This was the moment that King Charles III was crowned, as the first coronation for 70 years went without a hitch.
Charles became the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, the nation’s coronation church since 1066, as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St Edward’s Crown on his head.
In a touching moment, the Prince of Wales pledged himself to his father the King, kissing him on the cheek and touching St Edward’s Crown.
The King’s younger son the Duke of Sussex was among the congregation, sitting two rows behind his brother with the Duke of York’s family, and he was seen intently watching the crowning.
And when a few minutes later the congregation was invited pay 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.”
Charles delivered a King’s Prayer, the first time a monarch has spoken words to God aloud during a coronation, and he touched on the duty of the sovereign to serve all communities.
In the stillness of the abbey, Mr Welby held St Edward’s Crown high above Charles and, after placing it on his head at 12.02pm, said “God save the King” – words loudly repeated by the congregation.
The archbishop had adjusted the position of the crown for several seconds before it sat comfortably, and even crouched down to briefly check it was positioned properly on the King’s head.
A fanfare was played and the abbey’s bells rang for two minutes after the crowning, with gun salutes fired from nearby Horse Guards Parade, the Tower of London and in Museum Gardens, York, one of several royal saluting stations.
In a change, the controversial “Homage of the People” element of the service was toned down after there was widespread criticism of the new element.
Mr Welby “invited” a show of support from the congregation rather than a “call” to those in the abbey and elsewhere to swear allegiance to the King.
The Queen was then crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown, with Camilla having been anointed in public in a break with tradition.
During the crowning the Queen was seen adjusting her hair out of her face.
Earlier, Charles and Camilla’s Diamond Jubilee Coach arrived at the abbey, following a procession from Buckingham Palace, in the midst of a Sovereign’s Escort provided by the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals and Life Guards with their shining breastplates and plumed helmets and led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment band.
The monarch and his wife’s entrance through the west door was heralded by a fanfare from four State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the abbey congregation stood as one.
Charles was anointed with holy oil away from public view, shielded by the Anointing Screen.
The Dean of Westminster will have poured oil from the ampulla – an eagle-shaped vessel – into the coronation spoon – the oldest object in the coronation regalia.
Using his fingers, the archbishop will then have anointed the King on his hands, breast, and head.
Thousands of royal fans joined crowds in central London to celebrate the King’s coronation.
