King Charles III was crowned at the Westminister Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury, following his anointment. Read to know more about his ascend to the throne.
Live Update: The coronation of King Charles III
On Saturday, King Charles III was crowned as the King of the United Kingdom in a lavish ceremony at Westminister Abbey. The 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown was placed on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury, crowning him as he sat on the 14th-century throne. Charles took the solemn oath of governing his people with “justice and mercy”. Additionally, he promised to foster an environment where everyone, irrespective of their beliefs and faith could live freely.
As per news reports, King Charles appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony with his wife, Queen Camilla. The couple was met with cheers from the crowd of people who were packed into the grand boulevard leading to the palace. However, Charles’ younger son, Prince Harry was absent from this session. Harry was a part of the ceremony at Westminister Abbey. However, his wife Meghan Markle, and their children remained at their home in the US.
More on the ceremony and happenings
Commonwealth Heads of State including the CIce president of India and his wife were seated together at the Westminister Abbey. They are a part of the reception hosted for world leaders and dignitaries by the monarch. The royal family was embellished in traditional robes and statement pieces. UK’s PM Rishi Sunak delivered a reading from the Epistle from the New Testament of the Bible following the coronation service. As per the officials, although Sunak is a practicing Hindu, the reading was in his role as the Prime Minister.
The monarch arrived wearing the iconic crimson velvet Robe of State worn by King George VI at his coronation in 1937. Queen Camilla was wearing the Robe of State. It was previously worn by and made for Queen Elizabeth for her coronation as Queen in 1953. However, hours before the coronation, the police arrested several protestors including the leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic. As per an AP report, they were gathered among the crowds who were lining the procession path in central London.