Coronation Live: Updates from the Coronation and associated events as they happen
and live on Freeview channel 276
Including live reporting from Ben Lowry in Westminster Abbey
News Letter Live Blog from the Coronation events
Key Events
- The King has been anointed with holy oil away from public view during his coronation.
There was a touching moment between the King and Prince of Wales as William paid homage, the only blood prince to do so, in a break with tradition.
William appeared to avoid eye contact with his father through much of the homage.
He then kissed Charles on the cheek and the King was seen to say a few words to his elder son.
The Duke of Sussex was seen in the television footage watching intently as the archbishop raised St Edward’s Crown above his father’s head before crowning him.
And when a few minutes later the congregation paid homage to the new monarch, Harry was seen, along with the other royals around him, speaking the words: “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live forever.”
People watching the coronation in the UK and across the world in the King’s overseas realms have been invited to join in by swearing allegiance to King Charles.
The Archbishop of Canterbury said: “I now invite those who wish to offer their support to do so, with a moment of private reflection, by joining in saying God save King Charles at the end or, for those with the words before them, to recite them in full.”
Those who replied said: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”
The King has been officially enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury proclaimed: “Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity.”
The enthronement traditionally represents the monarch taking possession of his kingdom.
As St Edward’s Crown was placed on the King’s head, there was complete silence in the abbey as the congregation stood for the momentous occasion.
The 2,300 guests then heartily echoed the archbishop’s cry of God save the King.
Prince Louis was seen yawning again on the front row in Westminster Abbey shortly after the crowning of his grandfather, the King.
Concentration showed on the King’s face as the ceremony approached the crowning and Charles looked emotional ahead of the key moment.
For the first time, the blessing, which entreats God’s love, protection, grace, and wisdom upon the King, has been shared by Christian leaders from across the UK.
The Archbishop of York, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Thyateira & Great Britain, Moderator of The Free Churches, Secretary General of Churches Together in England, Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury performed the blessing.