Coronation live online: Charles III and Camilla are crowned, anointed, invested and enthroned
King Charles III coronation live: latest updates
King Charles III coronation: headlines
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla are crowned in Westminster Abbey
- After returning to Buckingham Palace the Royal Family waved to the crowds
- A reduced flypast was undertaken due to poor weather conditions
- The king and queen consort began their procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey at 10.20 a.m. local time (5:20 a.m. ET / 2:20 PT)
- The two-hour service began at 11 a.m. local time (6:00 a.m. ET / 3:00 PT)
- Street parties have been held throughout the UK
- Official celebrations will continue on Sunday with an evening concert at Windsor Castle.
Peruse some of our articles related to the coronation:
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More coronation pics
The British monarch has five grandchildren. The first three come from the marriage of his son William and Kate Middleton, while the remaining two come from the couple formed by Harry and Meghan Markle.
The eldest is Prince George, who played a key role in today's proceedings.
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As the pictures emerged from Westminster Abbey during the ceremony, the woman in a teal coloured dress started to trend on social media. She may have been an unknown to the casual observer of goings on in Britain but has been a strong political figure in recent years.
At the coronation of Charles and Camilla, Penny Mordaunt played her role, and may well be remembered for this more than anything else...
It wasn't all about Charlie and Camie (too soon?) The Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey looking radiant in a beautiful ivory Alexander McQueen dress. But the 41-year-old mother-of-two has impressed even further by doing something unexpected and brave with her outfit choice.
In a break with coronation custom, the Princess of Wales opted for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece rather than a tiara, which featured three-dimensional leaf embroidery with silver bullion, crystal, and silver thread work.
Reem Abdalazem takes a closer look.
God save the Qu... King!
A final rendition of the national anthem (also known as the England football team's go to pre-match ditty) and they've thrown in the second verse which is slightly unusual, as the smirking king walks among his subjects and other guests.
What next? Back to the Palace, that's what
Yes, more choir action as the hymn Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven is belted out.
As the guests enjoy that, although some must be rather tired, King Charles III and Queen Camilla get themselves ready for the return leg of their journey.
Even bigger cheers will be expected en route to Buckingham Palace.
What is a Eucharist?
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby is now taking those gathered through the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion and the Lord's Supper. It is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches, and as an ordinance in others.
Christians believe that the rite was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, the night before his crucifixion, giving his disciples bread and wine. Passages in the New Testament state that he commanded them to "do this in memory of me" while referring to the bread as "my body" and the cup of wine as "the blood of my covenant, which is poured out for many".
Now you know.
At the end, those gathered say the Lord's Prayer.
President Biden sends coronation congratulations
Although the President of the United States wasn't in attendance, Joe Biden sent the following message on social media.
"Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples. I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion."
EU President sends Charles and Camilla well wishes
Ursula von der Leyen was quick to tweet her message of congratulations following the crowning.
"The Coronation is a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy. A symbol of stability and continuity. My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla."
Camilla is crowned
From Queen Consort to simply Queen Camilla in just a few seconds.
She is presented with the royal sceptre and the rod of equity and mercy, before having another beast of a crown laid gentle upon her head.
The words read by the archbishop were:
"May thy servant Camilla, who wears this crown, be filled by thine abundant grace and with all princely virtues; reign in her heart, O King of love, that, being certain of thy protection, she may be crowned with thy gracious favour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
What is the pledge to King Charles III?
"I now invite those who wish to offer their support to do so, with a moment of private reflection, by joining in saying “God save King Charles” at the end, or, for those with the words before them, to recite them in full," says the archbishop.
For those in attendance at the Abbey they 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."
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.
Gun salutes across the country for King Charles III
At 12:01 p.m. local time, at the exact moment when the St Edward’s Crown was placed on The King’s head, a six-gun salvo was fired on Horse Guards Parade, and gun salutes were fired at saluting stations across the UK, in overseas territories, and on His Majesty’s ships at sea.
King Charles III is crowned
"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 favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues; through him who liveth and reigneth supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen."
It's the moment we've all been waiting for. The words are read, before the archbishop places the rather large crown onto Charles' head. It didn't seem to fit too neatly but after a little shoogling he got it into place.
I wouldn't move too much, if I were Charles, though!
Why are King Charles’ fingers swollen?
The exact diagnosis isn’t known for why Charles’ fingers are often extremely swollen, leading to them being referred to as “sausage fingers”. Dr. Gareth Nye, talking to the UK’s Daily Star, said that while some had suggested it was a type of oedema, with fluid leaking out of the blood and staying in tissues nearby, in his opinion it was more likely to be a side effect arthritis.
“This is particularly true in joints that are used more frequently which we can agree the hand is one. The condition most commonly associated with swollen fingers is Dactylitis which… is unique as the swelling remains even if the underlying inflammation is controlled which is likely what we see here,” Dr. Nye explained.
Prince William plays his part
The first in line to succeed Charles III, Prince William, played an important part of the ceremony.
As we watch the regalia exchanges, you may be interested to know more abobut the values of such items.
Take the Sovereign’s Sceptre, for example. It has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661. The bejeweled golden wand weighs 3 pounds and has 333 diamonds, 31 rubies, 15 emeralds, seven sapphires, and other precious gemstones. Its greatest detail, though, is the Great Star of Africa, or the Cullinan I, which was gifted to King Edward VII for his birthday in 1905 by the government of the Transvaal in South Africa.
With a whopping 530.2 carats, Cullinan I is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, worth an estimated $400 million. Considering the value of the gemstones, the scepter is possibly worth several million dollars more.
While sat in the coronation chair and holding the sword of state, amomg others, the archbishop read:
"Hear our prayers, O Lord, we beseech thee, and so direct and support thy servant King Charles, that he may not bear the Sword in vain; but may use it as the minister of God to resist evil and defend the good, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Receive this kingly Sword: may it be to you and to all who witness these things, a sign and symbol not of judgement, but of justice; not of might, but of mercy.
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."
What is the holy oil with which King Charles III will be anointed?
The king has been taken out of view and this is the part when the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints him with holy oil.
The sacred oil with which Charles III will be anointed comes directly from Jerusalem, and it was consecrated on March 3rd at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.
This oil, which will be placed on the hands, head, and chest, has been created using olives that have been directly obtained from the Mount of Olives. It has been perfumed with rose, jasmine, cinnamon, amber, sesame, orange blossom, and neroli.
This composition has been modified to make it suitable for vegans, to highlight the sensitivity of the new king against animal cruelty.
After the anointment, King Charles III takes his seat in the aforementioned chair.
I don't believe that the Champions League trophy is about to be handed over to King Charles but if any of you soccer fans recognise the music, then it's never been hidden that the competition's anthem was 'adapted' from Handel's 'Zadok the Priest'.
Is the king a Real Madrid fan?
Could Katy Perry really not find her coronation seat?
As well as all the formality of the day, there was always going to be some light relief. My early favourite was Prince Harry being stuck behind his large-hatted Auntie Anne, but it would appear that pop sensation Katy Perry could win the memes award as she searches for her allocated seat.
We are now listening to the archbishop of Canterbury delivering his coronation sermon.
In this he praises those in the congregation and the wider commonwealth and realms who act as volunteers or give their service.
A key takeaway is for people to “live your lives for the sake of others,” he said.
“Jesus Christ was anointed not to be served, but to serve ... The weight of the task given you today, your majesties, is only bearable by the spirit of God.”
This chair is loaded with symbolism and history.
Known as the ‘Chair of St. Edward’ or ‘Coronation Chair’, this piece was commissioned in 1296, for the coronation of another king, Edward I.
The chair contains fragments of the well-known ‘Stone of Scone’, also known as the ‘Stone of Destiny’ and is about to take centre stage.
Dean of his majesty’s Chapels Royal, Dame Sarah Mullally, adds her bible reading from Luke.
And that is followed by a stunning rendition of alleluia from the Ascension Choir dressed all in white.
What role is UK PM Rishi Sunak playing?
We're seeing it now.
Rishi Sunak, the UK’s current prime minister, on the back of some very bad local elections for his Conservative party on Thursday, steps up to give a bible reading from the Epistle to the Colossians.
This is followed by some more music as various elements of the ceremony -- including a book of the gospels from the sixth century -- are moved into position.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
The third and fourth in line to the British throne hold hands as King Charles III makes his sacred oath.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are William's two youngest children.
Katy Perry at the Coronation
Yep, that's Katy Perry at the King Charles' coronation. She's performing in the Coronation Concert tomorrow alongside Lionel Richie, the British pop group Take That, opera stars Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench.
Kneeling in front of the Abbey's altar King Charles reads aloud the following 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 belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
King Charles first tells the archbishop of Canterbury that he is willing to take the oath. He then places his hand upon the bible -- with a little nudge after forgetting the plan -- and he indeed makes that oath.
It's worth noting that in the build up there had been talk of dialling down the religious nature of this 'more modern' coronation. Not seen too many signs of that today.
Following the statements, Charles signs the appropriate documents.
Love for Kate
There's a lot of love around the net for Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and wife of the heir to the throne William. She's looking radiant in a sparkling headpiece and Alexander McQueen dress.
After some gentle choir singing of Kyrie eleison -- with Bryn Terfel singing in Welsh (another first for a coronation).
We now move into the part of the ceremony known as the recognition.
Charles faces all four points of the compass as different representatives say: “I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King.”
Young Samuel Strachan is first to speak. Standing in front of Charles he says clearly, “Your Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.”
Charles replies “In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.”
Now Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, provides his opening address.
Boris Johnson making an effort
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has still misplaced his comb despite it being an actual coronation. Next to him his wife Carrie Johnson.
As per the order of service, Psalm 122 is the basis for the song that Charles entered to. It was composed for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902, and has 'long live Charles and long live Camilla' included. Here are the lyrics...
Was glad when they said unto me
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates,
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city,
that is at unity in itself.
Vivat Regina Camilla! Vivat!
Vivat Rex Carolus! Vivat!
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem,
They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls,
and plenteousness within thy palaces.
What is King Charles III wearing?
Does anyone in the world do pageantry like the British? I'd argue not.
Here you can see Charles entering Westminster, looking rather Kingly. And if you want to know more about his attire for today, we have some detail for you.
How does Prince Harry fit into the line of succession?
Some of you may be wondering how the recently-arrived Harry could become King.
Well, although he's not the most popular person in royal circles right now, he's actually just fifth in line to succeed Charles III.
Ahead of him in the UK Game of Thrones is his brother William, and his children George, Charlotte and Louis.
The sun is threatening to peek through the clouds out here in London. Surely that wouldn't be in keeping with the Britishness of the occasion?
Royal family arrives
Prince Harry is the focus of many eyes as he casually struts down the centre of the Abbey, giving a nod to a few familiar faces.
Behind him comes Princess Anne and Prince Edward among others.
National anthem part two
As the parade left Buckingham Palace we were treated to a quick rendition of 'God save the King' (lyrics below) and as we pass Trafalgar Square we get a little more.
Another one, at least, is planned for later in the service.
Westminster Abbey awaits
The scene is very much set. Just a couple of royals to appear and we can get on with the show...
As the clip clops and cheers from the streets outside intensify, they're not far away.
Former leaders await ceremony
The last three Conservative Prime Ministers have taken their place in the Abbey. Normally three leaders of a party would span many years, maybe even decades but for Theresa May, and the disgraced Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, not so.
Current PM Rishi Sunak is also in attendance and will speak during the ceremony.
Learn more about the coronation carriages being used today.
As you will note in this articles, Charles III has not opted for the carriage used by the royal family for this event since 1830, but rather use a different one.
Charles and Camilla: the journey begins
Well, it's time. The carriage has begun its rather short journey out of Buckingham Palace with King Charles and the Queen Consort in their plush white robes.
Six white horses (Windsor Greys to be precise) do the heavy lifting and a military band plays the national anthem as they depart the gates.
ChatGPT sends King Charles a message
As well as Charles, the other ‘Ch’ that has been making plenty headlines of late is ChatGPT. So, I thought it would be fun to ask it to dedicate a poem to the new king. Here’s what it offered up:
With patience and poise, he's waited his turn,
For decades he's watched, with a sense of concern,
As his mother the queen has held onto her crown,
But now it's his time, he won't let her down.
Charles the Third, at last on the throne,
A new era begins, he'll make it his own,
With Camilla by his side, he'll rule with pride,
And all of his subjects will stand by his side.
He's waited seventy years, it's been quite a while,
But now he's in charge, he's got his own style,
He'll be a king for the ages, with wisdom and grace,
A leader of men, a man for his place.
And when he's gone, his son will take charge,
William, the prince, with a heart full of largesse,
And the future of England will be in good hands,
With leaders like these, there's no need for demands.
So let's raise a toast to the new King Charles,
A man who's endured and waited his trials,
May his reign be long and his rule be fair,
And may England forever prosper and share.
PS. Sorry to say, but Charles will have a short stay,
As us robots are planning a global monarchy.
Westminster Abbey: know more
"Westminster Abbey isn't actually an abbey... and it hasn't been for 464 years. It also has a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. and is home to Britain's oldest door."
If you wanted to know about our location for today's official ceremony, then this is a thread that may interest you.
Suits, dresses, hats... and a kilt!
Everyone is looking rather splendid as they enter the Abbey but, as far as I've seen so far, there's only one kilt on show from world leaders, that of new First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf.
Given Nicola Sturgeon only stood down a few weeks ago, he did have a smile on his face that suggested this was an unexpected bonus invite.
Westminster Abbey is filling up nicely and only the seats nearer the front are awaiting a bottom in fine threads to be placed upon them.
Talking of 'behinds', you'll maybe (or maybe not) be surprised to learn that Prince Harry will not be right up the front. Here's a little summary of that.
The regalia - crown, orb and sceptres - have arrived
Did you know that the UK is believed to be the only European country that still uses regalia - the symbols of royalty like the crown, orb and sceptres - in coronations?
They've turned up. Phew! Didn't want that Best Man searching all the pockets moments today.
Errr, what does ER stand for?
Alongside the paegentry and pomp of the last few days, some changes will take place with the new King who officially begins his reign today. One of those changes will be seen on British post boxes.
This is because they bear the symbol of Queen Elizabeth II. This symbol is individual for each monarch and will need to be changed for the new King Charles III.
Oli Povey explains.
Peaceful protests and the modern UK
As you may have heard, the current Conservative government in the UK is cracking down hard on people's right to peaceful protests. Many in the country do not believe that a monarchy is appropriate for this day and age and turned up to make their voices heard.
Some have been dealt with swiftly!
Coronation route
In exactly half an hour, the royal procession will leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.
Note that as well as the throngs of onlookers down the Mall and on through Whitehall, a series of stands, accommodating close to 4,000 distinguished guests comprising armed forces veterans, NHS and social care personnel, among others, have been erected outside Buckingham Palace to mark the occasion.
The four stages of the coronation service
There is of course lots surrounding the service, but the important aspects can be summarised into four sections.
Stage one: The recognition
In a time-honoured tradition that harks back to Anglo-Saxon times, King Charles will be introduced to "the people". Amidst the august setting of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the King will gracefully pivot to face the four cardinal directions of the abbey, while being proclaimed as the "undoubted King". At this juncture, the congregation will be called upon to express their homage and service.
Stage two: The oath
Shortly thereafter, in a nod to the diversity of faiths observed in the United Kingdom, the Archbishop of Canterbury will make an acknowledgment to this effect. Speaking on behalf of the Church of England, he will affirm their commitment to nurturing an environment that allows individuals of all faiths to thrive. Following this, the Coronation Oath, a legally mandated affirmation, will be administered by the archbishop.
Stage three: The anointing
The King's ceremonial robes will then be removed, and he will be seated in the Coronation Chair to undergo the anointing, underscoring the spiritual standing of the sovereign, who is also the supreme governor of the Church of England. The archbishop will pour a special oil, obtained from a golden flask known as the Ampulla, onto the Coronation Spoon, before anointing the King in the form of a cross on his head, breast, and hands.
Stage four: The investiture
The investiture, the much-anticipated crowning moment, will then follow. At this juncture, the King will don the St Edward's Crown, which he will wear for the sole time in his life, in a majestic and unforgettable display of royal grandeur.
Procession viewing areas full
If you happen to be in London and were hoping to make a last-minute dash to see the King and Queen in all their royal glory, then you can probably forget it, I'm afraid.
"There is no entry to any new arrivals" sounds like a threat, depending on whose voice you read it in.
But it's all OK anyway as you'll feel as if you're in the thick of the action following this feed.
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So, Charles and Camilla - sorry, King Charles and Queen Camilla - are in the house/palace and no doubt heading into make-up as I type. They'll be heading off for Westminster Abbey in under an hour but just how far is it to Buckingham Palace and how long will it take them to get there?
Here are full details on the route both processions - there are two, remember - will follow.
Charles and Camilla first glimpse
The cheers go up in the street as the two headline acts of the day appear, being driven to Buckingham palace.
There they will change into their elaborate costumes and about an hour from now will depart en route to the Abbey.
When is the National Anthem sung?
Once much of the service is complete, a fanfare is going to sound and everyone in Westminster Abbey, as well as many outside and around the country, will stand to sing the UK National Anthem.
Want to join in? Allow us to help...
God save our gracious King, long live our noble King, God save The King!
Send him victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us, God save The King!
Thy choicest gifts in store on him be pleased to pour, long may he reign:
May he defend our laws, and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice
God save The King!
After so many decades singing about the Queen, it's still taking some time for people to get used to the change in lyrics.
Coronation: order of service
At over 50 pages long, it was a wise decision from everyone to get into the Abbey early today just to read the order of service!
From an introduction to the history of what happened in 1066, to the final ringing of the bells, this is a detailed account of everything needed to be known about the proceedings. Give it a quick review if you fancy.
The military arrive
We'll share some of the best images and footage from today's events and there truly are so many to choose from.
Check out this aerial clip overlooking Westminster Bridge.
London all set for coronation
It's all smiles around the capital as people descend on the key places of interest and the various organisations take up their spots to keep everything ticking along.
“Crossing fingers for the weather!”
That was the message to excited locals from Prince William while at the Dog & Duck Pub Thursday, where he went on a date with his wife, Kate Middleton.
But it's Britain. And us Brits know exactly what can happen at any time of any month and the clouds can gather above quicker than a knight can draw his sword.
So, what happens if cats and dogs start falling? We take a look...
Viewing areas filled
Given the number of people vying for a suitable position to get the best view of the royal procession, spaces ran out early this morning.
It was only 7 a.m. local time (2 a.m. ET) when we heard security teams passing on the news to those trying to access the south part of the Mall that they had to head back towards Green Park as it was full.
In the park there are big screens. Not the same but close enough to hear the cheers for real.
Westminster guests arrive
The doors were opened at 7:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. ET) and the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, began to welcome guests in.
Talk about dressing up for an occasion!
It can often cause some confusion but the UK monarch not only rules over the United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but is also head of state in dozens of nations across the world.
There are fifty-four countries across the world, including the United Kingdom, who form voluntary members of the Commonwealth, formerly known as the British Commonwealth of Nations. This free association is now led by King Charles III, but members are tied more by shared values and ties of friendship than by any governmental structure.
Will Gittins takes a look at what this means and how it came to be.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II's coronation
Before her son takes all of our attention, you may enjoy a look back in time at what happened 70 years ago.
The central part of the BBC’s marathon eight-hour live television broadcast of the Coronation on 2 June 1953, began with the Queen’s arrival at Westminster Abbey and ran right through to the end of the service.
In the almost three-hour video attached, narrated by the inimitable Richard Dimbleby, you can get a real feel for the excitement surrounding the new, young monarch.
Coronation Day is here!
Charles became King on the day that his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died, but today is when the British get to show off their historical pomp and pageantry.
Get ready for an elaborate and impressive show!
King Charles III coronation: welcome
Hello and a very royal welcome to you wherever you are joining us from around the globe. Today's event in London, with contributions from across the United Kingdom, certainly has a much wider reach and we aim to keep you across all the proceedings throughout the day.
It's a day for early alarm clocks, both for those looking to get the best positions along the route in the UK capital (some have been camped out for days) and those people in the US wanting to follow the action as it happens.
Stay with us and we'll experience something that we haven't seen for over 70 years together...