King Charles III crowned in historic coronation at Westminster Zuokemefa Abbey-Naira Bellock

The King has been crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in his historic coronation at Westminster Abbey.

The archbishop Justin Welby placed the 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown on the monarch’s head minutes before Camilla was crowned with St Mary’s Crown.

The archbishop proclaimed “God save the King” after placing the crown on the monarch’s head.

The congregation, which included 100 heads of state, kings and queens from across the globe, celebrities, everyday heroes and family and friends of the monarch, then replied: “God save the King!”

Archbishop Welby had to adjust the position of the crown on the King’s head for several seconds before it sat comfortably.

A fanfare was played and the abbey’s bells rang for two minutes after the crowning, with gun salutes fired from the nearby Horse Guards Parade, the Tower of London and saluting stations across the nation.

The King was then enthroned as the archbishop proclaimed: “Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth this seat of royal dignity.”

The enthronement traditionally represents the monarch taking possession of his kingdom.

Minutes later, Queen Camilla was seen adjusting her hair out of her face as she was crowned.

She had earlier been anointed in public in a break with tradition.

The Bishop of Dover presented the Queen with the Rod with Dove before Lord Chartres presented her with the Sceptre with Cross.

The Queen then curtsied before the King as they appeared to smile at each other in a charming moment in the coronation.

Earlier Prince William paid homage to the King, the only blood prince to do so, in a break with tradition.

William appeared to avoid eye contact with his father through much of the homage.

He then kissed the King on the cheek who was seen to say a couple of inaudible words to his elder son.

The Prince of Wales kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London. Picture date: Saturday May 6, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Coronation. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire

At the end of the ceremony, the King walked through the abbey as Prince William, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and their children Louis and Charlotte joined the rest of the congregation in singing the national anthem.

William and Kate’s eldest son, Prince George, was not seated with them – as future king he was part of the ceremony as one of the pages of honour.

The King and Queen then left Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach as thousands of wellwishers clapped and cheered them along their journey to Buckingham Palace.