From early-bird soldiers to massed crowds beneath the Palace balcony – with touching emotion and a huge sword along the way. On the eve of the Coronation anniversary, we revisit 15 unforgettable moments that etched this day in history
It’s a ceremony that will long be remembered – in this country and around the world.
Tomorrow brings the first anniversary of the Coronation of King Charles at Westminster Abbey, the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned there.
Millions tuned in at home and abroad to watch a ceremony with roots that can be traced back to William the Conqueror.
As we reflect on this momentous occasion one year later, we revisit 15 unforgettable moments from a day of true history…
1. Troops marching in from London Waterloo
A sight to behold: Hundreds of troops arrive at Waterloo Station ahead of the Coronation on Saturday May 6
The momentous celebrations involved more than 9,000 service personnel, 6,000 of whom were on ceremonial duties.
Guards from the Household divisions were seen arriving at London Waterloo ahead of the Coronation on Saturday, 6 May.
The soldiers were later seen returning to their barracks at Waterloo
Troops from the ceremonial King’s Colour squadron participated in the procession, alongside regulars and reservists who were selected through ballots to join the parade.
They were later seen heading for returning trains in Waterloo station.
2. A thumbs-up from Emma Thompson
Dame Emma Thompson could not be missed as she gestured a thumbs-up to cameras
The occasion attracted a host of famous faces, including Emma Thompson.
The actress, who was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for her services to drama, wore a luxurious rose-printed coat by Emilia Wickstead.
She made a memorable appearance as she enthusiastically signalled a thumbs-up for the cameras.
3. Katy Perry takes selfies inside the Abbey
Vogue’s former Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside Katy Perry, who was later seen taking selfies
American singer Katy Perry was invited by Charles on behalf of the British Asian Trust’s Children Protection Fund, an organisation she has supported for three years.
She made a vibrant entrance alongside Edward Enninful who, at the time, was Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue.
The singer opted for a lilac Vivienne Westwood two-piece, accessorised with a coordinating headpiece and opera gloves.
She was later seen taking selfies and wandering the aisles of Westminster Abbey in search of her seat.
Some have suggested her wide-brimmed fascinator/hat made it hard to see…
4. The anticipated arrival of Prince Harry
Prince Harry put on a jovial display as he was welcomed by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Many eyes were on Prince Harry, who came to the Coronation without his wife, Meghan.
He seemed to be in a good mood as he entered the church alongside Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice and their respective husbands, Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Harry appeared to bow his head as the newly-anointed King walked past to exit the Abbey, although much of his reaction was blocked by a feather on Princess Anne’s hat.
5. Princess Anne is the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting
Princess Anne rode on horseback wearing her full military regalia
The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip was a striking presence in her full regalia.
Princess Anne rode on horseback at the start of the coronation procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
She was serving her role as Charles’s Gold-Stick-in-Waiting, a formal bodyguard that attends to the Sovereign on ceremonial occasions.
6. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrive with their children
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh looks particularly elegant in an ivory dress by Suzannah London
Sophie and Prince Edward arrive with their two children at Westminster Abbey
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh wore ceremonial robes at Charles’s request. They made a striking arrival at Westminster Abbey with their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
Sophie’s regal cape offered a glimpse of her exquisite Suzannah London gown and mmy London heels underneath.
Lady Louise wore an elegant floral dress from the same British brand.
7. The perfectly poised Wales family
The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared poised as they approached Westminster Abbey
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey in dignified style.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis walked on either side of their mother, occasionally glancing at onlookers.
But the spotlight was stolen by the dazzling headpieces worn by Kate and Charlotte.
Designed by Jess Collett in partnership with Alexander McQueen, the headpieces added an extra touch of sparkle to their ensembles.
8. Jill Biden and her granddaughter, Finnegan, show their support for Ukraine
First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden, and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden were dressed in colours representing the Ukrainian flag
Although American president Joe Biden was unable to attend, the guests included his wife, Dr Jill Biden, and granddaughter, Finnegan.
The women displayed their support for Ukraine by wearing striking blue and yellow ensembles by Ralph Lauren and Markarian respectively.
The alphabetical seating plan ensured they were to the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
9. Charles and Camilla travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach down the Mall
Charles and Camilla travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach
Charles and Camilla travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in style, opting for the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
Initially known as the State Coach Britannia, the enclosed six-horse-drawn carriage was designed to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday in 2006.
However, due to delays it took another eight years to complete.
10. Prince George holds his grandfather’s robe
Four Pages of Honour – including Prince George – were tasked with holding King Charles’ robes
Prince George was the most notable Page of Honour
Prince George, second-in-line to the throne, is one of four Pages of Honour tasked with carrying the King’s robes.
They wore a style of traditional scarlet tunic decorated with gold trim which had first been seen at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
George’s silk-lined uniform was worn with a waistcoat, wool trousers and boots.
It was made by Ede and Ravenscroft during the reign of the late Queen.
11. Penny Mordaunt’s shows strength and style
Penny Mourdant was an unexpected star of King Charles’s Coronation
Penny’s duties included carrying the eight-pound Sword of State for 51 minutes
Penny Mordaunt recently announced that she will be selling her famous coronation gown, with the proceeds going to fund projects in her Portsmouth constituency.
The Conservative MP was the unexpected star of the King’s coronation last May, thanks to her striking Safiyaa caped gown and remarkable resilience.
In her ceremonial role as Lord President of the Privy Council and Bearer of the Sword of State, Penny’s duties included carrying the eight-pound sword for 51 minutes.
Following her big moment, Penny revealed that she had undergone a strict training regime and practised with a weighted replica of the blade.
Prince William kissing his father on the cheek
Prince William shared a tender moment with his father at the coronation
Prince William shared a tender moment with his father at the coronation.
William showed deep emotion as he knelt before of King Charles to pledge his allegiance:
‘I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.’
He then stood, touched the crown and kissed the King on the cheek.
Charles appeared moved as he nodded to his son, before saying ‘amen’ and ‘thank you, William’.
13. Royal gun salutes
The Tower of London fired a 62 round Royal Salute to signify that the monarch had been crowned
A salvo was fired at the moment the crown touched the monarch’s head – and official signal to the public.
There was also a Coronation gun salute of 21 rounds fired at ten second intervals at saluting stations across the UK and Gibraltar.
The Tower of London had its own 62-round royal salute.
14. Newly-crowned, the King Charles and Queen ride in the Gold State Coach
The King and Queen left Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach, which is over 200 years old
King Charles III and Queen Camilla displayed their extravagant crowns as they departed Westminster Abbey and boarded the Gold State Coach.
The ornate coach, which was built in 1762, has been used at every coronation since William IV’s in 1831.
The royal couple retraced their steps along the same route they had taken to the Abbey hours earlier.
15. The Buckingham Palace balcony
King Charles and Queen Camilla waved to cheering crowds from the Buckingham Palace balcony
The King and Queen were joined by their four Pages of Honour, including Prince George
After their coronation, the King and Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to the sound of the crowd chanting ‘God Save The King’.
A resounding cheer followed when Charles and Camilla waved to onlookers who had gathered in the showers.
They were joined by an assembly of senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
Because of unsuitable weather conditions, the customary fly-past was limited to helicopters and The Red Arrows, but it still made a unforgettable impact.
