King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned in a historic ceremony on 6 May 2023! The event saw the royals out in force alongside world leaders and celebrities as festivities spread across the nation. Relive the day as HELLO! looks back at the very best pictures and videos from the coronation.
All the best fashion moments from the day
See the moment King Charles is crowned
Intimate balcony moment revealed
© Chris JacksonGetty's royal photographer Chris Jackson captured these incredible behind-the-scenes snaps of the King and Queen as they waved to the crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
© Chris JacksonOn Instagram, the photographer spoke of the immense "honour" he felt at being able to capture the moment. He shared: "An honour to shoot 'behind the scenes' and a never seen before angle from today's historic Coronation, what a day!!!!!! Save a [champagne emoji] for me!"
The balcony appearance and flypast
The new King and Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at 2.25pm. They were joined by their attendants, and working members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their children, and Princess Anne were also there.
© GettyThe flypast to mark the King's coronation had to be scaled down due to unsuitable weather conditions. More than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force had been due to take part. However, the event only involved helicopters and the Red Arrows aerobatic display team.
The spectacle was also originally planned to last for six minutes, however, on the day this was reduced to three minutes. It was, nevertheless, a spectacular sight.
© GettyIt wasn't just senior members of the royal family that enjoyed the flypast and as you can see below, Lady Louise Windsor, James, Earl of Wessex and Sir Timothy Laurence all joined the King on the balcony.
© GettyAhead of the coronation, Adrian 'Paddy' McWilliams, a lieutenant commander with the Royal Navy shared: "This is potentially my last flight as I am due to join the Defence Accident Investigation Branch later in the month – and what a memorable last flight it should be."
© GettyAs he prepared to return inside the Palace, King Charles paused to wave at the huge crowd that had gathered on The Mall. And in a final, emotional tribute, God Save The King rang out from the throng, who had braved downpours to celebrate their new monarch.
© GettyThe King no doubt got some well-earned rest after the event, which was watched by 18.8 million viewers across 18 different channels.
© GettyPrince George had a very important role at the coronation, as the future monarch served as a page of honour. The young royal was seen holding his grandfather's robes during the ceremony. Alongside George there were Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, son of Lord-in-Waiting the Marquess of Cholmondeley; Ralph Tollemache, son of the King's godson Edward Tollemache; and Nicholas Barclay, the grandson of King Charles's second cousin and the Queen’s companion Sarah Troughton.
© GettyThere was a very sweet moment during the flypast where the Duchess of Edinburgh pointed things out to Princess Charlotte.
© GettyThe Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed the day of festivities, but one day, it will be their turn.
© GettyThe King was supported throughout the whole day by his devoted wife, Queen Camilla.
© GettyA full wide shot of all the royals who joined Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The procession to Buckingham Palace
King Charles and Queen Camilla left Westminster Abbey as the bells rang out. They travelled in the Gold State Coach.
© GettyOnly the monarch and their spouse are allowed to travel in this carriage, which is over 260 years old and has been used at every coronation since that of William IV in 1831. It weighs four tonnes and requires eight horses to pull it.
© GettyTravelling behind were Prince William and Princess Kate, with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. They sat together in a black and gold carriage pulled by four horses.
© GettyAs ever, Louis could be counted on to be a scene-stealer, and just look at the young royal's happy face in this photo.
© GettyTravelling in a similar carriage in the procession were Prince Edward, wife Sophie and their children, Lady Louise and James Earl of Wessex.
© GettyPrincess Anne, meanwhile, rode on horseback behind the King and Queen, leading 6,000 armed services personnel through the streets of London.
© GettyThe Princess Royal acted as Charles' Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, who is entrusted with the monarch's personal safety. See how a royal fan reacted to the news here.
© GettyThe Duchess of Edinburgh chose fitting colours for her cape, styling out a design in red, blue and white, the same colours as the Union Jack.
© GettyHer daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, looked so fashionable as she attended the coronation wearing a sublime dress from Suzannah London.
© GettyPrince George might have had an important role, but he was able to join a light-hearted moment in the carriage on the way back to Buckingham Palace.
© GettyRoyal fans lined the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned King and Queen following the coronation ceremony.
© GettyIn the video below, watch HELLO! reporter Isabelle Casey discuss the exciting carriage moment with popular American royal style expert Elizabeth Holmes, who collaborated with HELLO! for coronation weekend.
On The Mall, cheers of "God Save the King" and "hip hip hooray" rang out as the carriage returned to Buckingham Palace.
The departure
The King, carrying the sceptre and orb, emerged to the sounds of 'God Save The King'. Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte curtseyed as he passed by, with Prince George again helping to carry his grandfather's heavy robe.
© GettyYou can see in the photo above how George carried out his important role with ease.
© GettyAfter the ceremony was completed, the royals headed back to Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast.
© GettyThe Imperial State Crown weighs more than 1kg and is adorned with 2,901 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond – making it very heavy! Queen Elizabeth II traditionally wore the headpiece for the State Opening of Parliament, as well as at her 1953 coronation.
© GettyCamilla was joined by her ladies in attendance, Lady Lansdowne and Annabel Elliot. The role is usually given to noblewomen and they act as a personal assistant.
© GettyBy the time the King left the Abbey, it was raining. As you can see, umbrellas came in handy for some waiting outside!
© GettyThe King was followed in by his wife, Queen Camilla, who was attended by her Pages of Honour and she wore the Queen Mary crown.
The royal family processed behind as the Gold State Coach pulled up outside Westminster Abbey.
St Edward's Chapel
As the choir sang out, the King and Queen departed their thrones and entered St Edward's Chapel, which is located behind the High Altar. The royals changed into their purple Robes of Estate, with the King putting on the Imperial State Crown. They prepared for the Coronation Procession, which took them back to Buckingham Palace.
The communion
© GettyThe King and Queen removed their crowns for the latter part of the service. Together, they took Holy Communion, the principal act of worship for the Christian church.
The investiture
The investiture was the crowning moment of the coronation. The King was given a shimmering golden coat to wear - called the Supertunica - before sitting back in the Coronation Chair as regalia was presented to him. The chair - also known as St Edward's Chair - is believed to be the oldest piece of furniture in the UK still used for its original purpose. A total of 26 monarchs have been crowned in it.
© GettyAmong the regalia was the Jewelled Sword. The Archbishop of Canterbury told Charles to use it to "do justice, stop the growth of iniquity, protect the holy Church of God and all people of goodwill".
The Robe Royal was presented by Baroness Merron, who was representing the Jewish community, and the Orb, representing the sovereign's power, was handed over by the Archbishop of Armagh.
© GettyThe King was then presented with the St Edward's Crown, which was placed on his head by the Archbishop. It will be the only time in his life that Charles will wear the 360-year-old crown, which is made of solid 22-carat gold, is over 30cm (1ft) tall and weighs around 2.23kg (nearly 5lbs).
SEE: Prince George seen preparing with King Charles in behind-the-scenes footage from coronation
GALLERY: King Charles III's coronation in 30 memorable pictures
The congregation then proclaimed, "God Save the King! as the Abbey bells rang, trumpets sounded, and gun salutes were fired across the UK.
© GettyThe archbishop then knelt before the monarch before pledging his faith to Charles III.
© GettyIn an especially moving moment, Prince William then knelt before his father, placed his hands between the hands of the King and 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."
© GettyHe then kissed the King on the cheek with Charles looking visibly emotional.
© ALAMYThe Prince of Wales' words — called the Homage of Royal Blood — echoed the vow made by his late grandfather Prince Philip to his wife Queen Elizabeth in 1953 when he also vowed to be her "liege man of life and limb."
© GettyQueen Consort Camilla was then anointed and crowned, albeit in a simpler ceremony and she was not required to take an oath. She was crowned with Queen Mary's Crown.
© GettyThe anointing
The sermon was preached by the Archbishop and began, "We are here to crown a king, and we crown a king to serve". This was followed by the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus, which was sung in languages from across the United Kingdom, and called on the Holy Spirit. Then came the most sacred part of the coronation rite: the anointing with holy oil that marks the King as chosen and set apart by God.
A screen then shielded the King from view as his ceremonial robe was removed and he took his seat in the ancient coronation chair, which was placed on the Cosmati Pavement facing the High Altar. During the anointing, the Choir sang Handel’s famous anthem, Zadok the Priest, which draws on words from 1 Kings 1 and was composed for the coronation of George II in 1727. It has been used at every coronation since.
© GettyOnce anointed, the King was vested in priestly garments in white and gold that symbolise both humility and splendour.
For the annointing, the archbishop poured special oil from the Ampulla - a gold flask - on to the Coronation Spoon before anointing the King in the form of a cross on his head, breast and hands.
The Anointing
© Print CollectorCited as the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony, the anointing is carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He will use the golden eagle-shaped ampulla and the 12th-century silver-gilt anointing spoon to anoint the King in the form of a cross.
Charles' chrism oil was made sacred in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The oil was declared by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, and the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, The Most Reverend Hosam Naoum.
It's based on the same recipe used for Queen Elizabeth II and contains notes of rose, jasmine, cinnamon, orange blossom, sesame, benzoin and amber.
The coronation ceremony begins
The King and Queen took their seats before the high altar of the Abbey at 11am. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby then gave the opening address before Charles stood before the altar.
© GettyCharles was proclaimed the "undoubted King" before the congregation were asked to show their homage and service by shouting "God Save the King!” This first stage - the recognition - which saw Charles presented to "the people" is a tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.
© GettyCharles was then given a Bible to swear an oath confirming that he will uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign. He knelt and closed his eyes as he listened to the oath before responding: "All this I promise to do."
© GettyHe subsequently bent his head and kissed the Bible before taking a second oath - the Accession Declaration Oath - stating that he is a "faithful Protestant".
The King and Queen arrive
At 10:53, Queen Camilla and King Charles arrived at the Abbey. They were joined by their Pages of Honour, including Prince George who wore a military uniform and helped carry his grandfather's robes.
© GettyPrincess Charlotte and Prince Louis were also in attendance, and Charlotte made sure to look after her younger brother, holding his hand during their entrance.
© ODD ANDERSENKate looked absolutely radiant as she arrived for the service with a cloak that reflected her role as a senior member of the royal family.
© Getty2,300 guests were present in the Abbey for the coronation, including royalty from other countries and world leaders.
© GettyThe Princess and Princess of Wales arrived with their youngest children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Meanwhile, Prince George was with his grandfather in his role as page of honour.
© Jeff SpicerHow beautiful did the Princess of Wales look in her stunning outfit?
© GettyThe young children followed their parents into the Abbey for the service.
© GettyPrince George is seen here in his role as page of honour.
© GettyLouis was able to spot a camera just before he headed into the Abbey.
© GettyThe Duke of Duchess of Edinburgh attended the service alongside their two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
© GettyCamilla and her pages were at the front of the procession, followed by King Charles and his pages, and then the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
The Queen looked resplendent as she slowly made her way down the aisle, followed by the King, as the choir sang out. The monarch smiled to members of the congregation as the procession continued, many of whom bowed, nodded their heads, or curtseyed.
Prince Harry and other British royals arrive at the Abbey
At around 10:40, the British royal family started to make their entrance. Prince Harry arrived alongside cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, and their husbands. Zara Tindall walked hand-in-hand with her husband, Mike, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
© GettyPrince Harry ended up wearing a suit for the coronation. He was not joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, who remained back in the United States with the pair's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
© GettyPrincess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, were among the last to arrive. Anne acted as her brother's Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, a role entrusted with the monarch's personal safety. This meant the Princess Royal wore her military uniform before the procession on horseback on the route back to Buckingham Palace.
Princess Kate's mum, Carole Middleton, attended the service, looking resplendent in blue.
© GettyMike and Zara Tindall looked incredible at the service, with Mike opting for a smart suit and Zara looking stunning in blue.
© ANDREW MILLIGANKate's siblings also attended with James Middleton going for a suit and Pippa Middleton looking summery in a bold yellow.
Eugenie walked alongside her husband as attended. The daughter of Prince Andrew was heavily pregnant at the time of the coronation.
© GettyEugenie arrived at the service in the same car as her father, Prince Andrew.
The procession to Westminster Abbey
At 10:20, the King and Queen left Buckingham Palace as God Save The King played out.
The outbound journey to Westminster Abbey is known as the King’s Procession. The return journey - featuring a much larger group - was the Coronation Procession.
© GettyThe couple smiled and waved as they made their way past thousands of cheering members of the public.
© GettyIt was an important day for the King and Queen as they departed from Buckingham Palace at 10:20am.
© GettyHis Majesty wore the Robe of State, a Crimson Coronation Tunic and cream silk overshirt with Royal Naval trousers. Her Majesty The Queen wore a design by Bruce Oldfield, resembling a coat dress, with an embroidered underskirt underneath. Here's how it compares to what Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, wore to her coronation in 1953.
Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Gown
© PA ImagesIn 1953, a 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II slipped into an extravagant white duchesse satin gown embroidered with strings of pearls, sequins and crystals. The Norman Hartnell-designed dress moreover featured embroidered national and Commonwealth floral emblems in gold, silver and pastel-coloured silks.
On top of her sumptuous gown, the late monarch wore a six-and-a-half-metre Robe of Estate - made by royal robe-makers Ede & Ravenscroft. It took a team of 12 seamstresses, using 18 types of gold thread, a whopping 3,500 hours to complete the Queen’s velvet robe.
Charles and Camilla board the Diamond Jubilee Coach
© GettyThe royal couple were photographed as they boarded the Diamond Jubilee Coach within the grounds of Buckingham Palace at around 10:15, ahead of their procession to Westminster Abbey.
World royals start arriving
Shortly after 9.30am, world royals and global leaders started making their way inside the Abbey. Among the first to arrive was First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and her 23-year-old granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, representing the US. They chose colours of the Commonwealth - white and blue. US President Joe Biden didn't attend - find out why here.
© GettyFrench president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron arrived arm-in-arm at 9.50, followed by Israel's President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal. Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
© GettyFormer Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and David Cameron arrived together with their wives shortly before 10.15 followed by Teresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rishi Sunak attended with his wife Akshata Murthy.
© GettyQueen Letizia of Spain looked incredibly elegant in a pink two-piece by Carolina Herrera and a wide-brimmed hat, while husband King Felipe was dressed in his military uniform.
© GettyQueen Rania looked beautiful in a gorgeous yellow outfit, while her husband King Abdullah wore a suit.
© GettyPrince Albert of Monaco wore military uniform for the occasion, while his wife, Princess Charlene, opted for a cream gown.
© GettyKing Carl Gustaf of Sweden arrived in military uniform, while his daughter, Crown Princess Victoria stunned in a beautiful blue outfit.
© GettyThe service was attended by royals all over the world.
© GettyThe final royals we bring you are King Frederik and Queen Mary, who at that point were the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark.
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House in the State Bentley
At 9.10, the royal couple left Clarence House bound for Buckingham Palace. They were driven in the maroon State Bentley. Two State Bentleys were manufactured by Bentley as a gift for the Queen for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
© GettyFor the occupants' protection, the bodywork and glass are armoured while the cabin can be sealed in case of a gas attack and is also blast-resistant, while the tyres are Kevlar-reinforced.
© GettyThe Queen used the cars up until her death in September 2022, and the Princess Royal travelled in the State Bentley while accompanying her mother's coffin as it made its way to London from Scotland.
Westminster Abbey
© Dan KitwoodLondon's Westminster Abbey has played host to every coronation since 1066, with King Charles III set to be the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned there. The historic church was originally built by Edward the Confessor in 1040 and is the burial site for 18 monarchs in addition to some of the nation's greatest poets, musicians, scientists and politicians.
The abbey – which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status – boasts spectacular gothic exteriors, splendid, vaulted ceilings and mesmerising mosaic floors. Other highlights include the ancient Coronation Chair, the glorious Lady chapel, and David Hockney's vibrant stained glass window.
Guests start arriving
From around 8am, lucky invitees started arriving at Westminster Abbey. As per instruction, members of the congregation had to be seated by 9am, including Dame Emma Thompson, Lady Susan Hussey, Lionel Richie, Ant and Dec, Jay Blades, Dynamo, Katy Perry, Edward Enninful, and Dame Joanna Lumley.
© GettyEdward Enninful went with a black suit, while Katy Perry caught attention in a vibrant pink outfit.
© TwitterOf course, a large contingent of royals from around the world are also attending the coronation - find out who here.
© GettyLionel Richie would go on to make an appearance at the coronation concert following his appearance at the service.
© GettyJay Blades is never seen on the Repair Shop without his trusty flatcap, and he brought it to the coronation as well!
© GettyJoanna Lumley looked as splendid as ever, wearing a striking black outfit and hat.
© GettyDame Emma Thompson clearly had a blast during the coronation and flashed a thumbs up for the waiting cameras.
© GettyLady Susan Hussey was also on the guest list, wearing a gorgeous frock with shades of blue and purple.
© GettyAnt and Dec certainly looked proud as they joined guests.
What happened on the day?
There are several stages to the coronation. The recognition sees Charles presented to those gathered in the Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury as he stands by the 700-year-old coronation chair. The King then takes his oath, swearing to uphold the law and the Church of England before the anointing.
DISCOVER: King Charles's coronation crown jewels - your guide to all of the historic regalia
© GettyAt this point, Charles's ceremony robe was removed as he took his seat on the chair. A gold cloth was held over the chair to conceal the King from view. The Archbishop of Canterbury anointed Charles's hands, breast and head with holy oil made according to a secret recipe, but known to contain ambergris, orange flowers, roses, jasmine and cinnamon.
For the investiture, the King put on a sleeveless white garment called the Colobium Sindonis and an embroidered band of gold silk to wear around his shoulders, known as the Coronation Stole.
Justin Welby
Justin Welby has served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury since 2013. He was ordained in 1992 and later served as a Canon of Coventry Cathedral in 2002. Beyond this, he was Dean of Liverpool from 2007 to 2011 and Bishop of Durham from 2011 to 2012. Justin studied at Eton College and at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a master’s degree in history and law. He later studied at St. John's College, Durham, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a diploma in theology. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct an Anglican service at the King's coronation. The service will be steeped in tradition and will include six basic stages: The recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture, the enthronement, and the homage.
He was then presented with items including the Royal Orb, representing religious and moral authority; the Sceptre, representing power; and the Sovereign's Sceptre, a rod of gold topped with a white enamelled dove, a symbol of justice and mercy. Finally, the Archbishop placed St Edward's Crown on the King's head.
SEE: First look at Queen Consort Camilla’s coronation robes - including sweet tribute to late Queen
© GettyCharles then left the Coronation Chair and moved to the throne as peers kneeled before the monarch to pay homage. The Queen Consort was anointed in the same way and crowned.
The King then put on layer upon layer of heavy ceremonial robes throughout the ceremony – one of which he was helped into by his eldest son, Prince William. For the crowning, Charles was given a long shimmering gold-sleeved coat to wear called the Supertunica.
© GettyThe robe was created for George V in 1911 and has been worn at successive coronations including by the late Queen Elizabeth II. It weighs about 2kg (4.4lb), is made of cloth of gold - silk thread wrapped in thin pieces of gold or silver gilt metal - and is embroidered with stylised arabesques and floral motifs.
Layered on top of the Supertunica, was a floor-length cloak called the Imperial Mantle, or Robe Royal, which was made for George IV in 1821 - it weighs 3-4kg (6.6-8.8lb). The mantle, which fastens across the chest with a golden eagle clasp, is inspired by ancient coronation ensembles and its priest-like style is meant to symbolise the divine nature of kingship.
It is tradition for recent monarchs to reuse garments, just as King Charles did, but they usually have a new coronation sword belt and glove to be used during the ceremony. The King decided to reuse the belt and glove worn by his grandfather George VI - the last male monarch.
At the end of the service, the King changed into George VI's purple Robe of Estate to leave the Abbey.
