Coronation day is here. King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, were both being formally crowned Saturday in a historic ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.
King Charles was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The coronation ceremony, steeped in centuries of tradition but with a few small tweaks for the modern age, was playing out in front of about 2,000 invited guests and a global audience of millions watching on TV or livestream.
Though Charles officially became king following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022, today’s coronation ceremony consecrates and celebrates his ascent.
Before placing the crown on King Charles’ head, the Archbishop said: “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.”
After crowning King Charles, he said “God save the King!”
King Charles was dressed in the Royal Robe and the Stole Royal, which was presented to him by his son, Prince William. He was then handed the Sovereign’s Orb, a globe dating back to 1661 representing his dominion over the realms of medieval Britain.
The Orb was then returned to the alter and King Charles was presented with the Coronation Ring and the Glove. He was also presented with the Sceptre with Cross and the Sceptre with Dove, which he held as he is crowned.
The Enthroning and the Homage portions of the ceremony got underway immediately after the crowning of King Charles III. Prince William kneeled before his father and said: “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.”