The pomp and pageantry of a king being crowned was on display for the world to see Saturday with the coronation of King Charles III.
Live updates | King Charles III’s coronation
The ceremony is significant, because it’s been 70 years since the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Her ceremony was televised in black and white and drew in tens of millions of viewers in the United Kingdom. Charles’ coronation was broadcasted and live streamed in full color all over the world.
While Charles automatically ascended to the throne when Elizabeth died in September and was proclaimed the United Kingdom’s monarch two days later in an ascension ceremony, the coronation is a celebration that ties in tradition, religion, and pageantry.
During the ceremony, Charles’ wife, Camilla, was crowned as queen consort.
The coronation rituals have taken place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
BY THE NUMBERS COMPARISON
Coronation Year: Queen Elizabeth II - 1953 | King Charles III - 2023
Length of Ceremony: Queen Elizabeth II - 3 hours | King Charles III - 1.5 hours
Guests invited: Queen Elizabeth II - 8,000 | King Charles III - 2,800
Procession route: Queen Elizabeth II - 5 miles | King Charles III - 1.3 miles
More than 100 heads of state attended the ceremony. President Joe Biden did not attend., but first lady Jill Biden was there.
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