Buckingham Palace releases first official portrait of King Charles resplendent on Coronation

Buckingham Palace has released the first official photograph of King Charles III taken on the day of his Coronation. 

The image, by Hugo Burnand, showed the monarch seated in his full regalia - wearing the Imperial State Crown, holding the Orb and Sceptre with Cross, and dressed in his regal purple tunic and Robe of Estate.

The official portraits show King Charles III and Queen Camilla in all their majesty in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, and surrounded by their fellow 'working royals'.

The King and Queen can be seen both separately and together, both the very picture of calm dignity despite the strain of the day.

Echoing the famous 1953 coronation portrait of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles is seated and wearing the Imperial State Crown.

Buckingham Palace released the first official portrait of King Charles after his Coronation 

Left to right: The Duke of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Princess Royal, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, the Duke of Edinburgh

Buckingham Palace has released official portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla

In his right hand he hold the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross featuring the magnificent Cullinan I diamond and in his left The Sovereign's Orb, representing that his power is derived from God.

The King also is wearing his Robe of Estate, made of purple silk velvet and embroidered in gold that was first worn by his grandfather King George VI in 1937.

The Imperial State Crown, the centrepiece of the crown jewels, is formed from an openwork gold frame, mounted with three very large stones, and set with 2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls.

The Orb, which weighs a staggering 1.3kg, usually sits in the Tower of London as part of the Coronation Regalia and has played a central part of the crowning of monarchs for hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross dates back to 1661 and comprises a gold rod and huge drop-shaped diamond, Cullinan I, or the Star of Africa, which weighs 530.2 carats.

The King also is wearing his Robe of Estate, made of purple silk velvet and embroidered in gold that was first worn by his grandfather King George VI in 1937.

He has his collar of the Order of the Garter and the historic diamond-set 'Lesser George' suspended from it first worn by George III. St George's helmet is defined in sapphires and his cloak and dragon with rubies.

On his purple Coronation Ede and Ravenscroft tunic he wears a 1893 Garter Star set with diamonds. The final part of his outfit are his Royal Naval Trousers.

His Majesty is seated on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the Coronation of King Edward VII.

In her sloop portrait, taken in the Green Drawing Room, Her Majesty is wearing the Queen Mary's crown with her Robe of Estate, hand embroidered with the national emblems of the United Kingdom, as well as flora and fauna reflecting Their Majesties love of nature and flowers of personal significance to them.

It is now possible to see clearly the astonishing level of detail on her stunning Bruce Oldfield dress which includes embroidered depictions of her two Jack Russell Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rescue dogs, Beth and Bluebell, and the names of her children and grandchildren.

For the first time many of the senior royal women - the Princess of Wales, The Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Gloucester - have removed their mantles to display their exquisite white gowns.

It means we can now also see for the first time the spectacular George VI Festoon Necklace worn by the Princess of Wales that was previously hidden under her cloak.

A great favourite of Queen Elizabeth's, it was created in 1950 by her beloved father King George VI, using 105 loose collets that were among the Royal Family's private collection of gems.

It was originally strung across three strands, suspended between two diamond triangles, by Garrard, the royal jewellers and given to the then Princess Elizabeth.

In 1953 she removed ten of the diamonds to shorten the length and was subsequently seen wearing it on dozens of occasions including state occasions.

The group photograph shows from left to right: The Duke of Kent, The Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Princess Royal, The King, The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Princess of Wales, The Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy and The Duke of Edinburgh.

The new photographs come as the King released a statement through Buckingham Palace vowing that he and his wife would now 'rededicate their lives' to this nation, his Realms and the Commonwealth.

These throne chairs were also used in the background of the 1937 Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and by His Majesty The King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Hall to receive addresses from the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament last year.

The image was released on the same day the Prince of Wales and his family were pictured in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, Berkshire.

The family spent a little under 10 minutes on the balcony before going back inside, but the King and Queen re-emerged moments later to loud cheers.

Camilla then called for their pages to help them rearrange their trains.

They went back into the palace shortly before 2.40pm, with the King lingering for one final wave.

The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York were not part of the balcony appearance, having not taken any formal role at the coronation.

A few minutes past midday, Charles became the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, the nation's coronation church since 1066, as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St Edward's Crown on his head.

The historic moment, watched around the globe, was a fulfilment of the King's destiny, but followed the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September after a 70-year reign.

The coronation was a spiritual and deeply personal event for the King, a 'committed Anglican Christian', who was anointed, seen kneeling at the abbey's high altar and receiving homage from his son and heir the Prince of Wales.

William's interaction with his father where he touched St Edward's Crown then kissed his father on the right cheek appeared a poignant moment for the King.

The King and Queen were then joined by working members of the royal family, plus their pages of honour and the Queen's ladies in attendance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The newly crowned couple, who emerged to cheers from tens of thousands of onlookers below, were joined by Charles's heir, Prince William, his wife Catherine, and their three children.

Charles's youngest brother, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, and their two children were also there. His only sister, Princess Anne, also made an appearance.

However, the king's younger son Prince Harry and eldest brother Prince Andrew, were notable absentees from the line-up, with the balcony appearances restricted to working royals only.

Harry and his American wife Meghan quit royal duties in 2020 and have since unleashed a string of barbed attacks on the monarchy.

The image was released on the same day the Prince of Wales and his family were pictured in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, Berkshire

The royals look to the skies as the flypast took place

King Charles and Queen Camilla took to the Buckingham Palace balcony with members of their family this afternoon

Andrew, the king's other brother, has been frozen out over his past association with the disgraced late US financier Jeffrey Epstein and a related sexual abuse allegation which was settled out of court.

Those present were treated to a ceremonial fly-past of military aircraft, which had to be pared back due to the wet weather.

It featured an assortment of Royal Air Force helicopters, followed by its Red Arrows display team trailing red, white and blue smoke over the palace and central London.

After the display had ended and the royals departed the balcony, they reappeared for a briefer second appearance, again to cheers from the crowds.

The King and his wife were crowned in a Christian ceremony that dates back 1,000 years on a day dripping with glorious displays of pageantry. The historic two hour service was marked by several poignant moments including Prince William kissing his father with his estranged brother Harry yards away.

The King and his wife were crowned in a Christian ceremony that dates back 1,000 years

The 2,300-strong congregation bowed as the monarch, the 62nd in history, and his wife processed out of the Abbey. 

Charles and Camilla both smiled as they left and then entered the Gold State Coach, drawn by horses to take them past 2million in the streets and 7,000 servicemen and women marching through the capital with them.

Princess Anne followed their carriage on horseback with senior royals following in other state carriages. A smiling Prince Harry left in a luxury car, as did a much more sombre Prince Andrew.  Amid rumours Harry planned to be in and out of Britain in 24 hours, his car was seen leaving London, not going to Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son was crowned King having prayed to be a 'blessing' to people of 'every faith and conviction', and serve his millions of subjects in Britain and around the globe.

Charles became the 40th reigning sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, in a ceremony dating back to William the Conqueror in 1066, when Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St Edward's Crown on his head. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla sit together and chat in the Gold State Coach as they prepare to set off for Buckingham Palace

King Charles III waves from The Gold State Coach

King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelling in the Gold State Coach built in 1760 and used at every Coronation since that of William IV in 1831

His Majesty King Charles III, newly crowned with the Queen, approaches the Houses of Parliament in Westminster after leaving Westminster Abbey and the coronation

King Charles III and Queen Camilla return down The Mall after their coronation

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are carried in the Gold State Coach, pulled by eight Windsor Greys, in the Coronation Procession as they return to Buckingham Palace

Britain's King Charles III smiles while wearing the Imperial state Crown leaves Westminster Abbey after the Coronation

Queen Camilla beams as she heads towards the Gold State Coach

King Charles III and Queen Camilla travelling in the Gold State Coach built in 1760 as it passes Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster

Charles and Camilla leave the Abbey for the Palace

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales leave the Abbey with their children

Prince Louis waves as the Prince and Princess of Wales leave with George and Charlotte, who was also waving

Princess Anne, Princess Royal rides on horseback behind the gold state coach carrying the newly crowned King and Queen

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh departs the Coronation with her husband Prince Edward and their two children

A sombre Prince Andrew leaves Westminster Abbey

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester depart the Coronation

King Charles looks happy and relieved as he leaves Westminster Abbey

Britain's Queen Camilla leaves Westminster Abbey

Charles was followed by Camilla as they left the church. The congregation bowed as he passed them

The historic moment Charles was crowned King at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6

Louis and William were helping create a new path today and new beds for a Slough scout hut 

Charlotte and George watched on as their little brother and their father went digging, with George appearing to bite his nails

It was hungry work for the young prince, who clearly loves toasted marshmallows. They were gone in a flash

Less than a minute later he was chomping on a s'more. William declared: 'You've made his day'

As William knelt before Charles, who held his son's hand between his palms, the future monarch said: 'I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.'

The King's estranged son Harry was among the congregation, sitting two rows behind his brother with the Duke of York's family, and he was seen intently watching the crowning.

And when a few minutes later the congregation was invited pay homage to the new monarch, Harry was seen, along with the other royals around him, speaking the words: 'God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live forever.'

Charles delivered a King's Prayer, the first time a monarch has spoken words to God aloud during a coronation, and he prayed to be a 'blessing' to people of 'every faith and conviction'.

Before the crowning the archbishop delivered a sermon to the 2,300 guests, a gathering of world leaders, celebrities, UK politicians, foreign royalty, everyday heroes and the royal family.

Mr Welby began by telling the congregation: 'We are here to crown a King, and we crown a King to serve.

'What is given today is for the gain of all. For Jesus Christ announced a kingdom in which the poor and oppressed are freed from chains of injustice. The blind see. The bruised and broken-hearted are healed.'

Speaking to Charles and Camilla, Mr Welby said: 'The weight of the task given you today, Your Majesties, is only bearable by the spirit of God, who gives us the strength to give our lives to others.

'With the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the King is given freely what no ruler can ever attain through will, or politics, or war, or tyranny: the Holy Spirit draws us to love in action.'

Louis enjoyed his s'more so much his little legs went wobbly in a moment of ecstasy, bumping into his sister

George also got to gave a go, helping his dad with the controls - and it looked like William was enjoying it most

Princess Charlotte expertly fires an arrow towards the target

In the stillness of the abbey, Mr Welby held St Edward's Crown high above Charles and, after placing it on his head at 12.02pm, said 'God save the King' - words loudly repeated by the congregation.

The archbishop had adjusted the position of the crown for several seconds before it sat comfortably, and even crouched down to briefly check it was positioned properly on the King's head.

A fanfare was played and the abbey's bells rang for two minutes after the crowning, with gun salutes fired from nearby Horse Guards Parade, the Tower of London and saluting stations across the nation and from warships at sea.

Volleys were heard at Hillsborough, Cardiff and Edinburgh castles, Stonehenge and HMS Lancaster, which had sailed to Sudan to help British citizens and others escape the fighting in Khartoum.

The Queen was crowned with Queen Mary's Crown, with Camilla having been anointed in public in a break with tradition.

During the crowning the Queen was seen adjusting her hair out of her face.

Earlier, Charles and Camilla's Diamond Jubilee Coach arrived at the abbey, following a procession from Buckingham Palace, in the midst of a Sovereign's Escort provided by the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and Life Guards with their shining breastplates and plumed helmets and led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment band.

The monarch and his wife's entrance through the west door was heralded by a fanfare from four State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the abbey congregation stood as one.

A large ceremonial procession was lined up before the King and Queen with representatives of all elements of the nation's ceremonial and spiritual life.

There were recipients of Orders of Chivalry and Gallantry, Heralds from the College of Arms in their colourful tunics, senior clergy associated with the monarchy and the glittering coronation regalia carried by leading figures.

St Edward's Crown was carried by General Sir Gordon Messenger, Lord High Steward of England.

With their lavish and unwieldy robes, the King and Queen walked single file along the nave of the abbey with Camilla ahead of Charles as the hymn I Was Glad As They Said Unto Me was sung.

The coronation service began with a new element when the King was greeted by 14-year-old Samuel Strachan, the longest-serving chorister of the choir of the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace.

The chorister, who attends the City of London School, welcomed the monarch in the name of the 'King of Kings' - a reference to Jesus Christ - and Charles replied: 'In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served, but to serve.'

Before the King took the Oath - making a succession of promises, including to maintain in the UK the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law - the archbishop delivered a preface to Charles's declaration - another first.

He told the congregation the Church of England, which is headed by the King, will seek to foster an environment where 'people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely' - echoing the words of the late Queen and Charles.

The Wales pose with scouts at the event today

Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Catherine all toasted marshmallows while wearing scarfs from the 3rd Upton Scout Group

Charles was anointed with holy oil away from public view, shielded by the Anointing Screen.

The Dean of Westminster will have poured oil from the ampulla - an eagle-shaped vessel - into the coronation spoon - the oldest object in the coronation regalia.

Using his fingers, the archbishop will then have anointed the King on his hands, breast, and head.

The King and Queen left Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach shortly after 1pm for a procession back to Buckingham Palace.

Thousands of royal fans had braved the rain to line the procession route through central London.

As anticipation mounted on Saturday morning, a group of republicans were arrested around 7.30am more than four hours before the coronation service began.

Footage on Twitter showed Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, being apprehended by police in St Martin's Lane, Westminster.

Protest group Just Stop Oil also said approximately 13 demonstrators were arrested on The Mall, as well as five at Downing Street.