Follow the latest news from the coronation of King Charles here
Prince William paid a moving tribute to his father at a concert to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Sunday.
The prince, himself a future king, thanked everyone involved in the concert, before telling the audience he wanted “to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important”.
“As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future,” he said.
“And I know she's up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a very proud mother.
“For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: service. My father's first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. It was a pledge to continue to serve.”
He spoke about the king's legacy, touching on the Prince's Trust, his work on the environment and attempts to promote interfaith and cultural harmony.
“Pa, we are all so proud of you,” he added.
The speech was the culmination of a weekend of celebrations involving millions of people across the UK.
The main event took place at Westminster Abbey in central London in a grand and elaborate ceremony where King Charles was crowned.
King Charles III's coronation: Incredible sfrom a historic day - in pictures
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King Charles III wearing the Imperial State Crown and carrying the Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation in May 6. AFP -
King Charles and Queen Camilla watch the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Reuters -
King Charles looks up as the St Edward's Crown is held above his head by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Getty -
Crowds fill the Mall following the coronation of King Charles. PA -
King Charles leaves Westminster Abbey as king. PA -
The Archbishop of Canterbury crowns King Charles. Reuters -
A girl waves Union Jack flags as King Charles and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. AP -
Queen Camilla departs Westminster Abbey. PA -
Military personnel as the coronation procession travels along the Mall towards Buckingham Palace. PA -
Prince William kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony. PA -
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with members of the royal family stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. EPA -
King Charles and Queen Camilla smile at each other on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. AFP -
King Charles receives the St Edward's Crown. PA -
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
A giant screen in Piccadilly Circus, central London, showing the ceremony. AP -
King Charles and Queen Camilla after being crowned in Westminster Abbey. Getty -
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Carriage. Getty -
King Charles begins the journey back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach. AFP -
People watch the coronation on a big screen at Bristol Cathedral. EPA -
The king and queen receive a royal salute from members of the military in the gardens of Buckingham Place. PA -
The king and queen in the Gold State Coach, pulled by eight Windsor Greys, at Parliament Square. PA -
Kate smiles as Prince Louis shouts as they wait for the Royal Air Force fly-past. AFP
Saturday, May 6
King and Queen’s procession to Westminster Abbey
The royal procession set off from Buckingham Palace, providing an opportunity for people to catch a glimpse of the king and queen.
Departing from the norm, King Charles and Queen Camilla rode in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach instead of the older, less comfortable Gold State Coach.
While 1,000 service personnel lined the route, the overall procession was much smaller than the one in 1953, which included other royal families and Commonwealth prime ministers.
Coronation service at Westminster Abbey
The event brought together about 100 leaders, kings and queens from around the globe, along with celebrities, everyday heroes and family and friends of the couple.
Global pop stars Lionel Riche and Katy Perry were part of the 2,300-strong congregation, as was French President Emmanuel Macron, actresses Dame Judi Dench and Dame Emma Thompson, presenters Ant and Dec and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.
World leaders attend King Charles's coronation - in pictures
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King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania arrive to attend the coronation ceremony for Britain's King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, at Westminster Abbey. Reuters -
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati, left, arrives. AP -
From left, Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, and Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima arrive to attend Britain's King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's coronation ceremony. AP -
Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco also attends the historical event. Reuters -
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi arrives. Reuters -
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf and his wife Nadia El-Nakla are also in attendance. Getty -
US first lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan arrive. AP -
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. Macron Getty -
Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal accompanied her AP -
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie. AP -
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene arrive. Getty Images -
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty. PA Wire -
Crown Prince Fumihito of Japan and Crown Princess Kiko arrive at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
King Jigme Khesar of Bhutan and Queen Jetsun are also in attendance. Getty Images -
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive. Reuters
Pomp and pageantry were to the fore, with the Armed Forces staging the biggest ceremonial military operation since Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation, culminating in a 4,000-strong procession of servicemen and women from across the globe, winding its way through the heart of the capital.
King Charles’s grandson Louis, who turned five a few weeks ago, lightened the mood as he yawned and fidgeted during the ceremony, while big brother George was a page of honour helping to hold the long train of the king’s robe.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attend the coronation - in pictures
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Prince Louis yawns as he arrives at Westminster Abbey. AFP -
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Coronation. Getty -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, children of William, Prince and Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrive at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Getty Images -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis follow their parents into Westminster Abbey. AP -
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with their mother, Kate. AP -
Prince George, left, serves as a page to King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. AP -
Prince George, centre, at the coronation ceremony. PA -
Prince George, left, with King Charles in Westminster Abbey. PA -
Prince George, centre, ahead of the coronation ceremony. PA
The historic moment came a few minutes past midday, when the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St Edward’s Crown on Charles’s head and he became the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, the nation’s coronation church since 1066.
The coronation was a spiritual and deeply personal event for the king, a “committed Anglican Christian”, who was anointed, knelt at the abbey’s high altar and received homage from his son and heir, the Prince of Wales.
Prince William’s interaction with his father, where he touched the St Edward’s Crown then kissed the king on the right cheek, was a poignant moment for the head of state.
King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey - video
As Prince William knelt before King Charles, who held his son’s hand between his palms, the future monarch 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.”
The king’s estranged son the Duke of Sussex was among the congregation, sitting two rows behind his brother with the Duke of York’s family, and he intently watched the crowning.
And when a few minutes later the congregation was invited to pay homage to the new monarch, Harry spoke, along with the other royals around him, the words: “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live forever.”
Charles delivered a King’s Prayer, the first time a monarch has spoken words to God aloud during a coronation, and he prayed to be a blessing to people of “every faith and conviction”.
In his sermon, the archbishop told the nation’s new monarch: “We crown a king to serve.”
Mr Welby spoke of how “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,” he said.
Penny Mordaunt at King Charles III's coronation - in pictures
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Penny Mordaunt walks ahead of King Charles III during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6. PA -
Ms Mordaunt was at the service in her role as Lord President of the Council. PA -
She was responsible for bearing the Sword of State and presenting the Sword of Offering to the king. AFP -
Ms Mordaunt presents the Sword of State to King Charles. AP -
She was dressed in a custom-made teal outfit with a matching cape and headband with gold feather embroidery. AP -
It was the first time the role has been carried out by a woman. AP -
Ms Mordaunt shelters from the rain outside Westminster Abbey. EPA
The ceremony had five main elements: the Recognition; the Oath; the Anointing; the Investiture and Crowning; and the Enthronement and Homage; and the queen’s coronation.
Tracing its roots back to the medieval period, the Christian ceremony, not witnessed for 70 years since Queen Elizabeth was crowned, saw the king dressed in a series of garments signifying a symbolic journey that concluded with him anointed with holy oil during its most sacred moment and crowned.
Key moments from King Charles III's coronation - video
It reflected the diversity of the of UK, with representatives from the nation’s faith communities playing an active role in the coronation of a monarch for the first in history.
But in a change, the controversial “Homage of the People” element of the service was toned down after there was widespread criticism.
Mr Welby “invited” a show of support from the congregation rather than a “call” to those in the abbey and elsewhere to swear allegiance to the king.
Royals appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace
The king and queen set the seal on their coronation day by twice appearing on Buckingham Palace’s balcony to acknowledge the nation.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, in lavish robes and wearing their crowns, returned with a wave the cheers of crowds who braved rain during a ceremonial military celebration not seen for 70 years.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, joined the monarch and his wife and then well-wishers were treated to an encore with just the king and queen.
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
Making their first balcony appearance of the king’s reign, the couple looked relaxed after the momentous coronation, which was watched around the globe.
It was the fulfilment of King Charles’s destiny after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after a 70-year reign.
RAF fly-past dazzles crowds on The Mall
The RAF’s Red Arrows display team trailed red, white and blue smoke as their Hawk jets flew over the crowds gathered on The Mall and outside the palace.
More than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force had been due to take part in the fly-past, but “unsuitable weather conditions” meant that plan had to be abandoned.
Instead, helicopters from the three services and the Red Arrows took part in the display, which lasted for about two and a half minutes.
Royals celebrate coronation at private gathering
King Charles III toasted his absent grandson Prince Archie on his fourth birthday at a family celebration in Buckingham Palace after the coronation, the Daily Mail has reported.
The king also raised a glass to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who were at the Abbey and the post-ceremony festivities in the royal residence.
King Charles also toasted “those that weren’t there”, and wished his other grandson a very happy birthday “wherever he was”.
Glasses of champagne and canapes including mini broad bean and tarragon coronation quiches were served in a running buffet at the Palace, the Mail said.
Sunday, May 7
Coronation Big Lunch
Thousands of coronation street parties for members of the public took place across Britain.
US President Joe Biden's wife Jill Biden was a surprise guest at Downing Street for the Big Lunch on Sunday.
UK's Prime Minister hosts coronation Big Lunch - video
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty opened the door to volunteers, Ukrainian refugees and youth groups in Downing Street for a lunch to mark the coronation.
The Coronation Big Lunch - in pictures
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Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offers a plate of sandwiches to US first lady Jill Biden during a coronation Big Lunch in Downing Street. PA -
Musicians play during a Big Lunch celebration in London. AP -
Members of the public enjoy the coronation weekend next to Battersea Power Station in London. Getty Images -
The Coronation Carnival Parade makes its way along the promenade during celebrations in Morecambe. Reuters -
Residents attend a street party in Chiswick, West London. AFP -
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrives for the Big Lunch in Cranleigh, Surrey. PA -
People celebrate Britain's King Charles' coronation with a Big Lunch at Regent's Park in London. Reuters -
Sophia, three, laughs as she is thrown up in the air during The Big Lunch at The Long Walk in Windsor. Getty Images -
A member of the public wears a crown at the Coronation fete in Redruth, Cornwall. Getty Images -
Women take selfies at The Big Lunch in Windsor. Getty Images -
A cypher for King Charles is seen on the grass next to people celebrating the Big Lunch on the prom, in Morecambe. Reuters -
People get ready for the Big Lunch in Windsor. Getty Images -
A child has a Union Jack flag painted on his face for a party in St James' Church in London. Reuters -
People dressed as kings make their way to The Big Lunch in Windsor. Getty Images -
A volunteer sets up tables and chairs for the Big Lunch in Regent’s Park. Getty Images
About 7,000 street parties and other events were registered, and organisers hoped that more would be added.
More than 17.2 million people took part in Big Lunch events last June as they celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said big lunches will take place from Saturday to Monday “in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship”.
Coronation Concert at Windsor
A host of performers from around the world came together at Windsor Castle on Sunday night for a star-studded concert to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
The Coronation Concert was beamed on to large screens across the country and saw the Prince of Wales make a speech honouring his father the king, before performances by Katy Perry, Take That, Lionel Richie and Nicole Scherzinger.
Coronation Concert - in pictures
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Perry performs 'Firework' before 20,000 people, including King Charles and Queen Camilla. Getty -
Katy Perry performs on stage during the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on May 7. AP -
The packed audience inside the Windsor Castle grounds, west of London. AFP -
The brightly lit stage at Windsor Castle. Getty -
Nicole Scherzinger, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, performs at the Coronation Concert. PA -
Scherzinger performs for King Charles, Queen Camilla and other royals. AP -
Queen Camilla and King Charles join in the fun with other members of the royal family and guests in the Royal Box. PA -
Lucy Illingworth on stage. Reuters -
Steve Winwood leads a version of Higher Love. Reuters -
English DJ Pete Tong performs at the Coronation Concert. Reuters -
Gary Barlow of Take That joins his bandmates on stage. Reuters -
Take That, from left, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow. Getty -
British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith takes her turn on the Windsor Castle stage. AFP -
Out with the mobiles ... audience members at the Windsor Castle grounds. AFP -
Present in the Royal Box were Queen Camilla and King Charles, Katharine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Princess Eugenie, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty. Getty -
Members of the 20,000-strong Coronation Concert crowd. Reuters -
Lionel Richie performs with his band. Reuters -
Richie in full flight. AFP -
Sir Bryn Terfel, left, and Andrea Bocelli bring their version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' to the Coronation Concert. Getty -
Mei Mac and Ncuti Gatwa take to the stage. Getty -
British singer Zak Abel performs. AP -
A string quartet entertains the crowd. AFP -
Dancers from the Royal Ballet. AFP -
Prince William gives a touching address about his father, King Charles. Getty -
Prince George and his father Prince William enjoy the show, alongside Mr Sunak and Ms Murty. AFP -
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage on stage during the Coronation Concert. Getty -
Savage onstage inside the Windsor Castle grounds. AFP -
Kate, the Princess of Wales, and her daughter Princess Charlotte enjoy the show. AFP -
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor on stage. Getty -
King Charles waves as he arrives at his Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. AFP -
British singer-songwriter Olly Murs performs. AFP -
British singer-songwriter Olly Murs performs. AFP -
Choirmaster Gareth Malone leads the way. AP -
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, with Lady Louise Windsor, centre. AFP -
Zara and Mike Tindall danced for much of the night. AFP
Stars including Hugh Jackman, Pierce Brosnan, Dame Joan Collins, Bear Grylls, Alan Titchmarsh and Sir Tom Jones sent recorded video messages in honour of the king throughout the concert, which was hosted by Hugh Bonneville.
The Prince of Wales delivered a special speech to his father during the concert.
Prince William gave the most passionate tribute of the night, telling his father before 20,000 spectators: “Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
When he took to the stage he delighted his daughter Princess Charlotte, who could be seen pointing out her father to brother Prince George.
The prince described how his father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey for his coronation — when he responded to the official greeting by a young chorister — were a pledge of service.
“It was a pledge to continue to serve,” William said.
“Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.”
He praised the king’s campaigning to protect the natural world and heralded his establishment of the Prince’s Trust.
“Perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported.”
Prince William, a future king himself, also made his own historic pledge as he thanked the millions who serve in the military, schools, NHS and local communities.
“I commit myself to serve you all. King, country and Commonwealth.”
Windsor gets ready for Coronation Concert inside the castle grounds - video
The speech was followed by the national anthem, which was sung by all present, including Prince George.
The king smiled and waved to the crowd at the end.
Lighting up the Nation
As part of the Lighting up the Nation event, colourful illuminations lit up landmarks across the UK.
Choreographed lasers, projections and drone displays radiated over historic bridges and buildings in cities including the Blackpool seafront in Lancashire, Sheffield Town Hall and Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge.
Light shows also brightened up Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff at various locations.
Light display celebrates coronation of King Charles III - in pictures
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The Palace of Westminster is lit up in red, white and blue during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Getty -
Another view of the Palace of Westminster, and Lambeth Bridge, lit up for the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 07. Getty -
Lambeth Bridge is lit red for the occasion. Getty -
A drone light show during the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. AP -
The drone light show. AP -
Another shot of the drone show at Windsor Castle. AP -
The stunning light show produced by a swarm of drones at the Coronation Concert. AP -
The drone light show continues. Getty -
A message spelt out by the swarm of drones at Windsor Castle. AP -
Tyne Bridge in Newcastle joins 'Lighting up the Nation' after the coronation. Reuters -
The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. Reuters -
The Blackpool Tower is another of the national landmarks lit up for King Charles's coronation. Reuters -
The Blackpool Tower. Reuters
