Although the former Prince of Wales became King Charles III when Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, his position as the new monarch needs to be cemented by a final ceremonial event: the coronation, which is taking place today.
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The last crowning ceremony was held nearly 70 years ago on June 2, 1953 when Queen Elizabeth was anointed Queen of England. As the royal family enters a new era in a modern age, Charles’ ceremonial crowning “will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry,” according to an official statement released by Buckingham Palace.
The historic occasion is set to unfold at Westminster Abbey, the coronation location for the past 900+ years, in several phases. The ceremony will begin with the recognition (when Charles is presented to the attendees as the new monarch), followed by the oath (the King will take an oath to uphold the law and the Church of England), the anointing (Charles’ hands, breast, and head will be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop), the investiture (the Archbishop will present the monarch with the Royal Orb, the Sceptre, and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, then St Edward’s Crown will be placed on his head), and the enthronement and homage (when Charles will take the throne and attendees will kneel before him as His Majesty King Charles III). Following the 74-year-old monarch’s enthronement, Queen Consort Camilla will also be anointed and crowned.
Approximately 2,000 guests are expected to attend the hour-long coronation, including the British Royal Family (with the exception of Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet), the British prime minister, representatives from the House of Parliament, heads of state, and other royals from around the world.
Scroll on for the best photos of the momentous event as coronation day unfolds.
Emma Thompson Arrives
Image Credit: Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images Emma Thompson smiles from ear to ear as she arrives at Westminster Abbey wearing a ruby red cape jacket over a black dress.
Lionel Richie Arrives
Image Credit: Getty Images. Lionel Richie is all smiles as he arrives at the ceremony, beaming as he chats with fellow guests.
First Lady Jill Biden Arrives
Image Credit: Getty Images First lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan arrive ahead of the crowning. Both women wear stunning pastel-colored ensembles for the historic occasion.
The British Prime Minister Arrives
Image Credit: Getty Images. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, arrive for the historic event. Murty’s sky blue dress and matching navy fascinator and pumps are darling!
Canadian Prime Minister Arrives
Image Credit: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie, arrive at Westminster Abbey. Sophie wears a stunning blush-colored ensemble complete with a gorgeous fascinator.
King Charles en Route
King Charles peers out the window of his car as he makes the short drive to Westminster Abbey.
Spectators Line the Mall
Image Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images. The Household Cavalry Mounted Band stands on the Mall, which is lined with spectators, ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III.
Arriving in the Diamond Jubilee Coach
Image Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images. King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla finish the trip to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee Coach, flanked by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.
Taking It All In
The new monarch takes in the sights of the most significant day of his life.
Waving to the Crowd
Image Credit: Piroschka van de Wouw – WPA Pool/Getty Images. The new queen waves to the crowd from the Diamond Jubilee Coach.
Prince Edward & Sophie
Image Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images. The first royal family members are spotted en route to the coronation: Charles’ brother, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Prince Harry Arrives
Prince Harry arrives at Westminster Abbey to witness his father be crowned king, looking dapper as ever.
Princess Beatrice Chats With Harry
Image Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, arrive as well, chatting with Prince Harry while they enter the ceremonial venue.
Zara Phillips Arrives
Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips, arrives with other members of the royal family. She looks thrilled to be there, wearing a gorgeous soft blue ensemble.
Princess Anne Arrives
Image Credit: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images. Charles’ sister, Princess Anne, arrives in full ceremonial garb for her brother’s crowning.
Prince Andrew & Princess Eugenie en Route
Charles’ brother Prince Andrew and his daughter, Princess Eugenie, travel via state car to the occasion.
Making Their Way to Westminster Abbey
Image Credit: Piroschka van de Wouw – WPA Pool/Getty Images. T Diamond Jubilee State Coach weaves past the Admiralty Arch on its route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Princess Charlotte Takes Everything In
Image Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images. Princess Charlotte peers out the window of the state car she travels in. She wears a darling tiara for the monumental occasion.
Prince Louis Arrives With Big Sis Charlotte
Prince Louis stares down a photographer as he enters Westminster Abbey with his big sister.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Arrive
Image Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. Kate Middleton takes in the scene as she and Prince William arrive at the ceremonial venue.
Pippa & Andrew Middleton Arrive
Kate’s siblings, Pippa and Andrew, arrive at Westminster Abbey. Pippa looks incredible in her soft yellow dress and fascinator.
Prince Harry & Princess Beatrice Find Their Seats
Image Credit: Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images. Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice walk through Westminster Abbey to find their seats ahead of the crowning ceremony.
Prince George Waits With Fellow Pages
Prince George stands outside Westminster Abbey to perform his duties as Page of Honor with three other boys.
Future King & Queen
Image Credit: Getty Images The Prince and Princess of Wales wear coordinating coronation cloaks as they walk through Westminster Abbey followed by their youngest children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
King Charles Officially Arrives
King Charles makes his way to through Westminster Abbey to be ceremonially crowned His Majesty.
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