King Charles III coronation recap: The biggest moments

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

ByKatie Kindelan, Morgan Winsor, and Yi-Jin Yu via GMA logo
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, 7:07 AM EDT

Charles is crowned with 400-year-old crown

The moment of crowning happened as the Archbishop of Canterbury places the St Edwards Crown on Charles’ head.

This photograph taken on May 6, 2023 in a newsroom in Paris shows a screen broadcasting the televised coronation ceremony of Britain's newly crowned King Charles III.
Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

At that moment, the congregation sang out, “God save the king,” the bells of Westminster Abbey rung and gun salutes were fired across the U.K.

PHOTO: King Charles III sits as he receives The St Edward's Crown during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
King Charles III sits as he receives The St Edward's Crown during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in London, May 6, 2023.
Jonathan Brady/POOL via AP

The St Edwards Crown weighs nearly five pounds and is made of solid gold. The coronation service is the only time the king will wear the crown.

17th Century St Edward's Crown is carried on the day of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in London, May 6, 2023.
Phil Noble/Reuters

May 06, 2023, 7:01 AM EDT

Charles given orb, scepters and coronation glove

Charles is given a series of coronation regalia including the orb, a symbol of the Christian world, and two scepters, one with a dove, a symbol of mercy, and one with a cross, a symbol of justice and power.

King Charles III attends his Coronation service at Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023.
Mark Large/Pool via Reuters

The regalia was last seen publicly atop the queen’s coffin at her funeral in September 2022.

King Charles III’s regalia plays a prominent role in the coronation service at Westminster Abbey.
WPA Pool, Heritage Images, Max Mumby/Indigo Getty Images

May 06, 2023, 6:56 AM EDT

William places stole on Charles

William, the future king, places the Stole Royal on his father.

The Stole Royal, a thin band of gold silk placed over the Supertunica, is a symbol, “of the divine nature of kingship,” according to the Royal Collection Trust.

May 06, 2023, 6:52 AM EDT

Charles presented with items of regalia

The Greek singing underway in Westminster Abbey is a tribute to Charles’ father, Philip, who was born in Greece and was a descendant of Greek royalty.

Charles is now wearing the Sword of Offering, a symbol of the protection of good and the punishment of evil. He is also presented with the Armills, referred to as the “bracelets of sincerity and wisdom.”