King Charles III Coronation: Images of Defining Moments

After months of meticulous planning, and what many have dubbed a lifetime spent in wait, King Charles III has been topped as Britain’s monarch.

World leaders and royals hailing from different nations gathered at Westminster Abbey, London’s iconic monument, on Saturday to witness an intricate ceremony through which Charles and Queen Camilla have been anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The coronation occasion was a present of pageantry that has lengthy been synonymous with the British royal household; it noticed the almost 5 lbs. strong gold St. Edward’s Crown positioned on Charles’ head to mark the function he took on when he ascended the throne final September, following the loss of life of his mom and predecessor Queen Elizabeth II.

Learn Extra: King Charles III’s Coronation Is Underway. Right here Are the Newest Updates

Charles was the embodiment of luxurious as he sat on the coronation throne surrounded by vestments that have been used within the coronations of his ancestors. Throughout the ceremony, he become a white linen tunic with a plain collar often known as the Colobium Sindonis, which he wore beneath the Supertunica—a full-length gold coat. Camilla was topped in a modified model of Queen Mary’s crown. Many British residents have questioned how acceptable the lavish show—funded by the U.Okay. authorities—is at a time when the consequences of the price of residing disaster are felt at giant throughout the nation.

The ceremony aimed to seize the essence of multicultural Britain by incorporating many communities and faiths into its traditionally Christian traditions; in his capability as U.Okay. Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, who observes Hinduism, learn aloud from the bible in the course of the ceremony. Different religion leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist teams entered Westminster Abbey collectively to greet the King.

Learn Extra: Why King Charles III Will Be Definitely worth the Wait

The general public temper within the U.Okay. was combined. Tens of 1000’s of well-wishers gathered in central London to cheer the King on his journey from Buckingham Palace. Followers and curious onlookers lined the 1.3 mile procession path to catch a glimpse of the King, regardless of the sometimes drizzly climate of spring in London.

But only a mile away anti-monarchy group Republic led a protest in opposition to the coronation, which is predicted to price some $125 million in taxpayer cash. Even earlier than the ceremony started, police had arrested a number of demonstrators, together with the top of Republic Graham Smith, sparking anger from civil liberties organizations.

As royal celebrations proceed to unfold, TIME has chosen essentially the most defining photos of the historic occasion.

Crowds carrying rain ponchos within the grandstand reverse Buckingham Palace forward of the coronation ceremony of King Charles III on Might 6, 2023.

Niall Carson—PA Wire/AP

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte arrive forward of the Coronation of King Charles III

Dan Charity—WPA Pool/Getty Photographs

First Woman of america, Jill Biden, and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden arrive at Westminster Abbey.

Andrew Matthews—WPA Pool/Getty Photographs

Representatives of the Commonwealth realms on the coronation ceremony.

Aaron Chown—PA Wire/AP

Camilla, the Queen Consort, travels within the Diamond Jubilee Coach flanked by over a thousand Armed Forces route liners and The Sovereign’s Escort of the Family Cavalry on path to Westminster Abbey.

Richard Heathcote—Pool/AP

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, touring within the Diamond Jubilee Coach, flanked by over a thousand Armed Forces route liners and The Sovereign’s Escort of the Family Cavalry units off alongside the Mall from Buckingham Palace on path to Westminster Abbey.

Dan Kitwood—Getty Photographs

Britain’s Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, entrance, Britain’s Prince Harry, heart, and Britain’s Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, proper, arrive at Westminster Abbey.

Aaron Chown—PA Wire/AP

Prince George (center) as one in every of 4 Pages of Honour forward of the coronation ceremony.

Jacob King—PA Wire/AP

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Westminster Abbey.

Andrew Milligan—PA Wire/AP

King Charles III inside Westminster Abbey on the day of his coronation.

Andrew Matthews—PA Wire/AP

Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh on the coronation ceremony of King Charles III.

Yui Mok—PA Wire/AP

Queen Camilla (proper) watches as King Charles III is behind an anointing display throughout their coronation ceremony.

Yui Mok—WPA Pool/Getty Photographs

King Charles III sits as he receives The St Edward’s Crown in the course of the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London, Saturday, Might 6, 2023.

Jonathan Brady—PA Wire/AP

Britain’s Prince William kisses his father King Charles III

Yui Mok—PA Wire/AP

Britain’s Camilla walks carrying a modified model of Queen Mary’s Crown in the course of the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey.

Richard Pohle—Pool/AFP/Getty Photographs

King Charles III carrying the Imperial state Crown carrying the Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre leaves Westminster Abbey after the Coronation ceremony.

2023 Getty Photographs

Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales, Prince Louis, the Prince of Wales, the Pages of Honour together with Prince George (centre) and King Charles III on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the coronation.

Jordan Pettitt—PA Photographs/Getty Photographs

King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Brandon Bell—Getty Photographs

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Write to Armani Syed at [email protected].