Today marks the official coronation ofKing Charles III, and we are bringing you live updates from London as it happens.
WhileCharles became monarch of the United Kingdomback in September whenhis mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died, he will be officially crowned in a ceremony steeped in deep tradition at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday.
For a lot of people around the world, this will likely be the first British coronation that they’ve ever witnessed asElizabeth’s coronation took place almost exactly 70 years ago on June 2, 1953. Like Charles, Elizabeth officially became the monarch upon her father’s death in 1952, buther coronation event came over a year after her accession. This is typical for royal coronations as they are meant to be joyful events outside of the mourning period following a monarch’s death.
Update: The liveblog has now ended.
That’s All
May 06, 2023 09:43 AM EDT
Balcony Appearance
May 06, 2023 09:26 AM EDT
King Charles III, Queen Camilla and their Pages of Honour step out onto the balcony at Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds and watch a military flypast. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburugh and their family, Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence also appear on the balcony. Notably absent? Prince Andrew and Prince Harry.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
The flypast has been scaled down slightly due to the rain.
Before the family stepped out, royal fans rushed to get a better position in front of the Palace as the area around the Queen Victoria Memorial statue — which has the best view of the balcony — had been blocked off to spectators.
Thousands of revelers crowd into the Mall to celebrate the coronation, many flying various British flags, but some also flying flags for other countries like Switzerland and Brazil. Also dotting the crowd? Umbrellas, as it is still drizzling in London.
Arrival at Buckingham Palace
May 06, 2023 08:37 AM EDT
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Coronation Procession
May 06, 2023 08:10 AM EDT
King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla make their way back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach in the Coronation Procession.
Bells ring from the church and cheering crowds greet the royal couple as they pass back through their original path.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — follow in the first carriage behind the King.
“Charlotte waving very animately as they came past,” PEOPLE’s Philip Boucher notes. “Kate looked incredible and happy waving in the back too.”
Anne, Princess Royal, follows the carriages mounted on a horse in military uniform.
PEOPLE’s Monique Jessen notes that Prince Harry left in a car alone.
Leaving the Abbey
May 06, 2023 08:03 AM EDT
King Charles III.BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
“Emma West is one of the only female footmen [for the carriage],” PEOPLE’s Simon Perry notes. “She’s looking after one of the horses drawing the carriage.”
The royal couple will now make their way back to Buckingham Palace via the same route they arrived in what is known as the Coronation Procession.
Greeting Leaders of Faith Communities
May 06, 2023 08:02 AM EDT
The King stands before the leaders as they greet him:
“Your Majesty, as neighbors in faith, we acknowledge the value of public service. We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good.”
Departure Robe and Crown
May 06, 2023 07:59 AM EDT
As per tradition, Charles and Camilla change into Robes of Estate for their departure from Westminster Abbey.
A variety of plants are also depicted, including Lily of the Valley, which was featured in Camilla’s wedding bouquet and was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite flower. The robe also features myrtle, representing hope, and Delphinium, one of the King’s favorite flowers and the birth flower of July, Camilla’s birth month. Also featured is the “Alchemilla Mollis,” known as Lady’s Mantle, which symbolizes love and comfort, Maidenhair Fern, which symbolizes purity, and cornflowers, which represent love and tenderness.
The embroidery was done using the Goldwork technique.
Charles has also changed into the Imperial State Crown for his departure.
The King’s Outward Procession
The National Anthem
May 06, 2023 07:57 AM EDT
The Final Blessing
May 06, 2023 07:38 AM EDT
The Archbishop leads the final blessing.
All: “Who hath made heaven and earth.”
All: “Now and henceforth, world without end.”
“Christ our King, make you faithful and strong to do his will,
that you may reign with him in glory;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
rest upon you, and all whom you serve,
this day, and all your days.”
All: “Amen.”
The Lord’s PrayerMay 06, 2023 07:34 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe Archbishop leads the guests in the Lord’s Prayer. The choir begins to sing Agnus Dei as the Archbishop performs the Holy Communion.King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Lord’s Prayer
May 06, 2023 07:34 AM EDT
The Archbishop leads the guests in the Lord’s Prayer. The choir begins to sing Agnus Dei as the Archbishop performs the Holy Communion.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Louis LeavesMay 06, 2023 07:31 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPrince Louis left the coronation service after the coronation of Queen Camilla. Sitting through a long coronation can be difficult for little ones — Louis is only 5 after all!
Prince Louis Leaves
May 06, 2023 07:31 AM EDT
Prince Louis left the coronation service after the coronation of Queen Camilla. Sitting through a long coronation can be difficult for little ones — Louis is only 5 after all!
The Coronation of the Queen
May 06, 2023 07:19 AM EDT
Queen Camilla.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen Camilla.Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Homage of the People
May 06, 2023 07:18 AM EDT
“I call upon all persons of goodwill of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of the other Realms and the Territories to make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all,” the Archbishop says.
The guests in the Abbey say, “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
“God save The King,” says the Archbishop.
All guests join in to say: “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May The King live forever.”
The Homage of the Royal BloodMay 06, 2023 07:18 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostPrince William and King Charles III.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPrince Williamkneels before Charles and performsthe Homage of Royal Blood. The 40-year-old Prince of Wales places his hands between the hands of the King and says: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
The Homage of the Royal Blood
Prince William and King Charles III.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Williamkneels before Charles and performsthe Homage of Royal Blood. The 40-year-old Prince of Wales places his hands between the hands of the King and says: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Fanfare
May 06, 2023 07:04 AM EDT
King Charles III.Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Crowning
May 06, 2023 07:03 AM EDT
King Charles and the Archbishop of Catnerbury.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Dean brings The Crown of St Edward to The Archbishop, who says the prayer of blessing.
“King of kings and Lord of lords, bless, we beseech thee, this Crown, and so sanctify thy servant Charles upon whose head this day thou dost place it, for a sign of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with thy gracious favor and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen.”
The Archbishop places the crown firmly on the King, checking to make sure it is on correctly.
Archbishop of Canterbury and King Charles III.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images
“God save The King,” he says, which the guests repeat loudly.
Charles is crowned in the St. Edward Crown. The crown was first created for Charles II in 1661, and was a replacement for the previous crown that had been melted down in 1649. The original was thought to date back to the 11th-century royal saint, Edward the Confessor, who was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
While the St. Edward Crown is used for the official crowning ceremony, Charles will swap it for the Imperial State Crown before he leaves Westminster Abbey.
The Presentation of RegaliaMay 06, 2023 06:53 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe Presentation of Regalia begins and Charles is seated on the coronation throne. As Charles remains seated, the Archbishop leads blessings.While presenting the Sword, the Archbishop says, “With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy Church of God and all people of goodwill, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order: that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue; and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life, that you may reign for ever with him in the life which is to come. Amen. “Prince William enters the theater for the Robe and Stole Royal Ceremony.The Bishop of Durham vests the King in the Stole Royal. William, Baroness Merron, and assisting Bishops drape Charles in the Robe.“Receive this Robe,” the Archbishop of Canterbury says. “May the Lord clothe you with the robe of righteousness, and with the garments of salvation.”
The Presentation of Regalia
May 06, 2023 06:53 AM EDT
The Presentation of Regalia begins and Charles is seated on the coronation throne. As Charles remains seated, the Archbishop leads blessings.
While presenting the Sword, the Archbishop says, “With this sword do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy Church of God and all people of goodwill, help and defend widows and orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain the things that are restored, punish and reform what is amiss, and confirm what is in good order: that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue; and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life, that you may reign for ever with him in the life which is to come. Amen. "
Prince William enters the theater for the Robe and Stole Royal Ceremony.
The Bishop of Durham vests the King in the Stole Royal. William, Baroness Merron, and assisting Bishops drape Charles in the Robe.
“Receive this Robe,” the Archbishop of Canterbury says. “May the Lord clothe you with the robe of righteousness, and with the garments of salvation.”
The Anointing
May 06, 2023 06:49 AM EDT
King Charles III’s anointing screen.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Charles' robes are removed and he approaches the screen while only wearing his white shirt and trousers.
The Dean pours oil from the ampulla into the spoon and the Archbishop anoints the King.
Amen.”
Once the Anointing is finished, the screen is removed and Charles' robes are put back on.
The SermonMay 06, 2023 06:37 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe Archbishop leads a sermon.“The King of Kings, Jesus Christ, was not anointed to be served, but serve. […] Service is love in action.“Read the Archbishop’s full sermon here:
The Sermon
May 06, 2023 06:37 AM EDT
The Archbishop leads a sermon.
“The King of Kings, Jesus Christ, was not anointed to be served, but serve. […] Service is love in action.”
Read the Archbishop’s full sermon here:
The King’s PrayerMay 06, 2023 06:20 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostKing Charles leads the King’s Prayer:“God of compassion and mercy, whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and conviction, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace. through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.”
The King’s Prayer
May 06, 2023 06:20 AM EDT
King Charles leads the King’s Prayer:
“God of compassion and mercy, whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and conviction, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace. through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Oath
May 06, 2023 06:18 AM EDT
After the Presentation of the Bible, the Oath begins. Charles and Camilla remain seated.
Archbishop of Canterbury:
The King:
“I am willing.”
The King places his hand on the Bible, and the Archbishop administers the Oath.
“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, your other Realms and the Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?”
“I solemnly promise so to do.”
“Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?”
“I will.”
“All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised I will perform and keep. So help me God.”
“Your Majesty, are you willing to make, subscribe and declare to the statutory Accession Declaration Oath?”
“I am willing. I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.”
The Recognition
May 06, 2023 06:12 AM EDT
The ceremony involving the recognition of the King begins. The Archbishop leads and says, “I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same?”
“God save King Charles,” the guests say in unison.
Entering the AbbeyMay 06, 2023 06:02 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostQueen Camilla.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesQueen Camilla leads the procession into the Abbey. In addition to her Robe of State, she is wearing a white gown embroidered with gold. King Charles follows behind her with his Pages of Honour, which include Prince George.The rest of the royal family has already been seated in the Abbey. Prince Harry sits a few rows back from the Prince and Princess of Wales.From left: Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales.WPA Pool/Getty Images
Entering the Abbey
May 06, 2023 06:02 AM EDT
Queen Camilla.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen Camilla leads the procession into the Abbey. In addition to her Robe of State, she is wearing a white gown embroidered with gold. King Charles follows behind her with his Pages of Honour, which include Prince George.
The rest of the royal family has already been seated in the Abbey. Prince Harry sits a few rows back from the Prince and Princess of Wales.
From left: Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales.WPA Pool/Getty Images
WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Robes
May 06, 2023 06:00 AM EDT
King Charles III.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
In keeping with tradition, Charles and Camilla wear two different sets of robes during the coronation: the Robes of State and the Robes of Estate. Robes of State are worn on arrival at Westminster Abbey, and Robes of Estate are worn on departure, following the official crowning ceremony.
Camilla’s crimson velvet Robe of State was originally made for Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953. Ede and Ravenscroft have conserved the velvet as well as made adjustments for the new Queen.
Note that Charles is not yet wearing a crown — he cannot be seen in public wearing a crown until the official coronation ceremony. This is why King Edward VIII was never seen wearing a crown as he abdicated in 1936 before his coronation.
As for the other royal family members, Prince William, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent are wearing Order of the Garter robes. Anne, Princess Royal is wearing the Order of the Thistle. Duchess Sophie, Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are wearing Royal Victorian Order robes.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for the Coronation.Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The other royal family members also arrive, some of them wearing their official robes. All of King Charles' siblings are wearing ceremonial robes, including Prince Andrew.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Arrival at Westminster AbbeyMay 06, 2023 05:50 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe Archbishop of Canterbury — who will lead the coronation service — greets Charles and Camilla outside Westminster Abbey.
Arrival at Westminster Abbey
May 06, 2023 05:50 AM EDT
The Archbishop of Canterbury — who will lead the coronation service — greets Charles and Camilla outside Westminster Abbey.
Royal Family Arrival
May 06, 2023 05:40 AM EDT
Prince Harryarrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation alongside other members of the royal family. He is spotted chatting with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi as they enter the church.
Harry is wearing a mourning suit rather an a military uniform. PEOPLE understands Harry was requested to wear a morning suit — and that he didn’t make any specific asks regarding his outfit. The prince has no formal role during the coronation and sits in the Abbey among the other royal family spectators.
Meghan Marklewill remain in California while Harry is at his father’s coronation. May 6 marks Prince Archie’s fourth birthday, and PEOPLE previously reported thatthe Duchess of Sussex will remain in California so she can celebrate his birthdayalongside Archie’s little sister, Princess Lilibet.
In a cute moment, Prince Louis was spotted waving to the crowd from his car.
Once out of the car, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte held hands in a sweet moment while following behind their parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Charlotte wears a white Alexander McQueen outfit while Louis is dressed in navy blue.
The Mall
May 06, 2023 05:35 AM EDT
King Charles and Queen Camilla continue to ride down the Mall outside Buckingham Palace, passing thousands of gathered spectators. The Mall is lined with the Union Jack flag as well as various flags from the Commonwealth.
“God Save the King"May 06, 2023 05:23 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog Post"God Save the King” plays as Charles and Camilla depart Buckingham Palace’s gates.
“God Save the King”
May 06, 2023 05:23 AM EDT
“God Save the King” plays as Charles and Camilla depart Buckingham Palace’s gates.
Leaving Buckingham Palace
King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
According to the palace, the gilded crown on the top of the Diamond Jubilee State Coach was carved from oak from HMS Victory, and the coach’s interior is inlaid with samples of woods, metals and other materials from buildings and places with specific connections to Britain and its history, including royal residences such as Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse; cathedrals including St. Paul’s and Westminster Abbey; and historic ships, such as the Mary Rose.
The royal couple will depart from Westminster Abbey in a different carriage — the Gold State Coach.
“Worth remembering that all the military in the parade will have spent at least an hour standing still in the rain before marching off,” PEOPLE’s Philip Boucher notes.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla.Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
The King’s ProcessionMay 06, 2023 05:12 AM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe coronation officially kicked off earlier today at 6 a.m. BST (1 a.m. ET) with a formal procession (known as the King’s Procession) from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, which included a military procession with just under 200 members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces, including many from the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry. An additional 1,000 service personnel will line the procession.The procession moves along the Mall to Trafalgar Square, then down Whitehall and Parliament Street before turning into Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary. The procession ends at the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey. The procession that the military personnel took part in is the same walk that Charles will travel down.Thousands of revelers have gathered along the procession path — some of whom have been camping out for days — in order to catch a glimpse of the pomp and ceremony of the coronation.V.I.P. guests arrived at the Abbey ahead of Charles' departure from the Palace. One familiar face in the crowd? Katy Perry, who will be performing at the coronation concert on Sunday.Katy Perry.Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
The King’s Procession
May 06, 2023 05:12 AM EDT
The coronation officially kicked off earlier today at 6 a.m. BST (1 a.m. ET) with a formal procession (known as the King’s Procession) from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, which included a military procession with just under 200 members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces, including many from the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry. An additional 1,000 service personnel will line the procession.
The procession moves along the Mall to Trafalgar Square, then down Whitehall and Parliament Street before turning into Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary. The procession ends at the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey. The procession that the military personnel took part in is the same walk that Charles will travel down.
Thousands of revelers have gathered along the procession path — some of whom have been camping out for days — in order to catch a glimpse of the pomp and ceremony of the coronation.
V.I.P. guests arrived at the Abbey ahead of Charles' departure from the Palace. One familiar face in the crowd? Katy Perry, who will be performing at the coronation concert on Sunday.
Katy Perry.Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
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source: people.com
