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Charles III to be crowned in ancient rite at uncertain time
In a ceremony steeped in history, King Charles III will be crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey.
As the monarch rode from Buckingham Palace in a gilt-trimmed horse-drawn carriage, more than 2,000 guests, thousands of troops, tens of thousands of spectators, and a few protesters gathered at the abbey.
Charles’ seven-decade transition from heir to monarch ended here.
The ceremony will feature crowns, diamonds, soaring music, purple robes, gorgeous caps, and a thunderous cry of “God Save the King” within and outside the monastery.
The cathedral was full of flowers and hats as guests arrived. Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Lionel Richie, and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden were among the celebrities, politicians, and international leaders who visited the abbey.
A 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) path hosted thousands of campers from the UK and abroad. The newly crowned king and Queen Camilla will return to the palace in a 261-year-old golden carriage with 4,000 troops in Britain’s largest military parade in 70 years. The throng gathered over the morning in intermittent rain.
The royal family and government consider Operation Golden Orb a world-class exhibition of heritage, tradition, and spectacle.
Dean of Westminster David Hoyle, who will assist, promised a fantastic service.
“I’m used to national ceremony. “Even I think this is jaw-dropping,” he remarked.
Republican protesters who chanted “Not my king” saw it as a celebration of privilege and inequity.
Republic, an anti-monarchy group, reported six arrests at the rally, including its CEO. Critics say police are stifling free speech by saying they will have “low tolerance” for disruptors.
British rulers have been crowned in elaborate rituals for 1,000 years.
Since Charles automatically became king in September after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died, the service is strictly ceremonial.
Charles III’s ancient coronation is unknown.
JILL LAWLESS and DANICA KIRKA
43 min ago
King Charles III arrives at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023, for his coronation. Alessandra Tarantino/AP
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King Charles III arrives at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023, for his coronation. Alessandra Tarantino/AP
London (AP)— In a ceremony steeped in history, King Charles III will be crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey.
As the monarch rode from Buckingham Palace in a gilt-trimmed horse-drawn carriage, more than 2,000 guests, thousands of troops, tens of thousands of spectators, and a few protesters gathered at the abbey.
Charles’ seven-decade transition from heir to monarch ended here.
The ceremony will feature crowns, diamonds, soaring music, purple robes, gorgeous caps, and a thunderous cry of “God Save the King” within and outside the monastery.
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– Royal Drama: King’s contentious family on stage at coronation – ‘Not my king’: UK republicans seek final coronation – Live updates | King Charles III’s coronation
The cathedral was full of flowers and hats as guests arrived. Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Lionel Richie, and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden were among the celebrities, politicians, and international leaders who visited the abbey.
A 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) path hosted thousands of campers from the UK and abroad. The newly crowned king and Queen Camilla will return to the palace in a 261-year-old golden carriage with 4,000 troops in Britain’s largest military parade in 70 years. The throng gathered over the morning in intermittent rain.
The royal family and government consider Operation Golden Orb a world-class exhibition of heritage, tradition, and spectacle.
Dean of Westminster David Hoyle, who will assist, promised a fantastic service.
“I’m used to national ceremony. “Even I think this is jaw-dropping,” he remarked.
Republican protesters who chanted “Not my king” saw it as a celebration of privilege and inequity.
Republic, an anti-monarchy group, reported six arrests at the rally, including its CEO. Critics say police are stifling free speech by saying they will have “low tolerance” for disruptors.
British rulers have been crowned in elaborate rituals for 1,000 years.
Since Charles automatically became king in September after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died, the service is strictly ceremonial.
Charles must unite a heterogeneous nation at a time when veneration for the monarchy has been replaced by disinterest.
The U.K.’s double-digit inflation is making everyone poorer, raising questions about the pomp’s cost.
Charles wants a smaller, cheaper royal machine for the 21st century. It’ll be shorter than Elizabeth’s three-hour coronation.
In 1953, Westminster Abbey was fitted with temporary stands to increase seating to more than 8,000, aristocrats wore crimson robes and coronets, and the coronation procession wound 5 miles (8 kilometers) through central London so an estimated 3 million people could cheer for the glamorous 27-year-old queen.
This time, organizers shortened the procession path, shortened the coronation ritual to less than two hours, and invited 2,300 international monarchs, heads of state, public employees, key workers, and local heroes. Judges wore wigs, soldiers wore red tunics with medals, and Lords wore red robes.
Prince William, Kate, and their three kids attended. Prince Harry, William’s younger brother, arrived alone. Meghan and their kids stayed in California.
A boy chorister will meet the king at the coronation service, which is themed “Called to Serve.” Charles replies, “I come not to be served but to serve.”