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The rain came down as the cheers rang out on Whitehall.
On Saturday afternoon, at 12.02, King Charles III was finally crowned, marking the moment he had spent a lifetime preparing for. And the crowds who had turned out in the pouring rain clapped and cheered in celebration.
Many had been there for hours, arriving at their position on the approach to Westminster Abbey long before they would spot the king.
For much of the morning, the weather was fairly pleasant, but the sky soon began to darken and the first drops started to fall just before 9am.
But the first bit of excitement would be nothing to do with the royals.
A commotion developed in the crowd behind the Women of Second World War monument as a Just Stop Oil protester was searched and escorted away.
But soon after, the first members of the procession passed, signifying the royal couple were on their way.
And then they arrived.
The king and queen’s coach, flanked by dozens of horses, passed to huge cheers. Queen Camilla, sitting on left hand side of the coach, waved to the waiting crowds.
The mobile phone service was patchy, meaning few could watch the proceedings.
But as the ceremony got under way, the sound from the service inside the abbey blasted through speakers, allowing the public to hear what was happening as they watched members of the vast military line up to lead the procession from the abbey to Buckingham Palace.
The crowd remained quiet until the gun salute sounded and the words God Save the King were spoken, prompting shouts and cheers on Whitehall.
Then the national anthem rang out and the king and queen were again on their way.
Hundreds of military staff passed, marching to upbeat brass band tunes before soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards came into view again, walking in orderly lines.
Cheers rang out as the gold coach came into view, with the king and queen waving from inside.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children followed in the coach behind, as Prince Louis and Prince George waved to the crowds.
Next was a coach carrying the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, followed by a procession of other royals in coaches and cars.
And with that, as the rain finally abated, the royals continued on to the palace, and the public dispersed.
The coronation of King Charles III - in pictures
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the coronation. PA -
Crowds fill the Mall following the coronation. PA -
The British Royal Air Force's aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, perform a fly-past over Admiralty Arch in central London. AFP -
King Charles and Queen Camilla are carried in the Gold State Coach, pulled by eight Windsor Greys, as the Coronation Procession passes through Parliament Square on its way to Buckingham Palace. PA -
King Charles wearing the Imperial state Crown carrying the Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre leaves Westminster Abbey. AFP -
King Charles is crowned with St Edward's Crown at Westminster Abbey. PA -
King Charles sits to receive the St Edward's Crown. AP -
King Charles rises after he is crowned. Getty -
Queen Camilla is crowned with Queen Mary's Crown. PA -
King Charles wearing the St Edward's Crown and Queen Camilla wearing the Queen Mary's Crown during the coronation ceremony. PA -
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, arrive for the coronation. AP -
King Charles enters Westminster Abbey. Getty -
King Charles at Westminster Abbey as the coronation ceremony begins. PA -
King Charles arrives for his coronation at Westminster Abbey. PA -
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach travels along The Mall. PA -
King Charles in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as the King's Procession passes along The Mall to the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. PA -
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla travel from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Coach. Getty Images -
King Charles travels to Buckingham Palace to prepare for his coronation. Reuters -
The motorcade of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla travel across London from St James's Palace to Buckingham Palace. PA -
People awaiting the coronation procession to begin shelter from the rain in London. Reuters -
Pfficers from London's Metropolitan Police gather on The Mall before the coronation of King Charles. AP -
Members of staff prepare the balcony of Buckingham Palace. EPA -
Coldstream Guards march in London. Reuters -
Well-wishers line the route of the coronation procession. AP -
Troops in full ceremonial uniform arrive at Waterloo train station from their barracks and march across Westminster Bridge in London. Reuters -
People enter the festive spirit as they wait to watch King Charles's coronation procession on The Mall in London. Rueters -
Metropolitan Police officers and security staff gather on The Mall. Getty -
Crowds form along the Mall in anticipation of the coronation procession. Getty -
Armed Metropolitan Police officers on roof of Buckingham Palace. EPA -
Metropolitan Police officers arrive on the Mall. Getty -
Members of the armed forces taking part in the coronation processions arrive at Waterloo train station. PA
