King Charles III’s Coronation In Photos: The Best And Most Iconic Moments
On May 6th, 2023, we all got to witness a truly historic event: the Coronation of King Charles III, the first coronation since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's, in 1953, and the first of a King since his grandfather, King George VI's, in 1937.
The star-studded event was full of famous faces and iconic moments, so take a look!
The King In His Crown
The newly-crowned King Charles III is seen here holding two sceptres used in the coronation tradition. One is the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cross, which was created for the King's namesake, King Charles II.
The other is the Sovereign's Sceptre with Dove. This sceptre represents the monarch's spiritual role as leader.
Graffiti Central
Here we see King Charles sitting on the aptly-named Coronation Chair. You may notice the engraving and writing on the back of the chair and think it looks like graffiti — and you'd be right!
At one point in history, members of the public were allowed to see the chair and sit on it themselves, and during that time, many carved their initials or names into the wood.
The Future Queen's Beauty
Catherine, Princess of Wales, most commonly known as Kate Middleton, stunned fans of the royal family with her regal beauty and gorgeous headpiece at the coronation.
The gorgeous piece was a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen design with silver bullion, crystal, and silver threadwork leaf embroidery. Jess Collett was an early recipient of a loan from the Prince's Trust, a charity run by King Charles.
Not A Tiara
Many fans were surprised by Kate's choice to forgo a tiara, which is the traditional headpiece of choice for women in the royal family, but traditions have changed!
"Tiaras were worn by nearly every royal lady at the Queen's coronation in 1953, as well lots of aristocratic women, but times have certainly changed in 70 years," said an expert.
A Matching Look
Princess Charlotte, Kate and William's daughter, wore a matching headpiece, which is likely a nod to the British folklore of The Green Man, a motif used throughout the coronation.
The Green Man is associated with nature, fertility, and the cycle of life. The Green Man is typically depicted as a face or mask made from leaves, foliage, or other natural materials and is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal.
A Somber Prince
There was quite a bit of speculation about whether or not Prince Harry would attend the coronation at all, given the controversy stirred up by the release of his recent memoir, Spare.
However, Prince Harry did make an appearance at the event! The king's youngest son was seated two rows behind his brother, Prince William, and his family.
Meghan Unaccounted For
Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, was not in attendance at the coronation, but she likely had a good reason — it was her son, Prince Archie's, fourth birthday!
"Meghan wants to be there to support her father-in-law, but at the same time, the scrutiny she receives outweighs the support," a close friend revealed.
Harry Still Had Some Fun
Of course, just because Meghan wasn't there didn't mean Prince Harry didn't have a good time! The prince was seen pulling faces and laughing with many members of his family, including Princess Anne.
He was not, however, seen interacting with his brother or sister-in-law in front of the cameras at any point.
Catching Up With The Family
Prince Harry may not have been accompanied by his wife, but the Duke of Sussex didn't arrive alone! Harry arrived at the event alongside his cousin, Princess Beatrice, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Prince Harry sat near Princess Beatrice and her sister, Princess Eugenie, for the actual coronation.
Prince Louis Stole The Show
Prince Louis of Wales, the third and youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, is well-known and beloved for his love of the camera and tendency to take the funniest, most adorable pictures at events.
Needless to say, the young prince tends to steal the show when it comes to royal events!
Look Over There!
Prince Louis also had a lot to say to his sister, second-born Princess Charlotte, during the ceremony itself, and was pictured eagerly pointing things out to her from their seats in between their parents.
We don't blame him for getting a little antsy — the coronation ceremony lasts two hours, which is a long time for any kid to stay seated!
An Expressive Prince
Prince Louis made both his mother and his sister laugh with his reaction to watching the Royal Air Force fly past the balcony following the ceremony — it was apparently a bit too exciting (and loud) for the young prince to handle!
The tradition of a flypast at a royal coronation is a way of honoring the new monarch and marking the occasion with a spectacular display of military might. The flypast is a tradition that has been carried out since the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
The Royal Flypast
The flypast is also a way of demonstrating the close relationship between the British monarchy and the military. The RAF, along with the other branches of the British armed forces, has a long history of service to the crown, and the flypast is a way of highlighting this connection.
Overall, the flypast by the RAF is a longstanding tradition that adds to the pageantry and spectacle of a royal coronation while also honoring the new monarch and the close relationship between the monarchy and the military.
A Long Day
No one can fault the young prince, who turned five on April 23rd, 2018, for getting a bit tired! Coronations are historically long events, and he was likely up pretty early preparing.
The ceremony includes a procession through the streets of London, the anointing and crowning of the King, the presentation of the regalia, the taking of the Coronation Oath, and various other rituals and performances.
Many Found Him Relatable
Prince Louis was briefly removed from the ceremony following his apparent boredom and then returned after a short break away.
This brief aside for the prince was pre-planned and likely a way to keep Prince Louis entertained and focused during a very long day that's not necessarily super interesting for a toddler.
The King Would Also Relate
We don't think King Charles would have been offended by Prince Louis' boredom if he saw it — it runs in the family!
At his mother's coronation, Charles himself was also photographed looking more than a bit bored! He was close to Prince Louis' age — only four years old at the time!
A Star-Studded Event
Of course, it's not just the royal family who are in attendance at the coronation! Aside from the millions of people watching the event both in person and broadcast across the world, a ton of celebrities made appearances at the historic event dressed to the nines!
It must be pretty hard to turn down this kind of invitation!
Katy Perry Made A Splash
Popstar and singer-songwriter Katy Perry was there in a gorgeous lilac-colored dress with an accompanying hat and even managed to find some time to take some selfies with some fans!
She also spent quite a bit of time hilariously looking for her seat but was able to find it eventually!
Dame Emma Thompson Calls For Peace
Dame Emma Thompson is an award-winning actress and screenwriter with a career spanning over three decades. She has won two Academy Awards for her roles in Howards End and Sense and Sensibility and has appeared in numerous other acclaimed films, including Love, Actually.
Emma was at the coronation in a gorgeous red floral blazer!
Lionel Richie Partied All Night Long
Lionel Richie first gained fame as a member of the Motown group The Commodores before launching a successful solo career. His biggest hits include "Hello," "All Night Long (All Night)," "Say You, Say Me," and "Endless Love" (with Diana Ross).
Lionel was not only at the coronation but performed at the concert afterward!
Katy Let Us Hear Her Roar!
The performance of a lifetime!
In a stunning gold ballgown, Katy Perry also took the stage at the concert to perform two of her biggest hits, "Roar" and "Firework." Katy looked every bit like a Disney princess in this look, which is only fitting for this kind of special royal occasion!
Katy Had A Famous Fan
Princess Charlotte was evidently a pretty big fan of Katy Perry's performance! The little princess was spotted excitedly singing along to Katy's performance in the crowd, which was almost too adorable.
We don't blame her! All of the performances were definitely sing-alongs, especially on such a special day for Charlotte and her entire family!
Speaking Of Princesses...
Nicole Scherzinger, known for her work as a judge on The Masked Singer and for her music career (both solo and as a member of The Pussycat Dolls), took to the stage to perform a very fitting royal number in this gorgeous blue gown.
Nicole sang "Reflection" from Mulan, a Disney princess, for her performance!
Olly Murs Rocked Out
Olly Murs rose to fame in 2009 as a contestant on the sixth season of the British singing competition show, The X Factor. His biggest hits include "Heart Skips a Beat," "Troublemaker," "Dear Darlin'," and "Dance with Me Tonight."
He's also presented several television shows in the UK, including The X Factor and The Voice UK.
(Finally) Queen
While there had been some discussion over whether Camilla would take the title "Queen" or go by the title "Queen Consort" as part of the coronation, she is now officially going by the title of Queen.
This is one of the first photos of the newly-crowned Queen Camilla in the official crown.
Prince William Dressed Up
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was dressed in the Ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards!
The outfit is a distinctive red tunic made of fine wool with black cuffs and a collar. The tunic is adorned with brass buttons and features the regiment's emblem of a leek, which is embroidered on the collar and cuffs.
Princess Anne On Horseback
72-year-old Princess Anne definitely didn't let being in her 70s slow her down at the coronation of her nephew!
She rode on horseback behind the golden state coach that was carrying the new King and Queen as they traveled down The Mall, looking both beautiful and totally regal!
A Sweet Kiss
This lovely moment was captured between Prince William and his father during the coronation ceremony, where Will placed a sweet kiss on King Charles' cheek!
It's always great to see these little moments between the royals that remind us that underneath all the pomp and circumstance, they're just a family like the rest of us!
Fascinating Fashion
King Charles made a few wardrobe changes during the coronation, but all had importance and significance to the royal family.
He started off in a crimson surcoat worn by King George VI at his own coronation, along with the Robe of State. Then he wore the anointing gown and then the Robe Royal.
A Royal Goodbye
While this is just the beginning of their royal tenure, the new King and Queen waved a royal goodbye from the balcony at the conclusion of the coronation ceremony while wearing their new crowns.
It was truly a historic event that so many of us haven't seen in our lifetimes!
