Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
In a momentous occasion, Charles III was crowned as the United Kingdom’s first new monarch in seven decades in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday, blending time-honored traditions with contemporary elements. “I come not to be served, but to serve,” he proclaimed. The coronation took place on Saturday, presenting a spectacle of grandeur not seen since Queen Elizabeth II’s crowning in 1953.
At 74 years old, Charles was anointed with holy oil, signifying the divine aspect of his reign. He wore an imperial robe and was crowned with the historic St. Edward’s crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury. After the ceremony, King Charles III and Queen Camilla traveled to Buckingham Palace in the same golden carriage used by Elizabeth during her coronation parade.
Despite the rain, massive crowds filled central London to witness the royal couple’s journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, escorted by four divisions of the Household Mounted Cavalry regiment. The post-coronation procession featured 19 military bands and 4,000 troops, extending a mile from the palace gates. The royal family appeared on the balcony as aircraft flew overhead, marking the traditional finale to the majestic celebrations.
During the service, Charles pledged to support the Church of England, while the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, called on the king to “foster an environment in which people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely.” Several adjustments were made to the liturgy to reflect the modern, pluralistic world.
Approximately 2,300 guests attended the ceremony, representing a mix of new faces, long-standing families, world leaders, and pop music icons. This gathering mirrored Charles’s commitment to a contemporary, multicultural Britain and the monarchy’s dynastic history. Prince Harry attended his father’s coronation alone, as his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stayed in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
The coronation showcased numerous ancient traditions and legendary artifacts, such as the Stone of Destiny, the Regalia, and the Supertunica. In a break from tradition, leaders of non-Christian faiths presented some of the less overtly religious items of the Regalia to Charles, symbolizing modern Britain’s diversity.
Tension filled the air as everyone awaited the arrival of Prince William and Princess Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Wales, at Westminster Abbey. Scheduled to appear just before King Charles III and Queen Camilla, their absence left the crowd puzzled. Meanwhile, the royal couple in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach hesitated, awaiting clarification.
Cameras captured an aide informing a baffled King Charles about the delay. Rumors circulated, but no one seemed to know the reason for the Waleses’ absence. Eventually, they arrived with their children – George, Charlotte, and Louis – leaving the media to speculate about the cause of their delay.
On this historic day, throngs of people with diverse backgrounds and opinions gathered in central London to witness the coronation of a new king. Despite the rain, they lined the procession route from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and back. Royal enthusiasts, casual observers, and even protesters were present, each with their unique perspectives on the monarchy.
As the day’s events unfolded, the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William became a topic of discussion. While William had a significant role in the coronation as the heir to the throne, Harry was seated further back in Westminster Abbey. There was no indication of whether the brothers interacted during the event.
Dressed in full military regalia, William pledged allegiance to his father, a touching moment in the ceremony. In contrast, Harry, wearing a morning suit and medals, appeared less involved in the proceedings. Meghan, Harry’s wife, did not attend the coron