NIGHT OF STARS TO HONOUR THE KING

TOP ACTS GATHERED TO SING IN THE REIGN OF THE KING AND QUEEN AT A SPECTACULAR CORONATION CONCERT

- LISA BLAKE

It was a dazzling finale to a wonderful weekend of celebrations, and the coronation concert at Windsor Castle was a hit with members of the royal family and the 20,000 crowd.

The star-studded event where music legends including Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie took to the stage was watched by more than 12 million viewers. It also saw the largest ever multi-location UK light show, with 1,000 drones beaming different shapes over the castle, Cardiff Bay and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was when Prince William paid a heartfelt tribute to his father. The prince began his touching three-minute speech by taking a moment to reflect on Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

“As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future,” he said. And know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a proud mother.”

The Prince of Wales told the crowd how his father had spent over 50 years dedicating himself to serving his country and the Commonwealth, warning of environmental risks to the planet long before it was an everyday issue, and supporting over a million disadvantaged young people with his Prince's Trust charity.

“Perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds and all communities deserve to be celebrated and supported,” said William, adding sweetly, Pa, we are all so proud of you.”