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 7, 2023, 5:40 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 07, 2023, 4:39 PM EDT

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.

The Prince of Wales on stage during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

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 Prince of Wales, Rishi Sunak, Camilla, Queen Consort, Akshata Murthy, King Charles III and Patricia Scotland during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

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

Prince William, Prince of Wales makes a speech during the Coronation Concert, May 7, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 07, 2023, 4:32 PM EDT

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)."

Lionel Richie performs on stage during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

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

Lionel Richie arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, May 06, 2023 in London.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

May 07, 2023, 4:02 PM EDT

Prince Louis absent from coronation concert

Prince Louis, who stole the show at Saturday's coronation, is not in attendance at the Sunday night coronation concert at Windsor Castle.

William and Kate are attending the concert with their two oldest children, Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 8.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales are seen during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Louis has become a crowd favorite thanks to his lively personality at recent royal events, from last year's Platinum Jubilee to Saturday's coronation of his grandfather.

May 07, 2023, 4:02 PM EDT

Charles, Camilla greeted by cheers at coronation concert

Charles and his wife Camilla were greeted with big cheers Sunday as they arrived at the coronation concert in Windsor, England.

PHOTO: King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Rishi Sunak and Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland and Princess Beatrice of York are seen
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Rishi Sunak and Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland and Princess Beatrice of York are seen during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The newly-crowned king and queen got a rousing three cheers from the crowd as they stood in the royal box.

Seated with Charles and Camilla are members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales, and their two oldest children.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales are seen during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Actor Hugh Bonneville, the concert's host, opened the show by recognizing Charles' "lifelong passion for the arts." Bonneville got a quick laugh from Charles when he referred to the king as "the artist formerly known as prince."