New Photographs Released After King Charles III’s Coronation
It has been a week since King Charles III was crowned, but Buckingham Palace is still releasing tidbits from the big day, this time in the form of two newly released photographs taken after the coronation. The images were captured by British photographer Hugo Burnand, who has worked with the royal family for more than 20 years.
In one image, Charles is pictured with his elder son, William, the Prince of Wales, and his grandson Prince George in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room. The King is wearing full regalia, the Robe of Estate, and the Imperial State Crown, while holding the Sovereign’s Orb and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. He is sitting on one of a pair of throne chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
In the second image, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, are seen with the eight pages of honour and ladies in attendance who assisted them during the coronation.
Charles and Camilla were crowned on May 6, in a magnificent and deeply religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The coronation – a symbolic coming together of the monarchy, church and state – was attended by dignitaries from around the world, and thousands of people gathered on the streets of London to watch the processions to and from the abbey. It was Britain’s first coronation in 70 years.
The throne chair that King Charles was sitting on in one of the photographs has a rich history. Made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, it has been used at every coronation since. On May 6, King Charles III sat on this throne wearing full regalia, along with the other pieces of the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, and the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross.
During the coronation, the new King also delivered his first speech as monarch. Speaking from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, he thanked the public for their support and expressed his gratitude for the life and reign of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. His wife, Queen Camilla, stood at his side.
Charles had instantly become King in September when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The newly-crowned King has a passion for championing environmental causes and has set up several charities focusing on sustainability and conservation. He has stated that “if we lose the natural world, we lose ourselves,” and believes that working towards a sustainable future is of utmost importance.
As King Charles III takes on his new role, he will continue to represent the British people and undertake royal duties both at home and abroad. The public can expect to see more photographs and updates from the palace in the coming months and years.
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