King Charles' Coronation Opens the Carolean Era

Photo Credit: Richard Pohle/WPA Pool via Getty Images via NBC

The coronation of King Charles III took place at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, 2023, after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for over 70 years.

The crowning of a new monarch is considered one of the rarest and significant events in the United Kingdom. It is a symbolic formality that takes place after a new monarch takes the throne. The United Kingdom’s Parliament states that “the crowning of a king or queen is an ancient ceremony and rich in religious significance, history and pageantry.” 

18 million people in the UK and 10 million in the US, watched as King Charles and Queen Camilla took the throne.

In person, thousands of people crowded into central London to catch a glimpse of the coronation, where Charles outlined his sense of duty. “I come not to be served, but to serve,” he declared during the ceremony.

 Leaders from around the world came to the city to take part in the coronation, including the Canadian Governor General Mary May Simon and Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Notably, Prince Harry attended the coronation without his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. His appearance marked his first public reunion with the royal family since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. 

The highlight of the event was the moment when the four-hundred-year-old St. Edward’s Crown was placed on Charles’ head. This marked the first time that the congregation sang out “God save the King,” after seven decades of singing “God save the Queen.”

William, Prince of Wales, took an oath of loyalty to King Charles III. 

“Faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege-man of life and limb, so help me God,” he vowed as he knelt before the king.

After the ceremony, King Charles III waved for the first time as king from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

Famed singer Katy Perry sang at the coronation concert later that night.