King Charles and Queen Camilla’s historic Coronation day was filled with pageantry and celebrated by cheering crowds, despite the rain. The deeply religious Coronation service at Westminster Abbey was followed by a huge procession through London, with thousands packing the Mall to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned King and Queen. However, it was noted that Prince Harry was not invited to join them on the Palace balcony, after attending the ceremony earlier in the day.
The ceremony itself emphasized the importance of service and was watched by people all around the world. Among the celebrities present were actress Emma Thompson and US singer Katy Perry, along with 90 heads of state. Despite some sizeable protests by anti-monarchy groups, the Metropolitan Police put 11,500 officers on duty for the biggest ever single-day deployment, whilst making a few arrests throughout the day.
Since Charles became King of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms in September, in light of his mother Elizabeth II’s death, months of intense planning went into the Coronation celebrations. This time, the ceremony emphasized diversity and inclusion, with contributions from representatives of various faiths.
Overall, it was a monumental day that will be remembered for years to come, with its traditions and grandeur being maintained and appreciated by those in attendance and watching it from afar.