Today marks a historical day, as King Charles III would officially be crowned as the King of the United Kingdom, after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The ceremony is currently underway, as royal family members and other invited dignitaries arrive at the Westminster Abbey.
Back at the abbey is Prince Harry, also, in attendance are some Former Prime Ministers. First to show up, were David Cameron and his wife Samantha. They came at the same time as Tony Blair, his wife Cherie, and Gordon and Sarah Brown. Sir John Major is also present.
More recent leaders were in the following group, Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson and his Carrie, who was dressed in a navy jacket and cap, as well as Theresa May and Liz Truss, who was dressed in bright orange. They don’t say anything to each other and rush towards the abbey.
Royal families from all across the world have also made their way into Westminster Abbey. We’ve seen King Felipe of Spain, Prince Albert of Monaco, and King Letsie III of Lesotho all make their way inside. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were also among those who arrived.
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach has now arrived at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry. King Charles III has set off the Buckingham Place via the Centre Gate. The King’s Procession is the outbound trek to Westminster Abbey. The Coronation Procession will lead the way back, with a significantly larger group.
A carriage bearing King Charles and Queen Camilla slides into a modest waiting procession. As they leave, the King’s Guard will give them a Royal Salute.
The long, straight, tree-lined street has seen countless royal parades throughout the centuries, most notably last year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations commemorating the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Around 200 members of the armed services take part in the procession, which is led by the Sovereign’s Escort of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The soldiers are surrounding them with another 1,000 course liners. That may seem like a lot, but the return procession is expected to be even greater.
The King and the Queen Consort have now arrived at the Westminster Abbey. The bells are ringing for the King and Queen Consort, who will be crowned inside Westminster Abbey soon. Prince George, the Prince and Princess of Wales’s son, is lining up with the other pages of honor as they ready to enter. Camilla quickly exits the carriage and walks into the Abbey, her train trailing behind her.
We now see the King and queen consort walking through the building themselves. The King’s grandson, Prince George, is serving as a page of honor, alongside some of Camilla’s grandchildren.
The formal opening comes from Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The main sections of the service involves recognition of Charles, to be proclaimed the “undoubted King” before the congregation are asked to show their homage and service. The congregation will shout “God Save the King.”
The King will swear an oath to confirm that he will uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign. He will sit in St Edward’s Chair, also known as the Coronation Chair, and be anointed with oil on his head, breast and hands.
He will receive the regalia, including the Sovereign’s Orb and scepters before St Edward’s Crown is placed on his head. This is called the investiture. The King will then move from the Coronation Chair to a throne, Prince William will pay homage to his father, those watching in the abbey and elsewhere will be invited to pledge allegiance.
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