Thursday, 02 May 2024
Thursday, 02 May 2024
Charles III has taken his oath and been crowned King in a ceremony witnessed by over two thousand guests and dignitaries in Westminster Abbey and millions more around the world. Gun salutes sounded across the UK as St Edward's Crown was placed on the King's head by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Next in line to the throne, Prince William swore allegiance before kissing his father on the cheek. His wife Camilla has been crowned Queen. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.
Travelling in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of Household Cavalry, The King and The Queen arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation Service. Guests and dignitaries from all over the world are seated and ready to witness their coronation at the Abbey, were crownings have taking place for nearly a thousand years.
The service is being conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. For the crowning the Dean of Westminster will deliver St Edward’s Crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will offer a blessing before King Charles is crowned. The Archbishop will lead the congregation of Westminster Abbey in saying, "God save The King."
King Charles III during his Coronation ceremony on Saturday took the second oath -- the Accession Declaration Oath -- stating that he is a "faithful Protestant". The Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged the multiple faiths observed in the UK by saying the Church of England "will seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths may live freely".
King Charles III, who was officially crowned on Saturday alongside Queen Camilla, wore St Edward’s Crown for the historic coronation ceremony. The 74-year-old royal was officially crowned the UK's monarch at Westminster Abbey. His Majesty’s coronation will be a historic occasion, but he has been monarch of the UK since September 2022. King Charles III was crowned with St Edward’s Crown, the Metro newspaper reported.
Rishi Sunak on Saturday made history as the first Indian-origin British Prime Minister to perform a reading at the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London. The 42-year-old British Hindu leader read from the Epistle to the Colossians from the New Testament reflecting the theme of service to others, in keeping with the recent tradition of UK Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions.
In London, large crowds of royal fans have been building up during the week, gathering along The Mall outside Buckingham Palace. More than 11,000 police have been deployed in the capital, ready to respond to any attempted disruptions. Thousands of personnel from the British Armed Forces are making their way to positions be part of proceedings, with troops seen arriving and moving on from London's Waterloo station.
