25 key moments from King Charles III's coronation in pictures
From the royal kids being *cute* to the big crowning itself
It's been almost 70 years since the UK last witnessed a coronation – so today (6 May 2023) is a rather stand-out one in terms of history. Millions tuned in to watch the televised broadcast and thousands lined the streets of London too, hoping to catch a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they rode by in the Diamond Jubilee Coach on the 1.4 mile journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Plenty of notable names and famous faces were in attendance for the ceremony itself too, including Jill Biden (wife of US President Joe Biden), French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron, actor Emma Thompson, singer Katy Perry (who is set to perform at a special concert to celebrate the King), Lionel Richie (also set to perform) and TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, amongst others.
All of the key royals, such as Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – were present, with George even serving as a page boy for his grandfather. Prince Harry, who sat third row with his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, also made it, along with Mike and Zara Tindall (Princess Anne's daughter). All of King Charles' siblings – Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward – were invited and attended too.
Here, in photos, is the coronation day from start to finish (including all the very best outfits, blink-and-you'll-miss-them moments and more):
St Edward's Crown is carried into Westminster Abbey
St Edward's Crown, dating back to the 17th century, is carried into Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey
Along with Princess Charlotte (who absolutely smashed big sister duties) and Prince Louis.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their two children Louise and James
Can we discuss how Lady Louise Windsor is shaping up to be the royal style icon we've all been sleeping on please?
Charlotte and Louis of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey
Prince Louis looks (possibly deceptively) angelic as he arrives with Princess Charlotte at Westminster Abbey.
Princess Charlotte on big sister duties
The two younger children of the Prince and Princess of Wales stuck together as they entered Westminster Abbey to watch their grandfather, Charles III, be crowned as King.
Prince Harry finds his seat in Westminster Abbey
The Duke of Sussex is caught off-guard as he heads into the Abbey, along with his cousin Zara Tindall (seen behind in blue).
Katy Perry takes a sneaky selfie
Proving she's one of us, Katy Perry (who looked stunning in her lilac two-piece with Vivienne Westwood accessories) snuck in a little selfie in Westminster Abbey.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their two younger children
Prince Louis appeared to be distracted by something else going on in the Abbey as his parents dutifully read their coronation order of service programmes.
The Sword of State
King Charles III shuts his eyes and takes a moment, whilst holding the Sword of State.
King Charles III is officially crowned!
Sword bearer, Penny Mordaunt, leads King Charles III wearing the St Edward's Crown during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey
The Prince of Wales pledges allegiance to the newly-crowned King
Prince William kisses his father, King Charles III, on the cheek
Queen Camilla kneels at her coronation
Behind the soon-to-be crowned Queen are two of her inner circle: Annabel Elliott, the Queen's sister, and Lady Lansdowne, who also performs the role of the Queen's Companion.
Queen Camilla is officially crowned
Queen Camilla is crowned by Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, during her coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
The new King and Queen
Charles and Camilla sit surrounded by the Archbishop, two of the Queen's Companions, and other key players in the coronation ceremony.
The Middletons were on the guest list
The Princess of Wales' sister, Pippa, and brother, James, along with their parents, Carole and Michael, attended the coronation ceremony together.
Prince George helps to carry King Charles' robes
Prince George had a star role in the coronation by acting as a Page Boy – part of his role was to carry the robes of the new King.
Princess Anne rides back to Buckingham Palace
The Princess Royal rides on horseback behind the Gold State Coach carrying the newly crowned King and Queen Consort, as they travel down The Mall.
The King's Procession returns
Members of the military march alongside the King and Queen back to Buckingham Palace following the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
'Not My King' protests
Hundreds of protestors flooded the streets of London, along with well wishers, to declare their dislike of the monarchy and King Charles III. The Met Police confirmed that multiple arrests were made.
The Waleses head back to the Palace
We wonder what Prince Louis has spotted!
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
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