King Charles III was crowned on Saturday in Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years.
In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown on Charles' head as he sat upon a 14th-century throne in Westminster Abbey.
The historic and solemn event dates back to the time of the 74-year-old's predecessor William the Conqueror in 1066.
Charles' second wife Camilla, 75, will be crowned queen during the two-hour ceremony, which while rooted in history, is also an attempt to present a forward-looking monarchy, with those involved in the service reflecting a more diverse Britain and leaders from all faiths.
State media reported that President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to King Charles and Queen Camilla on their coronation. Xi said that China is willing to expand cooperation and cultural exchanges with the UK and that the two countries should jointly promote peace and cooperation.
For a nation struggling to find its way in the political maelstrom after its exit from the European Union and maintain its standing in a new world order, its supporters say the royal family still provides an international draw, a vital diplomatic tool and a means of staying on the world stage.
"No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and street parties," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
Despite Sunak's enthusiasm, the coronation is taking place amid a cost of living crisis and public scepticism, particularly among the young, about the role and relevance of the monarchy.
Saturday's event will be on a smaller scale than that staged for Queen Elizabeth in 1953, but will still aim to be spectacular, featuring an array of historical regalia from golden orbs and bejewelled swords to a sceptre holding the world's largest colourless cut diamond.
Hundreds of soldiers in bright scarlet uniforms and tall black bearskin hats lined the route along The Mall, the grand boulevard to Buckingham Palace, where tens of thousands ignored the light rain to mass in a crowd more than 20 people deep in some places.
"I saw the beautiful white horses pulling the carriage," said Beverlee Moag-Walker, 49, from Northern Ireland as the king's carriage went past. "It was fabulous."
Michelle Fawcett, 52, a barrister, said: "It was a moment in history and pretty spectacular." (Reuters)
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Last updated: 2023-05-06 HKT 19:24
Pomp and pageantry as King Charles is crowned
2023-05-06 HKT 18:22
