Iconic moments in history have the gravity to unite people from all walks of life. And so it was that more than 2,200 privileged guests at Westminster Abbey shared an unforgettable experience with millions of viewers watching the live broadcast from their homes, workplaces, bars and mobile phones worldwide, as Their Majesties were crowned King and Queen.
A hush fell over the congregation as the awe-inspiring moment everyone was waiting for took place - the crowning of King Charles III. Everyone in the abbey was standing and all eyes were on the monarch as the Archbishop lowered the sacred St Edward's Crown onto the sovereign's head. The 22-carat gold crown dazzled beneath the lights thanks to its 444 precious and semi-precious gemstones including rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, topazes and tourmalines.
An almighty cry of "God save the King" resonated throughout the abbey, followed by a glorious fanfare, the King all the while looking incredibly moved and somewhat reflective. Twenty-one gun salutes were fired simultaneously from Horse Guards to the Tower of London, and in saluting stations around the nation as well as on ships at sea.
After the crowning, the King rose from the ancient Coronation Chair and moved over to his throne - the restored throne of King George VI - which was set upon a raised dais, along with the Queen's throne also originally used at the 1937 coronation. The Prince of Wales, who had been sitting with the Princess of Wales and their two youngest children Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, knelt before his father to pay homage, speaking clearly and with confidence as he vowed to be the "liege man of life and limb".
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
