite the dutiful Page!
King Charles Officially Arrives
King Charles makes his way to through Westminster Abbey to be ceremonially crowned His Majesty, the King of England.
On Her Way to Become Queen
Queen Consort Camilla is helped up the front steps of Westminster Abbey, looking a tad nervous — rightfully so! Her cream-colored ceremonial outfit is magnificent.
Harry Happy to See His Aunt
Harry gives Princess Anne a big smile, the two appearing to share a moment — which we absolutely love to see.
Future King & Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales wear coordinating coronation cloaks as they walk through Westminster Abbey followed by their youngest children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — who are adorably holding hands.
The Wales Family
The rest of the Wales family arrives at Westminster Abbey — Kate and Charlotte look darling in their coordinating outfits.
Prince George Waits With Fellow Pages
Prince George stands outside Westminster Abbey to perform his duties as Page of Honor with three other boys.
The Duke & Duchess Get Seated
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh make their way to their seats as well, looking fantastically regal.
Prince Harry & Princess Beatrice Find Their Seats
Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice walk through Westminster Abbey to find their seats ahead of the crowning ceremony.
Pippa & Andrew Middleton Arrive
Kate’s siblings, Pippa and Andrew, arrive at Westminster Abbey. Pippa looks incredible in her soft yellow dress and fascinator.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Arrive
Kate Middleton takes in the scene as she and Prince William arrive at the ceremonial venue.
Prince Louis Arrives With Big Sis Charlotte
Prince Louis stares down a photographer as he enters Westminster Abbey with his big sister.
Diana, Is That You?
The young princess shot her signature withering look at nearby photographers — a look that reminds many of Princess Diana’s scathing expression.
Princess Charlotte Takes Everything In
Princess Charlotte peers out the window of the state car she travels in. She wears a darling tiara for the monumental occasion.
Making Their Way to Westminster Abbey
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach weaves past the Admiralty Arch on its route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Prince Andrew & Princess Eugenie en Route
Charles’ brother Prince Andrew and his daughter, Princess Eugenie, travel via state car to the occasion.
Princess Anne Arrives
Charles’ sister Princess Anne arrives in full ceremonial garb for her brother’s crowning.
Zara Phillips Arrives
Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips, arrives with other members of the royal family. She looks thrilled to be there, wearing a gorgeous soft blue ensemble.
Royal Cousins
We always love a Harry and Beatrice moment! The two cousins look spectacular in their formalwear.
Princess Beatrice Chats With Harry
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, arrive as well, chatting with Prince Harry while they enter the ceremonial venue.
Prince Harry Arrives
Prince Harry arrives at Westminster Abbey to witness his father be crowned king, looking dapper as ever.
Prince Edward & Sophie
The first royal family members are spotted en route to the coronation: Charles’ brother, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Waving to the Crowd
The new queen waves to the crowd from the Diamond Jubilee Coach.
Taking It All In
The new monarch takes in the sights of the most significant day of his life.
Arriving in the Diamond Jubilee Coach
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla finish the trip to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee Coach, flanked by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.
Spectators Line the Mall
The Household Cavalry Mounted Band stands on the Mall, which is lined with spectators, ahead of the coronation of King Charles III.
King Charles en Route
King Charles peers out the window of his car as he prepares to board the Diamond Jubilee Coach.
Canadian Prime Minister Arrives
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie, arrive at Westminster Abbey. Sophie wears a stunning blush-colored ensemble complete with a gorgeous fascinator.
The British Prime Minister Arrives
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, arrive for the historic event. Murty’s sky blue dress and matching navy fascinator and pumps are darling!
Lionel Richie Arrives
Lionel Richie is all smiles as he arrives at the ceremony, beaming as he chats with fellow guests.
Emma Thompson Arrives
Emma Thompson smiles from ear to ear as she arrives at Westminster Abbey wearing a ruby red cape jacket over a black dress.
First Lady Jill Biden Arrives
First lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan arrive ahead of the crowning. Both women wear stunning pastel-colored ensembles for the historic occasion.
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