Coronation day has finally arrived. While King Charles III has been monarch from the moment his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Sept. 8, 2022, the ceremony Saturday marks a formal confirmation of his role as head of state.
- It’s been 70 years since Britain has crowned a new monarch.
- The official service began at Westminster Abbey at 6 a.m. EDT.
- Prominent attendees include first lady Jill Biden, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
- Prince Harry attended, but without wife Meghan and their kids.
Follow along here for updates from King Charles and Camilla’s coronation.
George, Charlotte, Louis:See the royal grandchildren on coronation day
King Charles, Queen Camilla, royal family make Buckingham balcony appearance
It’s a time-honored tradition for the British royals: The balcony appearance to greet the populace — think coronations, royal weddings, jubilees — the list continues. Thousands gathered, pressing as close as possible to see Buckingham Palace. The anticipated appearance is often gleeful, but one question cast a shadow over the approaching moment: whether Prince Harry would join his family members despite stepping back from royal duties.
The royal couple walked out together to a roar of applause, leading out their attendants and pages. Other members of the royal family, including the working royals such as Princess Anne, the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children, and cousins of the king, appeared as the rain poured down. Prince Harry was not included in the balcony moment.
The moment included a flyover and a sort of encore appearance with the newly crowned duo coming back out for a final wave set to the tone of the cheers below.
– Morgan Hines
4,000-person royal salute to new monarchs
Bagpipes played as troops gathered, walking in unison to take their places on the grounds of Buckingham Palace preparing to give their commander-in-chief a royal salute made up of 4,000 people, including Princess Anne.
Once in full formation, facing where King Charles III and Queen Camilla stepped out in full robes and crowns to receive their salute. “Royal salute, present arms,” said a uniformed man before music commenced. Then, most troops removed their headdress before saluting, then a resounding “hooray” rang out.
– Morgan Hines
Is King Charles’ coronation a bank holiday?
If you are reading this from the U.S., move along, because it doesn’t really pertain to you. However, for those in the U.K,. a bank holiday will take place on Monday, May 8, two days after the ceremony, to mark the coronation of King Charles III, per the BBC. On Monday, members of the public are to be encouraged to join “The Big Help Out” — which is being organized as a nod to Charles’ public service efforts — and volunteer in their local communities.
– Amy Haneline and Morgan Hines
Royal procession to Buckingham Palace
The rain stopped for some time as the newly crowned king and queen processed toward Buckingham Palace while onlookers strove to catch a glimpse or wave a British flag, with some dressed up to fit the theme.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla waved to the crowd from a gilded golden carriage, the Gold State Coach, used only on the way to Buckingham Palace for the coronation procession. Parade participants bobbed around the carriage in formal dress on horseback while many others walked.
In a subsequent carriage, Prince William and Kate Middleton rode with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Princess Anne rode atop a horse following King Charles III, her brother, as she did on the way to the coronation ceremony earlier in the day.
– Morgan Hines
Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte’smatching McQueen moment at the coronation
Congregation sings British National Anthem ‘God Save the King’ as Charles exits coronation
All attendees at the coronation sang “God Save the King” as King Charles and Queen Camilla left Westminster Abbey for the procession back to Buckingham Palace.
Read the full lyrics:
God save our gracious King, long live our noble King, God save The King! Send him victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us, God save The King! Thy choicest gifts in store on him be pleased to pour, long may he reign: May he defend our laws, and ever give us cause to sing with heart and voice. God save The King!
– Naledi Ushe
Joe Biden congratulates Charles and Camilla on their coronation
Joe Biden said in a tweet that “the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.”
First Lady Jill Biden, who was representing the United States at the ceremony, called it an honor to be at Westminster Abbey “on this historic day.”
– Naledi Ushe
Charles and Camilla take Holy Communion as coronation service nears end
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have taken holy communion as their coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey nears its end.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, led the congregation in saying the Lord’s Prayer, and the choir sang as the royal couple were presented with bread and wine.
– Sylvia Hui and Brian Melley, The Associated Press
‘Not My King’ protestors arrestedduring coronation of King Charles III
Camilla is crowned as queen consort
Camilla was coronated in a shorter and simpler ceremony following Charles’ crowning. Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s crown, marking the first time an existing crown was used for the queen consort’s coronation.
“May thy servant Camilla, who wears this crown, be filled by thine abundant grace and with all princely virtues; reign in her heart, O King of love, that, being certain of thy protection, she may be crowned with thy gracious favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,” the Archbishop of Canterbury said as he placed the crown on Camilla’s head.
Camilla’s title is not changing after coronation. Since her husband became king, she assumed the title Queen Consort Camilla. However Queen Camilla will do. It’s nicely alliterative and the “consort” part is understood.
– Naledi Ushe
Prince William kneels before Charles and swears his loyalty
The Prince of Wales, who is first in line to the British throne, swears his loyalty to Charles in a ceremony known as “The Homage of Royal Blood.
William kneeled before his father, placing his hands in between Charles’ hands as he 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 ceremonious vow took place shortly after Charles’ crowning and “The Homage of The Church of England,” which was carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Following William’s oath is the “Homage of The People,” which is also led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is a new part to the coronation, which invites the general public to declare: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
– Naledi Ushe
Charles is crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Charles is crowned with St. Edward’s crown. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, wore the same crown at her 1953 coronation.
“Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity, which is yours by the authority of Almighty God. May that same God, whose throne endures forever, establish your throne in righteousness, that it may stand fast for evermore,” the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says as he places the crown on Charles’ head.
– Naledi Ushe
Various items of regalia are presented to Charles
Charles is presented with the sword of state for the jeweled sword of offering, an orb, a glove, a scepter with cross, scepter with dove and more at the coronation altar.
The king’s scepter with a cross “represents the sovereign’s temporal power,” according to Buckingham Palace, and consists of the Cullinan I diamond set by a heart-shaped gold enamel. Camilla’s corresponding cross scepter is pared down with crystals instead of diamonds, with a cross sitting on the top.
The dove scepter, which is also named “The Rod of Equity and Mercy,” is representative of Charles’ spiritual duties with the dove signifying the Holy Ghost. Camilla’s dove rod will be made of ivory with a dove sitting atop a golden globe.
King Charles’ orb, which weighs almost 3 pounds, and was made in the 17th century. The crown jewel represents the king’s power while representing the Christian world as a cross sits atop the sphere. The orb is placed in King Charles’ right hand before its placed at the altar.
— Elise Brisco
Guide of crowns, rings, scepters and other shiny royal jewels
Charles wears two crowns during the ceremony: St. Edward’s crown and the Imperial State Crown. The former crown is used for ceremony purposes before being switched out for the Imperial Crown, or Tudor Crown, for the procession back to Buckingham Palace.
Camilla is also wearing fancy headgear. She is crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown.
For more on the crowns, rings, rods and scepters you see during the ceremony, check out our guide to coronation jewels.
– Elise Brisco
Charles is anointed with a special coronation oil
Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the king in the form of a cross using a special coronation oil behind an anointing screen. The Chrism oil used in his coronation was in Jerusalem in March to be consecrated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III and Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum. The chrism oil, or holy oil, used in Charles’ coronation is based from the same oil that was used in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
Comprised of olives harvested from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the oil was taken from groves located at the Monastery of the Ascension and the Monastery of Mary Magdalene, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. The Monastery of Mary Magdelene is the burial place of King Charles III’s paternal grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece.
— Elise Brisco
King Charles III’s coronation oilhas special connection to late mother Queen Elizabeth II
What crown is Charles wearing?
Following tradition, Charles is crowned with St. Edward’s crown. The crown was made for King Charles II in 1661 as a replacement for a medieval crown that melted down in 1649.
Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, wore the same crown at her 1953 coronation.
– Naledi Ushe
What crown is Queen Consort Camilla wearing?
Camilla is crowned with Queen Mary’s crown, marking the first time an existing crown was used for the queen consort’s coronation.
The queen consort is wearing a white coat dress designed by Bruce Oldfield and created in Bruce Oldfield’s couture workrooms in Battersea, London.
– Naledi Ushe
Queen Camilla looks regalas she prepares to be crowned at Charles III coronation: See photos
Who is in the congregation?
Roughly 2,000 people are attending Charles’ coronation including members of the royal family and international representatives from 203 countries, including Jill Biden.
The congregation includes:
- Members of the Royal Family
- Family members and friends of Their Majesties
- Members of Foreign Royal Families
- Heads of State and Foreign Ministers
- Governors-General and Realm Prime Ministers
- Members of the Government, Parliament and Devolved Administrations, including former Prime Ministers
- Lord-Lieutenants and Lord Provosts
- Representatives from the Church and other faiths
- Representatives from the Defence Services, including serving and former Armed Forces personnel
- Representatives from The King’s patronages, including The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Foundation
- Members of the Diplomatic Corps
- Public Service organisations and the emergency services
- Representatives from The Queen Consort’s patronages
- Representatives from the Law
- Nobel Prize Winners
- British Empire Medal recipients
- Representatives from the Realms nominated by the High Commissions
King Charles III takes on coronation dayEverything to know about the monarch’s big day
Charles swears on the Holy Bible
Charles is presented the Holy Bible from the Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields. The king then swears on the bible to uphold laws governed by the Church of England.
In an innovation that reflects the changed religious landscape in Britain, the king will for the first time pray for grace to be “a blessing to all of every faith and belief.”
Charles ceremoniously takes the “coronation oath” over the bible “to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, your other Realms and the Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining.”
As he places his hand on the bible, Charles says, “The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.”
He then kisses the bible as the Archbishop of Canterbury says, “Your Majesty, are you willing to make, subscribe, and declare to the statutory Accession Declaration Oath?”
“I am willing,” Charles responds. “I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.”
– Naledi Ushe
The Archbishop of Canterbury recognizes Charles as the ‘undoubted King’
Charles proceeds to stand next to the coronation chair during the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recognition. Throughout the ceremony, the monarch will face all compass directions to symbolize his place in the world.
“I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same?” the Archbishop asks the clergy.
“God save King Charles,” all respond.
Baroness (Valerie) Amos LG, Lady Elish Angiolini LT, and Christopher Finney GC, Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, will repeat the call and response.
– Naledi Ushe
Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, kicks off the coronation service
Welby, who will crown Charles, begins the official service by telling the clergy: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered to offer worship and praise to Almighty God; to celebrate the life of our nations; to pray for Charles, our King; to recognise and to give thanks for his life of service to this Nation, the Realms, and the Commonwealth; and to witness with joy his anointing and crowning, his being set apart and consecrated for the service of his people.”
“Let us dedicate ourselves alike, in body, mind, and spirit, to a renewed faith, a joyful hope, and a commitment to serve one another in love,” Welby adds.
– Naledi Ushe
Charles is recognized upon arrival at Westminster Abbey
Samuel Stratchan, Child of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, will be the first to recognize Charles after arriving to Westminster Abbey. In a formal ceremony, Strachan tells the sovereign, “Your Majesty, as children of the kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.”
Charles replies: “In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.”
– Naledi Ushe
Prince Louis attends, Prince George holds King Charles’ robe
Despite rumors that 5-year-old Prince Louis may not attend the coronation, the spunky youngest child of Prince William and Princess Kate did make an appearance at the event. Prince Louis is full of personality. The 5-year-old stole the show at the late queen’s Platinum Jubilee with his meme-worthy facial expressions during the flypast as the royal family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
William and Kate’s other son, 9-year-old Prince George, is serving as one of King Charles’ Pages of Honor. In his role, he helped hold King Charles robe during the King’s Procession at the outset of the ceremony. The couple’s 8-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte is also attending.
– Naledi Ushe and Amy Haneline
George, Charlotte, Louis:What role will King Charles III’s grandchildren play in coronation?
Prince Harry arrives alone
Amid his ongoing rift with the royal family, Prince Harry arrived to the service early, followed by more senior members of the royal family, including Prince Charles’ sister Princess Anne. He was seated among other royal family members, but behind Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
Harry walked in alongside Princess Eugenie. He is attending the coronation alone, while Duchess Meghan and his children remain in California to celebrate Archie’s 4th birthday.
– Amy Haneline
King Charles and Queen Camilla begin journey to Westminster Abbey
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have started their short ride in the gilded Diamond Jubilee Coach from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where they will be anointed and crowned in a ceremony steeped in history.
They are being escorted by the Sovereign’s Escort, comprising of about 160 soldiers on horseback. The Household Cavalry Mounted Band is leading the military procession.
It’s a much smaller procession than the one planned for the return route from the abbey, when some 4,000 troops will feature in a spectacular display of pageantry.
The state coach Charles and Camilla are travelling in was created in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne. The procession will take about half an hour.
– Associated Press
Is Prince Harry attending? Where is Duchess Meghan?
Prince Harry will attend Charles’ and Camilla’s coronation today, but without his wife, Duchess Meghan, and kids, Prince Archie, 4 and Princess Lilibet, 1, Buckingham Palace and the couple’s spokesperson confirmed in April. Prince Harry’s family will stay in California where they moved in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties.
Archie’s 4th birthday is also today.
– Naledi Ushe
Harry and Meghan:Duchess and kids stay in California during coronation
First lady Jill Biden arrives for coronation ceremony with granddaughter Finnegan Biden
First lady Jill Biden arrived Saturday morning wearing a royal blue Ralph Lauren suit dress with a matching bow headpiece. By her side was her granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, who wore yellow head to toe.
It was announced in April that Jill Biden would represent the U.S. at Charles’ coronation and President Joe Biden would not attend the occasion. No sitting U.S. president has ever attended a British royal coronation.
The president and the first lady jointly attended last year’s funeral in London for Queen Elizabeth II. Biden wore a similar fascinator headband to the funeral, but in black. Some criticized the first lady for her selection, noting that fascinators are often seen at joyous events, such as weddings. While they can be worn to somber events like funerals, the more accepted etiquette would be to wear a hat as a sign of respect.
– Amy Haneline
Crowds line procession route with supporters and protestors
Thousands of people from across the U.K. and around the world camped overnight along the 1.3-mile route to catch a glimpse of the monarch. The crowd includes both supporters and protestors.
The anti-monarchy group Republic told the Associated Press several of its members have been arrested as they prepared to protest the coronation and hold “Not my king” signs. But on Saturday morning, several of the group’s members were stopped near Trafalgar Square and led to police vans.
Others managed to protest along the route, waving signs that read “king parasite” and “abolish the monarchy.” Police have said they will have have a “low tolerance” for people seeking to disrupt the day, sparking criticism that they are clamping down on free speech.
– Amy Haneline and The Associated Press
Video of previous protests:Police arrest man for throwing eggs at King Charles III and Camilla
When is the coronation concert and who’s performing?
After the coronation is the coronation concert. On Sunday, the day after the ceremony, the newly-minted king of England will celebrate with a star-studded concert to be broadcast across BBC’s channels.
Performers include “American Idol” judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. British pop group Take That, Andrea Bocelli, Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench will also take the stage.
The artists will perform at Windsor Castle.
Perry and Richie were some of the early arrivals Saturday morning for the coronation ceremony. Perry donned a lilac dress and short-sleeved peplum jacket with matching opera gloves and fascinator.
– Naledi Ushe and Anika Reed
Coronation concert details:Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, more to perform
What time does the coronation start?
If you want to watch the ceremony live, you’ll need to be up early. The official service will begin at Westminster Abbey at 6 a.m. EDT (11 a.m. British Standard Time). The service is expected to last around two hours.
– Naledi Ushe
King Charles’ coronation:Everything you need to know
Why have the coronation if Charles is already king?
Charles has already been king for several months. He immediately ascended the throne when Elizabeth died Sept. 8. But the deeply religious and regalia-heavy event is a more formal confirmation of his role as head of state and titular head of the Church of England and was intended to show the king’s authority was derived from God.
That said, there is no legal requirement for a coronation, and other European monarchies have done away with the ceremonies.
– Brian Melley, The Associated Press
How and where can you watch the coronation?
Tune into USA TODAY’s livestream and follow along with us here during the ceremony. But of course, there are many ways to watch the monumental occasion across the globe.
Audiences in London can queue along designated viewing areas between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to watch the coronation live. For everyone else, major cable networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox News, CNN and more will be covering the coronation, with most broadcasts beginning at 5 a.m. EDT.
See the full viewing guide, including livestreams here.
– Naledi Ushe
More on King Charles III’s coronation
