London: King Charles took the coronation oath in a biggest ceremonial event in seven decades in Britain on Saturday. In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown on Charles' head as he sat upon a 14th-century throne in Westminster Abbey.
The historic and solemn event dates back to the time of the 74-year-old's predecessor William the Conqueror in 1066.The Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged the multiple faiths observed in the UK by saying the Church of England "will seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths may live freely".
Welby then administered the Coronation Oath -- a legal requirement and asked King Charles, 74, to confirm that he would uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign.
The King then placed his hand on the Holy Gospel and took the solemn oath to govern the people of the United Kingdom with justice and mercy and to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. He later kissed the holy book.
There has been a deliberate attempt to make the Coronation a more multifaith and diverse ceremony, alongside what is essentially a Christian church service.
There are representatives of the Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist communities and the prime minister reading out a Bible reading is Rishi Sunak, a Hindu.
Charles' second wife Camilla, 75, will be crowned queen during the two-hour ceremony, which while rooted in history, is also an attempt to present a forward-looking monarchy, with those involved in the service reflecting a more diverse Britain and leaders from all faiths.
The king and his second wife Camilla, 75 left Buckingham Palace in the modern, black Diamond State Jubilee Coach accompanied by cavalrymen wearing shining breastplates and plumed helmets.
In the abbey, watched by about 100 heads of state and dignitaries, including U.S. first lady Jill Biden, and millions on television, Charles be crowned as his predecessors have been from the time of William the Conqueror in 1066.
The Service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, with faith leaders and representatives of the Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish communities processing through the Abbey ahead of the service.
The religious ceremony had five key stages: the Recognition; the Oath; the Anointing; the Investiture and Crowning; and the Enthronement and Homage.
While rooted in history, the event was also an attempt to present a forward-looking monarchy.
Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth when she died last September and at 74, he will become the oldest British monarch to have the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown placed on his head as he sits upon a 14th century throne at London's Westminster Abbey.
Charles follows 40 predecessors in being crowned at the Abbey - which has staged all the country's coronations since William the Conqueror back in 1066.
Events unfold
King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, have arrived in a motorcade at Buckingham Palace ahead of their coronation.
Loud cheers erupted among the crowds of wellwishers lining the Mall, the grand avenue leading to the palace, as the line of cars drove by. Charles and Camilla were seen waving at the crowds from within their Bentley.
The couple are expected to depart from the palace in the Diamond Jubilee state coach later this morning to Westminster Abbey, where they will be crowned.
Meanwhile at the abbey, many politicians and celebrities have arrived and taken their seats. Musicians have started warming up ahead of the ceremony, which is due to begin at 11 am local time (1000 GMT).
British PM's message
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday issued a special message in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III, saying "a new era is born."
He also highlighted the central role to be played by all faiths in a religious ceremony over a thousand years old.
The Indian-origin leader and the first-ever Hindu incumbent of 10 Downing Street will himself play an active role in the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday when he reads from the biblical book of Colossians in keeping with the recent tradition of UK Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions.
He and his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, will also be at the head of a procession of flag-bearers as the UK's flag is carried into the Abbey by a high-ranking Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet.
"In the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years, representatives of every faith will play a central role for the first time," said Sunak, in a statement on the eve of the historic event.
(With AP and Reuters inputs.)
