Among the dignitaries and notables who streamed in were U.S. A handful were arrested.Īs the day began, the abbey buzzed with excitement and was abloom with fragrant flowers and colorful hats. Hundreds who want to see Britain become a republic gathered to holler “ Not my king.” They see the monarchy as an institution that stands for privilege and inequality, in a country of deepening poverty and fraying social ties. To the crowds gathered under rainy skies - thousands of whom had camped overnight - it was a chance to be part of a historic occasion.īut to millions more, the day was greeted with a shrug, the awe and reverence the ceremony was designed to evoke largely gone.Īnd to a few, it was reason to protest. To the royal family and government, the occasion - code-named Operation Golden Orb - was a display of heritage, tradition and spectacle unmatched around the world. It was the the culmination of a seven-decade journey for the king from heir to monarch. In front of world leaders, foreign royals, British aristocrats and stars, Charles declared: “I come not to be served but to serve.” Inside the medieval abbey, trumpets sounded and the congregation of more than 2,000 shouted “God save the king!” Outside, thousands of troops, hundreds of thousands of spectators and a smattering of protesters converged. Edward’s Crown placed atop his head as he sat upon the 700-year-old oak Coronation Chair. In displays of royal power straight out of the Middle Ages, Charles was presented with an orb, a sword and scepter and had the solid gold, bejeweled St. King Charles III was crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey, in a coronation ceremony steeped in ancient ritual and brimming with bling at a time when the monarchy is striving to remain relevant in a fractured modern Britain.

Coming Home by Alexa Land