King Charles III was heir to the British throne for 70 years, until last year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 when he became Monarch. Charles, alongside his consort, Queen Camila was crowned on May 6, 2023 at Westminster Abbey where coronations have been held since 1066.

It is the first time in 70 years the world has experienced a coronation so regal and well executed. It is said around 20 million people tuned in to watch the coronation around the world. Many people also traveled to London for this occasion.

Amongst those invited there were some celebrities amongst the list from Emma Thompson, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Nick Cave and Elton John (who turned down his invite). Many world leaders and representatives were also invited representing different countries from Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese. First Lady Jill Biden showed up representing the United States. 

The King’s coronation is a ceremony that dates centuries back to William The Conqueror in 1066. Charles was crowned with the St. Edward’s Crown, which was last worn at the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953. This version of the crown was made in 1661 for Charles II as a replacement for the medieval crown, which was melted down in 1649, according to the Royal Collection Trust. 

The Scepter and Orb, which were also last used at the coronation of 1953, were held by the King as he left the Abbey. He also wore the Imperial State Crown, which was commissioned by King George VI in 1937 and was worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Both the Scepter and Imperial State Crown hold one of the largest cuts of diamond that come from the largest diamond ever found, The Cullinan Diamond. Gifted to Edward VII, legend has it that the man who took the blow at the diamond passed out but perfectly divided the diamond for use. Each stone was given a number from I to IX, Culanin I also known as the Star of Africa is mounted on the Imperial State Crown and Cullinan II on the Monarch’s Scepter.

The coronation chair in which The King sat on during the moment of crowning is known as the St. Edward’s Chair, commissioned by Edward I, was made in 1300. It’s been used by every sovereign since at every coronation. It was specifically made to hold the “Stone of Scone”, a very religious stone which is placed under the sovereign during the coronation. 

Queen Camila was crowned in Queen Mary’s Crown made for the coronation of her husband King George V in 1911. As for the Coronation Robe’s King Charles arrived wearing The Robe of State, made for King George VI’s coronation. Queen Camila arrived wearing the Robe of State made for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. They both left wearing newly commissioned Robe’s of Estate. 

The King and Queen arrived at the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 by an Australian Coach maker. They left in The Gold State Coach which was built in 1762 to transport King’s and Queen’s, its been used at every coronation since 1831. 

Senior Members of The Royal Family attended the coronation from Prince William and Princess Catherine and their children, Princess Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George who was one of the King’s Page boys, The King’s siblings Princess Anne Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, and even Prince Harry who made an appearance without Meghan who stayed home.

On the way back to Buckingham Palace, The King and Queen were followed by the largest British military parade in 70 years ever since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

It is said that around 7,000 soldiers, sailors and aviators took part in the event. 

The King and Queen made the great balcony appearance to greet the people outside Buckingham Palace alongside other senior members of The Royal Family.

The first coronation concert was held at Windsor Castle which was attended by around 20,000 people. There were performances by Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and many more artists. This event is an example of the monarchy modernizing into today’s society with it still following centuries of tradition. 

The Coronation celebrations still continue across the United Kingdom, Charles and Camila have made appearances and visited places where the celebration continues. One month later, and they’re off to a good start of a reign.