International

LIVE/PHOTO The coronation of King Charles III. Over two thousand guests will attend the event

Crowds from across Britain and around the world gathered in London on Saturday where Charles III will be crowned king in the country's biggest ceremonial event in seven decades, a lavish pageant that dates back 1,000 years, Reuters reports.

The coronation ceremony for King Charles III takes place at Westminster Abbey and is officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. More than 2,000 guests will attend the event hosted by Westminster Abbey.

Watched by around 100 heads of state and dignitaries, including US First Lady Jill Biden, and millions of people on television, Charles will be crowned in the abbey, just like his predecessors since the time of William the Conqueror in 1066.

His second wife, 75-year-old Camilla, will be crowned queen during the two-hour ceremony, which, while rooted in history, will attempt to showcase a forward-looking monarchy.

According to the BBC, more than 8,000 people attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The guest list for King Charles is much smaller, with about 2,000 invited.

Those invited include members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, representatives of the Houses of Parliament, heads of state and other members of the royal family from around the world.

850 community representatives have also been invited, in recognition of their charitable contributions.

Viorica Rusica

Viorica Rusica

Author

Read more