Today's historic first Coronation in 70 years saw the official coronation of King Charles III.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, gave him his coronation in London's Westminster Abbey.
In a historically significant first Coronation in 70 years, King Charles is crowned as he formally assumes the title of His Majesty (pictures).
While seated in the Coronation Chair and holding the Sceptre with Cross in his gloved right hand and the Sceptre with Dove in his gloved left hand, the monarch was crowned. St. Edward's Crown, which was made in 1661 and will only be worn during the ceremony, was used to crown him.
In a historically significant first Coronation in 70 years, King Charles is crowned as he formally assumes the title of His Majesty (pictures).
The Coronation Orb, "symbolising the Christian world," with three sides representing the three continents known in mediaeval times, was given to him first, followed by the spurs, which "symbolise knighthood," the Sword of Offering, two gold armills known as "bracelets of sincerity and wisdom," the Coronation Spurs, and the Sovereign's Ring, which symbolises commitment but is not worn during the ceremony.
In a historically significant first Coronation in 70 years, King Charles is crowned as he formally assumes the title of His Majesty (pictures).
The coronation glove, which his mother had worn during her coronation, was then given to Charles to wear as a symbol of his support for and opposition to the protection of the people. The sovereign's sceptre with cross, which symbolises "the sovereign's temporal power," was then presented to him.
Charles took an oath before God, saying, "I, Charles, do solemnly and sincerely profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, in accordance with the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law." A few minutes earlier, Charles kissed the Bible after swearing on it.
In a congregation of 2,300 people, his family was seated closest to him. Prince Harry, meanwhile, was seated in the third row, far from Prince William, his wife and children, and other working royals.
In a historically significant first Coronation in 70 years, King Charles is crowned as he formally assumes the title of His Majesty (pictures).
The wording of a unique personal prayer that was prepared for the King to represent the ceremony's subject of "loving service" were partially drawn from the well-known hymn "I Vow To Thee My Country."
God of compassion and mercy, whose son was sent not to be served but to serve, grant me the grace to discover absolute freedom in thy service and understanding of the truth in that freedom, he prayed.
Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord, may you grant that I may be a blessing to all of thy children, of every faith and belief, that we may together learn the ways of gentleness and be guided into the paths of peace, Amen.