THE BIG MOMENT: 'I HERE PRESENT UNTO YOU KING CHARLES, YOUR UNDOUBTED KING'

VIEWERS ACROSS THE WORLD WATCHED IN AWE AS KING CHARLES III AND QUEEN CAMILLA WERE OFFICIALLY CROWNED AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

- MICHELLE GARNETT

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".