The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London, marking the first British coronation in nearly 70 years. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, this historic event, known as “Operation Golden Orb,” officially crowned the King as the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at the Abbey since 1066. While rooted in ancient tradition, the two-hour ceremony was designed to be a more modest and diverse spectacle than previous coronations, reflecting a modern monarchy while maintaining its traditional religious significance as a service of Holy Communion.
The day began with the “King’s Procession,” where the King and Queen travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Inside the Abbey, around 2,200 guests—including foreign heads of state, community champions, and members of the Royal Family—witnessed the ceremony, which was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Key moments included the Recognition, where the King was presented to the congregation, followed by the Oath, the Anointing with holy oil, and the Investiture, where he was crowned with the historic St Edward’s Crown. A significant moment occurred when the Prince of Wales, William, pledged his loyalty and allegiance to his father.
Following the crowning of King Charles, Queen Camilla was anointed and crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown in a slightly simpler ceremony. The service included musical performances and contributions from various faith leaders, highlighting the multicultural nature of modern Britain. Following the service, a massive procession featuring nearly 4,000 military personnel returned the newly crowned King and Queen to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach. Despite rainy weather, large crowds gathered on the streets to celebrate. The day concluded with the Royal Family’s traditional appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, accompanied by a fly-past from the Red Arrows.
Video Source
