King Charles III coronation recap: The biggest moments

Charles’ coronation was the first in the U.K. in 70 years.

Last Updated: May 8, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT

King Charles III had his crowning moment Saturday as the United Kingdom celebrated its first coronation in 70 years.

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla were celebrated in a weekend of festivities, highlighted by Saturday's coronation service at Westminster Abbey.

Key moments:

Here is how the coronation events unfolded. All times Eastern.
May 06, 2023, 4:59 AM EDT

Police make 'a number of arrests' amid protests

London's Metropolitan Police Service announced via Twitter that its officers "have made a number of arrests in the area of Carlton House Terrace," which is just west of Trafalgar Square.

"The individuals have been held on suspicion of breaching the peace," police added.

Earlier, officers also arrested four people in the area of St. Martin's Lane, which is just north of Trafalgar Square.

"They were held on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance," police said. "We seized lock-on devices."

Police officers detain a member of "Just Stop Oil" movement as people gather to watch the procession during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, May 6, 2023 in London.
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An additional three people were arrested in the area of Wellington Arch, which is situated between the corners of Hyde Park and Green Park, just west of Buckingham Palace.

"They were held on suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage," police said.

Hundreds of anti-monarchy protesters are gathered in Trafalgar Square.

May 06, 2023, 4:53 AM EDT

First Lady Jill Biden joins world leaders at coronation

Dr. Jill Biden has arrived at Westminster Abbey to represent the United States at the coronation. She traveled to the U.K. with her granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, who is also attending the coronation.

First Lady Jill Biden attends the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London.
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The first lady, dressed in blue, is seated next to Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska. The two first ladies also saw each other Friday night at a reception at Buckingham Palace, where they posed for a photo with Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska walks outside Westminster Abbey ahead of Britain's King Charles' coronation ceremony, in London, May 6, 2023.
Dylan Martinez/Reuters

Around 100 heads of state and 20 royal families are attending today’s coronation.

The world leaders were welcomed Friday night at a private reception at Buckingham Palace.

May 06, 2023, 4:40 AM EDT

Hundreds of protesters gather in Trafalgar Square

Hundreds of anti-monarchy protesters have gathered in central London’s Trafalgar Square, just a mile away from Westminster Abbey where Charles will be crowned.

Their chants of "not my king" were met with boos from others in the crowd who are fans of the royals.

-ABC News' Ibtissem Guenfoud and Patrick Reevell

May 06, 2023, 4:32 AM EDT

Look back at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation

Charles’ coronation is the first since 1953, when his mother was crowned.

The queen’s coronation also took place at Westminster Abbey, where every coronation service has taken place since 1066.

The Duke of Edinburgh pays homage to his wife, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II, during her coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London, June 2, 1953.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Over 8,000 guests filled the abbey for Elizabeth's coronation, including Charles, who was 4 at the time.

One famous photo shows Charles resting his head on his hand as he stands between his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and his aunt, Princess Margaret.

Prince Charles looks bored as he watches the coronation of this mother, along with his aunt, Princess Margaret, right, and his grandmother, Elizabeth the Queen Mother, at Westminster Abbey. Charles was the first child to witness his mother's coronation at just 4 years old.
Hulton Deutsch/Corbis via Getty Images