IN PICTURES - Relive the ten highlights of the coronation of Charles III

Highlights: King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, were crowned at Westminster Abbey during a two-hour ceremony. The 74-year-old Charles III was crowned 70 years after his mother, Elizabeth II, who died last September. Charles III officially became the King of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth countries. Europe 1 invites you to relive in pictures the major moments of this exceptional day. A historic event that Europe 1 offers you the chance to relIVE in pictures with our exclusive gallery.

This Saturday, May 6, Charles III and Camilla were officially crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey, 70 years after Queen Elizabeth II. A historic event that Europe 1 invites you to relive in pictures.

Ophélie Artaud with AFP 16:12 pm, May 06, 2023

A historic event. This Saturday, May 6, King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, were crowned at Westminster Abbey during a two-hour ceremony and in front of 2,300 guests and millions of television viewers. The 74-year-old Charles III was crowned 70 years after his mother, Elizabeth II, who died last September. He officially became the King of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth countries. Europe 1 invites you to relive in pictures the major moments of this exceptional day.

The crowd cheers the king and queen before the ceremony begins

Some had been there for several days to experience this historic event as closely as possible. On Saturday morning, thousands of Britons and tourists, gathered in the streets of London, were able to greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla. At 11:20 am (French time), the royal couple left Buckingham Palace, heading for Westminster Abbey where the ceremony took place, aboard the "Gold State Coach", the State Golden Carriage.

Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron among the guests at the ceremony

2,300 people were invited to Westminster Abbey to attend the coronation of Charles III and Camilla. Among them, representatives of foreign royal families, the Commonwealth, deserving members of civil society and a hundred heads of state. French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, were also invited to the ceremony.

The discreet presence of Prince Harry

His presence was eagerly awaited. Prince Harry, Charles III's youngest son, appeared relaxed and smiling at Westminster Abbey. In cold with the royal family since the publication of his autobiography The Deputy, Harry has been discreet. He settled alongside his cousins to attend the ceremony, before leaving directly, heading back to California, where he now lives with his wife Meghan Markle, and their two children Lilibet and Archie, who celebrated his 4th birthday this Saturday.

Prince William and Kate, accompanied by their children Charlotte and Louis, in the front row

Prince William, first in line to the throne, his wife Kate and their two youngest children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were obviously present at Westminster Abbey. They also arrived in a royal carriage, wearing official uniforms, before settling in the front row to watch the ceremony.

Entry of Charles III and Camilla into Westminster Abbey

After the carriage procession between Buckingham and Westminster Abbey, Charles III and Camilla arrived at the scene of the ceremony at 12:<> (French time). The king walked through the gates of the abbey wearing the state mantle of his grandfather George VI, accompanied by four pages, including his grandson George, second in line to the throne. Charles III was followed by Queen Camilla, in ivory dress embroidered with flowers.

Charles III takes an oath on the Bible

Among the most significant moments of this coronation, the one when, with his hand on the Bible, the King pledged to "govern the peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (his) other kingdoms and the territories to which they belong". Because this ceremony is above all religious and also represents the moment when the king becomes the head of the Anglican Church.

King Charles III receives anointing

Seated on the coronation throne, dressed in a white linen robe, King Charles III received the anointing of holy oil. A major moment of the coronation, but hidden from the cameras.

"God save the King": King Charles III and Queen Camilla officially crowned

After nearly two hours of ceremony, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were finally crowned, one after the other. Charles III received the crown from King Edward, Camilla that from Queen Mary.

After the ceremony, new procession to return to Buckingham

At the end of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the royal couple found their carriage to head to Buckingham Palace. The opportunity to greet the crowd once again, under the songs of the national anthem God Save the King.

Royal family waves to crowds on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

As at every major event, the King and Queen took to the balcony of Buckingham to greet the crowd that gathered in front of the palace. Smiling, Charles III and Camilla were soon joined by the other members of the royal family, including Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children. Note all the same the very noticeable absence of Prince Harry on the balcony, only active members of the royal family are allowed to go there. Despite the rain, the flypast was also able to take place, marking the end of this historic day.