Britain’s King Charles III was formally crowned in a medieval-meets-modern ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6th. The event was momentous, marking Charles’s ascension to the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September of the previous year. The coronation ceremony was steeped in tradition, but included some modern elements as well. About 2,000 invited guests and a global audience of millions watched the event on TV or livestream.
The coronation ceremony lasted for over two hours and included various symbolic and religious rituals. One highlight was the moment when Charles received the St. Edward’s Crown, the same crown used to coronate his mother in 1953. The ceremony also featured readings from Shakespeare and performances by the choir of Westminster Abbey.
Despite the traditional elements, the ceremony also incorporated some modern touches. One notable change was the inclusion of representatives from all faiths and beliefs, rather than just the Church of England. This gesture was seen as a nod to the diversity of modern-day Britain.
After the ceremony, the newly crowned King and his wife, Queen Camilla, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for a flyover. The crowd cheered and waved British flags as the royal couple smiled and waved back.
The coronation of King Charles III was a significant moment in British history, and it remains to be seen what kind of king he will be. As William Booth and Karla Adam note in their Washington Post article, “If history is any guide, the reign of King Charles III will be full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected moments of drama and excitement.”