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, 7:19 AM EDT

1st look at Camilla in St. Mary’s Crown

Camilla’s crowning moment is here as she is anointed on the head by the archbishop, and presented with the queen consort’s ring.

Camilla is crowned with the Queen Mary’s Crown, marking the first time a new crown was not created for a queen consort.

Queen Camilla is crowned with Queen Mary's Crown during her coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023.
Jonathan Brady/AP

The Queen Mary Crown was redesigned though for Camilla, including the removal of the replica of the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Camilla's crown features the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, a tribute to Elizabeth, who counted the diamonds as part of her personal jewelry collection.

PHOTO: The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places a modified version of Queen Mary's Crown onto the head of Britain's Camilla, Queen Consort during the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in central London, May 6, 2023
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places a modified version of Queen Mary's Crown onto the head of Britain's Camilla, Queen Consort during the Coronation Ceremony inside Westminster Abbey in central London, May 6, 2023, she will be known as Queen Camilla after the ceremony.
Richard Pohle/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

As Camilla is enthroned, the choir is singing “Make a Joyful Noise,” a new anthem composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the coronation.

May 06, 2023, 7:09 AM EDT

William pays homage to Charles, public invited to also

William pays homage to his father on behalf of the royal family, following an homage from the Archbishop of Canterbury on behalf of the Bishops of the Church of England.

In a coronation first, members of the public are invited to pay homage to Charles too, led by the archbishop.

The Prince of Wales touches St Edward's Crown on King Charles III's head during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023.
Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS

The Prince of Wales kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London, May 6, 2023.
Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS

The public homage sparked controversy when plans for it were first revealed, with critics saying they should not have to pledge allegiance to the king. The archbishop responded to the controversy by telling the BBC the oath is "an invitation; it's not a command.”
Charles' younger son Harry was seen in the congregation paying homage to his father.

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