Saturday 6 May 2023

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Following months of planning and coordination between the Palace and the Government, the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place at Westminster Abbey today.

Their Majesties travelled in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

The coach was led by eight Windsor greys.

The procession travels to the Abbey.

A wave from Queen Camilla.

And His Majesty.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach was commissioned to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday, but completion was delayed for nearly eight years. Following completion, it became a commemoration for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Prince and Princess of Wales with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

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The Duke of Sussex and the Princess Royal greet each other.

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The Princess Royal as Colonel of the Blues and Royals wore the full ceremonial uniform of the regiment.

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The Duchess of Edinburgh wore a bespoke Suzannah gown with her Victorian order robes.

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The royals take their seats.

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The majority of Armed Forces personnel participating in the Coronation procession travelled to London by train overnight, arriving at Waterloo Station.

The RAF Contingent march across Westminster Bridge.

The UK Armed Forces conducted their largest ceremonial operation since Her late Majesty's coronation seventy years ago.

Over 7,000 personnel were involved.

Sailors, soldiers and aviators from across the UK and the length and breadth of the Commonwealth took part in two magnificent processions accompanying Their Majesties to and from Westminster Abbey.

A commanding overview.

Happy & Glorious indeed.

Marching down the Mall.

The rainy weather didn't dampen enthusiasm.

Arriving at Westminster Abbey.

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The royal procession.

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Queen Camilla wore a Bruce Oldfield designed dress embroidered with delicate garlands of British wildflowers.

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The Evening Standard reports: "Motifs of daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel from fields and hedgerows, representing the King and Camilla’s affection for nature and the nation’s countryside, are among the embellishments. Celebratory bunting, in antique gold and silver thread, is also intertwined amongst the swathes of blooms on the historic dress, worn for Camilla’s crowning."

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Buckingham Palace described the look as "simple and tailored".

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The Queen wore the Coronation necklace.

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People reports:

'Known as "the Coronation Necklace," it was originally created for Queen Victoria in 1858, according to The Court Jeweller. Made of a total of 26 diamonds, including a giant 22.48-carat pendant called the Lahore diamond.

The stone was originally part of the Lahore Treasure in the Punjab region of what is now Pakistan until 1849, when the area was taken over by British colonists and "presented to Queen Victoria in 1851," according to the Royal Collection.'

The Evening Standard notes: "The King meanwhile wore his grandfather George VI’s crimson Robe of State with a new crimson Coronation Tunic, with cream silk overshirt and Royal Naval trousers for his arrival."

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More from Forces.net:

'On departure from Westminster Abbey, His Majesty wore the Robe of Estate and a purple coronation tunic in place of the Robe of State and crimson tunic.

The purple coronation tunic was inspired by similar tunics worn by George V and George VI at their coronations.

On arrival at Westminster Abbey, the insignia worn by the King was the Garter Star, Collar and Great George.

After the ceremony, during the departure from Westminster Abbey the King wore a Lesser George, probably made for George II in the mid-18th century.

This Lesser George was partly remounted for George III and again in 1858 for Queen Victoria'.

They were accompanied by eight pages of honour: Prince George, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley (son of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley), Master Nicholas Barclay (son of the King's goddaughter Rose Troughton; Rose's mother is heir to the Colman's Mustard fortune); Master Ralph Tollemache (Ralph's father Edward is another of the King's godchildren and he was also a Page of Honour to Queen Elizabeth II from 1988 to 1990). The Queen Consort’s Pages of Honour will be her grandsons, Master Gus and Master Louis Lopes, Master Freddy Parker Bowles and Queen Elizabeth II's great-nephew, Master Arthur Elliot.

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I was reminded of the Queen Mother's words to a young Prince Charles during his mother's coronation: "Try not to forget this day." I imagine a similar sentiment was shared with future king, Prince George, today.

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It was timed with precision.

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An overview of the procession.

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Queen Camilla was joined by by her sister, Annabel Elliot, and her long-time friend and Queen's companion, Lady Lansdowne.

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In keeping with previous coronations, they wore long white gowns.

Several key moments from Buckingham Palace. The Recognition: "The King turns to each of the four points of the compass before the Archbishop of Canterbury proclaims him the ‘undoubted King’. The congregation shouts ‘God Save King Charles!'."

His Majesty swears to govern the people with justice and mercy, and to uphold the Anglican Church of England and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. For the very first time a monarch prays for grace to be ‘a blessing to all…of every faith and belief’.

The most sacred part of the Coronation Service, the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints His Majesty’s hands, chest and head with holy oil in the Coronation Chair.

Buckingham Palace noted during the investiture: "The King is dressed in symbolic ‘vestments’, and presented with items of Regalia, each a visible reminder of his role and his responsibility to God. These include: the Supertunica -- a coat of gold silk reflecting the splendour of Christ; the Armills -- gold bracelets representing sincerity and wisdom; the Sovereign’s Orb -- symbolising the Christian world; the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove -- representing the King's spiritual role; and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross -- representing His Majesty’s worldly power.

The Archbishop of Canterbury places St Edward’s Crown on the King’s anointed head. The clergy, congregation and choir all cry ‘God Save the King’.

The King received ‘Homage’ (a promise of allegiance and faithfulness) from the Prince of Wales on behalf of the Royal family.

Her Majesty is crowned with St Mary's Crown.

The Ascension Gospel Choir delivered a beautiful performance of Alleluia.

What a photo of Kate and Charlotte.

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Click here to read the full Order of Service.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving Westminster Abbey.

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla departed Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach, flanked by eighteen representatives of the Realms.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Queen Elizabeth II rode in the coach during her 1953 Coronation and later remarked it was horribly uncomfortable and bumpy.

The coach has been described as "a rolling work of art".

More from the BBC:

'But even if the Gold State Coach has its drawbacks, it is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, with elaborate carvings under a thin layer of gold and panels covered in paintings. It may be uncomfortable but it is a rolling work of art.

Helping the four-tonne carriage to make the journey will be Martin Oates, who will be the carriage's brakeman on coronation day.

He follows his great-grandfather who took part in the carriage procession for the coronation of George VI, his grandfather who was there for the coronation of Elizabeth II and his father for the late Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

"When you're walking down The Mall, you do think of all the family members who have been part of it," said Mr Oates, speaking at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, where the carriages are kept.'

A lovely shot of the Prince and Princess of Wales departing.

The family admire the view.

Kensington Palace shared this snap -- one to remember!

Waves and smiles.

A video from the procession.

Another look at the Princess.

The Abbey bells ringing to mark the occasion.


Appearing on the balcony for the first time.

Waves and cheers.

Another look.

The moment was very much reminiscent of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Three cheers for Their Majesties upon return to Buckingham Palace.

Royals fans gather outside the Palace ahead of the balcony appearance.

Cheers for the King and Queen.

They were joined by working members of the Royal family.

Of course, Louis stole the show :)

Due to the weather, the flypast was reduced.

It still remained a magnificent sight and a fitting end to the day.

A selection of videos from the Coronation.





Finally, don't miss this behind-the-scenes video from Kensington Palace :)

And that's a wrap on the main Coronation post.

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Later this evening, I'll be doing a fashion post covering guests at the Coronation. To recap on the looks and jewels worn by the Wales family, please click here.

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21 comments:

  1. Anna from France6 May 2023 at 18:04

    As I said on the other post, I find the dress worn by Camilla very beautiful and classy.

    Prince George looked very studious, or perhaps not always very comfortable. Sometimes I wonder if he already measures the royal challenge that will await him one day or another.

    Charlotte was superb, very cute with her dress and her headband (which, against all odds, I find prettier than Kate's).

    Louis is still cute and funny. I saw this picture on Twitter, very funny : https://twitter.com/RoyallyBelle_/status/1654830659683139584

    I don't know if you will write a post on Meghan's blog, so I would like to share the fact that Harry was dressed by Dior (https://twitter.com/Dior/status/1654863597217128448?cxt=HHwWgIDR_Y_roPctAAAA). I found him very elegant.

    On french TV the commentators said that there were more people in the streets than for the Queen's jubilees or for the funeral, I don't know if you also had this feeling ?

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  2. Claire6 May 2023 at 18:07

    I thought it came off beautifully, the sort of thing the Brits do best. I was a little disappointed at the reduced pageantry - I keep thinking of that iconic moment when the Queen was crowned and the peers all put on their coronets in 1953 - but I understand why the decisions were made. I couldn't help also thinking that it must have been a strange and poignant day for Harry. But I'm glad he could be there for his dad, and it was clear that the King and Queen were both deeply moved by the ceremony and the experience.

    The most important and most interesting parts, the ancient traditions, the regalia, the music, were worth watching for, even though I had to get up so early on a Saturday to do it. I was moved by William's pledge, Kate looked regal indeed, the kids were adorable (what an experience this must have been for George especially), and Penny Mordaunt's sword-bearing abilities were impressive.

    As always, Charlotte, thanks for your wonderful coverage!

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    1. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 20:06

      I kept wondering as well how George was feeling today - how absolutely surreal it must be to get a preview of your own coronation.

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  3. ABCD6 May 2023 at 18:42

    I loved the little dogs embroidered at the bottom of Camilla's dress!

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  4. Melissa Hafting6 May 2023 at 18:58

    It was a beautiful coronation. Thank you Charlotte for your wonderful coverage. Princess Catherine looked gorgeous. The best I have ever seen her even more beautiful and regal than on her wedding day. I adore the floral headpiece it is stunning. Princess Charlotte looked lovely . I am glad to see that photo of Prince Harry smiling talking to his aunt the Princess Royal. Again it debunks the media who said no one in the royal family would say a word to him. Glad he was made to feel welcome. I wish he was still a working royal doing part of the service alongside his brother Prince William adorned in the same wonderful army uniform and regalia.I too wish more pomp and circumstance but glad it went off beautifully.

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  5. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 20:05

    Today’s highlights for me were the fantastic music and all the military forces gathered to give three cheers. It was an absolutely resounding noise and HM looked quite moved. I have to admit I was surprised by how short the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace felt.

    Thank you for your coverage today Charlotte!

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  6. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 20:21

    They all looked lovely. Lack of tiaras didn't bother me. Thank you Charlotte for your coverage.

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  7. Valerie in Arizona6 May 2023 at 20:41

    I've had about three hours' sleep, watched the coverage on PBS/BBC through our night; coverage started at 11:30 p.m. and continued until 8:00 a.m. I think I dozed off a couple of times. Still, I think I look less tired than Charles looked (we are close in age), he looked exhausted and very emotional. Not a criticism, it showed just what a sensitive person he is. Camilla also looked tired but she carried herself beautifully. All of the Royals did. I like that there was just the right amount of pomp--in my opinion--for a modern country that still relies on the Royal Family/Royal trappings for its tourism dollars, while still being modern and diverse. I now hope though that the Royal Family get a breather, they've done their duty over the past several months, let them take a break. (But Charles probably won't.)

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  8. Susan in Florida6 May 2023 at 21:39

    Rest well, Charlotte ! And THANK YOU for all this wonderful coverage!

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  9. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 22:19

    Thank you Charlotte for your wonderful coverage. What a beautiful, meaningful, memorable, and historic event. I got choked up watching Prince William kiss his father, The King, on the cheek. The music was outstanding…so beautiful, and of course my favorite, the bells. So glad everything turned out wonderfully. Class, precision, and pageantry…just lovely.

    Joanne in CA

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  10. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 23:15

    Katie C.H.

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  11. Katie C.H.6 May 2023 at 23:22

    This whole day!! Everyone looked amazing. I cannot decide which is my fav. Kate looked absolutely fantastic. Seeing her in full ceremonial dress-such a signal that she’s grown into a valued and respected working Royal since previously, I feel like it was just Anne generally dressed like that. And Anne! Trusted to guard her brother’s welfare. Riding a horse (to me in general) is hard but in the pouring rain and full gear with a plume!! Charlotte seems so very mature for 8 years of age. And she looked fantastic as well. And Sophie and Louise! I am not generally a fan of Louise’s fashion, though I really like her in general but her outfit today(and last night) were so stylish and flattering. So grown up. I know someone mentioned that Camilla has her dogs embroidered on her grown but she also had the names of her kids and grandkids embroidered nearby the dogs. Love the personalization and sentimentality in the midst of such formality.

    Also, the Wales arriving seemingly a bit late. It kills me/thought it was hilarious. Just like my family every day.

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    1. Anonymous6 May 2023 at 23:59

      I heard on CNN that the Wales's weren't late. According to the printed schedule that Anderson Cooper was provided, the carriage that brought the King and Queen to the Abbey arrived several minutes ahead of schedule.

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  12. Anonymous7 May 2023 at 01:23

    I felt like we were hundreds of years back in time. The music was wonderful. Everyone being solemn and serious kept all the regalia handovers from falling into farce, at least to a modern American mind. Well done, BRF. Catherine was steady as a rock. George looked like he had a sore tooth or felt uncomfortable with his role. Charles was absolutely sincere and humble in all his responses and what a lovely moment with the Prince of Wales.
    Catherine’s headpiece was more beautiful on her than any tiara and Charlotte’s behavior was every inch a princess. I’m sure they’re all glad it’s over.
    It was a strange feeling when Charles was crowned and I thought “ the next time that crown touches a human head, it’s William’s turn” (and probably Charles will outlive me, so.)
    A remarkable day for our friend, the UK.
    Karen in Virginia

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  13. Jax/Canada7 May 2023 at 01:49

    What a day! Thank you, as always, Charlotte for keeping us up to date and for all your wonderful links and resources.

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  14. Anonymous7 May 2023 at 03:59

    What a glorious occasion, the music was just amazing Zadok the Priest sent chills through me and the gospel singers were brilliant. I loved Kate and Charlottes head pieces Kate's reminds me of some of the tiara's CP Mary of Denmark has worn. I loved the gowns the Royal ladies wore it was as I expected. I cant wait to see the official photos and get to see more detail of the gowns. Thank you again Charlotte for your coverage. Sue in WA

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  15. Lize7 May 2023 at 11:59

    I have one big pet criticism. The balcony appearance which is so important for the crowds and for historic phootos. Its so often a mess. Since it is known beforehand who will appear on the balcony and since so much preparation goes into the relevant events, how difficult is it to premark the balcony for each persons position so the balcony appearance is as successful and meaningful as the events to which it forms the grand finale?

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    1. Zipzipzippy7 May 2023 at 23:11

      I agree. I couldn’t understand why Anne was hidden in the background behind Kate. Maybe the Princess Royal has had enough balcony appearances and just doesn’t care anymore, but it looked disrespectful for the wonderfully loyal and hardworking sister of the King to be sort of jockey for position behind her very tall niece-in-law. If it wasn’t for the distinctive red feather in her hat, I’m not sure we would have even known Anne was there.

      Surely, Kate would have moved to the side a bit to give Anne a better view (and the crowds a better view of her) if someone had taken charge and directed the participants where to stand.

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  16. Tedi Godard7 May 2023 at 17:51

    The splendor, the beautiful music, it was all magnificent to behold. Prince William pledging his allegiance to his father was a poignant moment. The entire ceremony was perfect.

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  17. FloridaGirl7 May 2023 at 18:55

    Simply put: Absolutely perfection!! Kate looked exquisite!!! 🥰

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  18. Anonymous8 May 2023 at 17:30

    It was a beautiful ceremony! The ancient, regal music added to the atmosphere.
    On a side note: Eliza Lopes was there too, wearing navy and quite grown up. She was one of the children on the balcony at William and Catherine’s wedding.

    ReplyDelete

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