Global great and the good gather in tribute to Charles

IT was a ticket to the most prestigious event in modern times. Around 450 foreign dignitaries from 203 nations and realms descended on London to take their place at Westminster Abbey for King Charles’s Coronation service.

- Marco Giannangeli and Tony Whitfield

Among them were heads of state, major members of foreign royal houses and a coterie of governor-generals representing the 56 nations in the Commonwealth.

The first to reach British shores was Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese. Iconic buildings and landmarks across Australia were lit up in royal purple this weekend.

US President Joe Biden had already announced he would not attend. His wife, First Lady Jill Biden, came in his stead.

Mr Biden offered a fulsome tweet in which he congratulated the King and told how the “enduring friendship between the US and the UK is a source of strength for both our peoples”. The First Lady added: “It’s an honour to represent the United States on this historic day at Westminster.”

Another First Lady to attend was Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by PM Denys Shmyhal, who said the King had offered “unwavering support” for the people of his country.

French President Emmanuel Macron had promised to come after the King’s visit to France was cancelled due to protests over pension reforms, and attended with his wife Brigitte. After the ceremony he described the King and Queen as “friends of France”, saying he was “proud to be by your side on this historic day”.