The coronation marks a new era for the British monarchy amid protests and heightened security.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were officially crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, in a grand ceremony filled with tradition and symbolism. The event marked the culmination of a long-awaited moment in British royal history, as Charles took the oath and was anointed in a private, sacred ritual. The ceremony, steeped in centuries of tradition, was watched by millions across the globe and included key moments such as King Charles’s recognition as monarch, where he faced all four points of the compass, symbolizing his responsibility to the nation and the Commonwealth.

In a show of royal unity, Prince William paid homage to his father during the ceremony, affirming the continuity of the monarchy. After the coronation, King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony, greeting well-wishers and participating in a flypast, which was scaled down due to adverse weather conditions.

While the coronation was a celebration of the new reign, it was also marked by controversy and protests. The UK’s leading anti-monarchy group staged demonstrations, and several arrests were made around Westminster and Trafalgar Square, with some participants expressing opposition to the monarchy’s role. The head of the republican movement was among those detained during a peaceful protest.

Despite the protests, the day’s events were largely focused on the ceremonial aspects of the coronation, with King Charles entering Westminster Abbey in a procession that included notable figures from the royal family and various dignitaries. The coronation was an occasion for national pride, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stating that “no other country could put on such a dazzling display” as the UK had done.

As King Charles III begins his reign, his coronation has solidified his place in history, while also highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the monarchy’s future.