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 08, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT

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.

PHOTO: Britain's King Charles III poses for a photo in full regalia in the Throne Room, at Buckingham Palace in London, in this photo made available by Buckingham Palace on May 8, 2023, following his coronation.
Britain's King Charles III poses for a photo in full regalia in the Throne Room, at Buckingham Palace in London, in this photo made available by Buckingham Palace on May 8, 2023, following his coronation. The King is wearing the Robe of Estate, the Imperial State Crown and is holding the Sovereign's Orb and Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. He is seated on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the Coronation of King Edward VII.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023 via AP

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.

PHOTO: Britain's Queen Camilla poses for a photo in The Green Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, London, in a photo made available by Buckingham Palace on May 8, 2023, following the coronation.
Britain's Queen Camilla poses for a photo in The Green Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, London, in a photo made available by Buckingham Palace on May 8, 2023, following the coronation. The Queen is wearing Queen Mary's Crown and Robe of Estate.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023 via AP

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.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London, in a photo made available by Buckingham Palace, May 8, 2023, following the coronation.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023 via AP

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

PHOTO: Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family, in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London, in a photo made available by Buckingham Palace, May 8, 2023, following the coronation.
Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family, from left, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, Kate, the Princess of Wales, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London, in a photo made available by Buckingham Palace, May 8, 2023, following the coronation.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023 via AP

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.

May 07, 2023, 4:55 PM EDT

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.

Katy Perry performs on stage during the Coronation Concert, May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

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."

Princess Eugenie sits behind Katharine, Princess of Wales and her children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, and Prince William, Prince of Wales during the Coronation Concert, May 7, 2023 in Windsor, England.
Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images

PHOTO: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Queen Camilla, King Charles III and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal in the Royal Box viewing the Coronation Concert held in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, Queen Camilla, King Charles III and Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal in the Royal Box viewing the Coronation Concert held in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, May 7, 2023.
Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS

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.

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