King Charles III's coronation: The biggest moments of the historic event

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

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.


King Charles and Queen Camilla's official coronation photos released

Buckingham Palace released several official coronation photos of King Charles III and Queen Camilla Monday, two days after the coronation wrapped at Westminster Abbey in London.

The four official photos were all taken Saturday by British photographer Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace.

The first photo features Charles seated on a throne chair from 1902 in the palace’s throne room and dressed in “full regalia,” which includes the Robe of Estate and the Imperial State Crown, according to the palace. Charles is pictured holding in each hand the Sovereign's Orb and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.

Camilla is portrayed in the second photo, which was captured in the palace’s green drawing room. The queen was photographed wearing Queen Mary’s Crown and Robe of Estate, according to the palace.

Both Charles and Camilla posed together for the third photo, which was taken in the throne room as well.

The final photo, also taken in the throne room, had Charles and Camilla posing with the working members of the British royal family, including the Duke of Kent, Duchess of Gloucester, Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal (or Princess Anne), the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Honorable Lady Ogilvy, and the Duke of Edinburgh, the king’s youngest brother.

The king also released a statement accompanying the photos, expressing his gratitude for the support he and Camilla received over the weekend.

“As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion,” Charles wrote. “We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.”

Charles added, “To those who joined in the celebrations - whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities - we thank you, each and every one. To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”

The king ended his note with a handwritten signature as well.


Princess Charlotte sings along to Katy Perry

Pop superstar Katy Perry took to the stage in front of Windsor Castle in a gold ballgown as she honored royalty.

In the audience, Charlotte, the youngest child of William and Kate, was spotted singing along as Perry opened with her hit song "Eye Of The Tiger (Hear Me Roar)," followed by another hit, "Firework."

Perry was also an invited guest at the coronation service Saturday for Charles.

She revealed onstage that she brought her mom to the coronation celebration and stayed in Windsor Castle.


William honors Charles with moving speech

William, the heir to the throne, honored his father with a speech recognizing Charles' decades of service to others and to the planet.

William was met by loud cheers when he took the stage in front of Windsor Castle.

He honored his father's service, noting the pledge of service Charles gave at Saturday's coronation as well as the "over 50 years of service" he devoted before becoming king.

"We're all so proud of you," William said.

The royal ended his speech by saying, "I commit myself to serve you all, king, country and Commonwealth. God Save the King."



Lionel Richie brings crowd to its feet

Music star Lionel Richie performed his hit songs Sunday night in front of royalty.

Richie played the piano and sang his hit song "Easy (Like Sunday Morning)" in front of a crowd of thousands, including Charles, Camilla, William and Kate.

He then got up and danced as he sang another hit song, "All Night Long (All Night)."

In addition to performing at the coronation concert, Richie also attended Saturday's coronation service at Westminster Abbey.