London marks the coronation of Carlos III with national ceremonies and global attention
London awaits a day of pageantry as the city pays tribute to Charles III, the new king of the United Kingdom. The day begins with a military-led procession from Buckingham Palace, followed by a ceremonial escort guiding the royal party through public celebrations that reflect a blend of tradition and modern royal duty.
The entourage surrounding the coronation is notably smaller than the guest list that accompanied Elizabeth II in 1953, which included a wider network of foreign royals and political leaders. The scaled audience mirrors contemporary approaches to constitutional ceremonies in Britain.
Live coverage of the coronation experience
Coronation coverage and updates from the British Royal House are provided as events unfold.
The fourth phase of the ceremony: the core act
At the coronation pulpit, the monarch receives the orb, ceremonial wands and swords, and a regal ring that embodies sovereignty and public responsibility, underscored by a sense of divine sanction. Prince William supports this phase. The Archbishop of Canterbury then places Edward’s crown upon the new king’s head.
Charles III is anointed with holy oil
The monarch steps behind screens to be anointed on the hands, chest, and head by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with blessing drawn from sacred rites in Jerusalem. This segment is described as the most sacred and spiritually significant portion of the ceremony.
The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers the sermon
The spiritual leader invites the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth to engage, participate, and serve others. He emphasizes that the weight of duty is bearable with divine guidance and support.
Charles III affirms fidelity to the laws, customs, and doctrines of the Protestant church. His hand rests on a holy book as the Archbishop declares the vow: the king will act in accordance with the law and fulfill duties with divine aid. The monastery choir then fills the space with song.
Charles III: a pledge to serve
A young attendee welcomes the monarch at the monastery entrance, saying, “Your Majesty, we greet you in the name of the king of kings.” The king replies that his purpose is to serve, not to be served. The Archbishop of Canterbury begins the ceremony with welcome words, followed by a bass-baritone aria that adds a solemn musical touch.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, leads the ceremony in a landmark moment since Elizabeth II’s last coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1953.
Royal symbols in a medieval rite
Relics form a central part of the rite, including the Crown of St Edward, reserved for coronations, placed on the king’s head by the Archbishop. The crown is accompanied by the scepter with a cross and the pastoral staff, along with royal robes. Queen Camilla bears the crown intended for Mary, queen consort of Charles II, reflecting historic connections within the royal lineage.
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Charles III and Camilla enter Westminster Abbey
The royal couple arrives at the abbey shortly before the ceremony commences. The procession includes close royal family members and senior officials, with a solemn atmosphere as dignitaries from around the world observe the moment from the front rows.
11:52
Prince Harry attends without Meghan Markle
Prince Harry participates in the ceremony to witness his father’s coronation and Queen Camilla, arriving solo after discord surrounding family memoir disclosures. Meghan Markle remains in the United States with their children. The scene focuses on the ceremony’s continuity and the role of the next generation in royal life.
Prince Henry is noted to be present at Westminster Abbey for the ceremony.
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The procession makes its way to Westminster Abbey on a drizzly London day, with a chariot drawn by six white horses and guards marching in formation, marking a traditional contrast with the contemporary ceremony route.
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A historic Westminster Abbey route for the royals
The king and queen consort choose a shorter ceremonial route than in 1953, prompting discussion about visibility for large crowds who wish to share the moment up close.
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Spanish royals attend the coronation
Kings Felipe VI and Letizia join the proceedings. Unlike earlier ceremonies, this visit reflects modern diplomacy and royal collaboration. Queen Letizia wears a notable pink ensemble, and King Felipe arrives with the Calvo family traditions observed in the guest list.
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The royal parade boundaries are set with a schedule that outlines the abbey’s long history of royal ceremonies, inviting a wide circle of attendees and dignitaries. The event includes meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and various international leaders, while popular figures from culture and sport are also in attendance.
The day’s guests are expected to include a mix of current and former government members, royal household members, and heads of state from several nations. The focus remains on the British royal family and its evolving role on the world stage.
11:24
The royal couple departs Buckingham Palace in a gleaming ceremonial vehicle, traveling a short distance to Westminster Abbey as England’s anthem fills the air. The moment signals a fresh chapter in the crown’s public life.
11:12
Letizia of Spain and King Charles III share a moment of coordinated style as they depart the Spanish Embassy, highlighting ongoing diplomatic ties between European monarchies. The ensemble choices reflect contemporary fashion influences from designers such as Carolina Herrera.
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Escorted by the royal procession, the King and Queen Consort advance toward Westminster Abbey, signaling the opening of the day’s key rites.
10:47
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia depart the Spanish embassy in London to attend the coronation, signifying a collaborative European royal presence.
10:42
Jill Biden arrives at Westminster Abbey, while the United States presidency notes that formal attendance by the president is not on the agenda for this event. The guest list still features many ambassadors and dignitaries from around the globe.
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The coronation introduces a lighter, modern mobility option alongside the ceremonial chariots, with a focus on comfort during a two-hour ceremony that unfolds in distinct acts. The guest list highlights current and former government leaders, royal household members, and heads of state, while special attention remains on the British sovereign family.