King Charles III takes on coronation day: Everything to know about the monarch's big day
For more than a thousand years, England’s kings and queens have come and gone from their gilded throne.
But each time that bejeweled scepter is passed, history is made. And one such moment happens today, as King Charles III makes his way to Westminster Abbey to have that solid gold, gemstone-laden St. Edward’s Crown set upon his 74-year-old head.
No question the royal family is navigating rough waters. Many of its current and former subjects both question the institution’s relevance and demand an accounting for centuries of colonial rule. Others still are caught up in the unending personal scandals swirling around the divorced, multi-racial and sprawling clan.
But for one moment, that all can perhaps be set aside in order to take in an exquisite and decorous pageant inimitably crafted by one of the planet’s oldest monarchies.
Here are all of Charles' biggest moments of the historic day.
WATCH LIVE:King Charles III's coronation live updates
King Charles makes coronation oaths
Inside Westminster Abbey, the king knelt as he placed his hands on the Coronation Bible and agreed to a series of oaths, vowing to uphold the law and the Church of England.
"The things which I have herebefore promised I will perform and keep, so help me God," he said, kissing the Bible.
Returning to his seat, Charles signed the coronation oaths. He then moved again to kneel to deliver the King's prayer. "Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children of every belief and faith," Charles read.
King Charles, Queen Camilla arrive at Westminster Abbey
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived via carriage to Westminster Abbey five minutes ahead of schedule and waited in the carriage for a short time. Camilla exited the carriage first and had several pages carry the long train of her robes to keep them out of the rainy street. Charles followed, flanked by several pages including Prince George.
Charles re-wore historical coronation robes in an effort to practice sustainability: a glittering, embroidered silk robe called the Supertunica was first made for King George IV in the 1800s, and atop that, the same robes his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, wore for her coronation in 1953.
Coronation day begins early for those watching in the U.S., around 4 a.m. EST, or 9 a.m. local time, when live TV coverage began, focusing on those lining London’s procession route and guests filing into the fabled abbey.
Just after 5 a.m. EST (10 a.m. local time), King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla made their way from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee Carriage to Westminster, where the coronation ceremony began at 6 a.m. EST (11 a.m. local time). By noon local time, Charles will wear that 444-jewel-packed crown
What follows next is an assortment of pomp and circumstance, from a longer carriage ride back to the palace to a military jet fly by. The festivities then spill into Sunday, when Britons are being encouraged to host their own “Big Lunches” with friends and neighbors, while the royal crew caps their partying day with a private concert at Windsor Castle featuring Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
More on King Charles III’s coronation
- King Charles’ coronation: Everything you need to know
- How to watch: When does coronation start and more to know about watching on TV
- Coronation concert details: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, more to perform
- Will Harry, William attend King Charles' coronation? Royal children's roles, unpacked
- William and Kate’s kids: What role will King Charles III's grandchildren play in coronation?
- Queen Consort Camilla: Why is Camilla being crowned queen? King Charles' wife's role at the coronation, explained
- King Charles III:10 things to know about UK's new monarch
- Camilla and Charles:Their complicated love story and changing public perception
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