England’s King Charles officially crowned in highly anticipated ceremony
King Charles III crowned in historic ceremony in London
King Charles III has been crowned in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. The coronation, which was watched by millions of people, marked the official start of Charles’ reign as head of the Commonwealth of Nations and head of state in 14 of the 56 independent countries that make up the Commonwealth. The ceremony began with a parade from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, featuring nearly 200 members of the armed forces. Charles became the 40th monarch to be crowned at the Abbey, with the crown of St Edward being placed on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The UK is the only European country to use crowns, globes and sceptres in coronations, with each item symbolising different aspects of the monarch’s service and responsibilities. As part of the ceremony, members of the public were invited to swear allegiance to the new king, with female chaplains playing a more prominent role than in previous coronations.
The ceremony also saw the anointment and crowning of Charles’ wife, Camilla, in a simpler ceremony, and the presentation of symbolic objects such as the Sovereign Orb and the Crusader Sceptre. The couple then processed through the Abbey, before returning to Buckingham Palace in the Golden State Chariot. The official celebrations included a guard of honour formed by the Royal British Legion, as well as representatives from Commonwealth countries and British Overseas Territories.
The coronation of Charles III is viewed as a significant moment for the UK, as he becomes the country’s seventh monarch to be crowned with the St Edward’s Crown. The crown was originally made for Anglo-Saxon King Edward and has been worn by 26 monarchs in total.
