King Charles III (74) seemed introspective and almost broken on the happy day of his coronation. In the greatest moment of his life, the historical burden seemed to overwhelm him.
Even the glittering sea of millions of diamonds (crown, scepter, sword…) couldn’t make him smile. What was the matter with the new king?
Sparkles everywhere – but HE doesn’t shine! King Charles in his state robes and insignia of power (Imperial State Crown, Orb and Scepter with “Cullinan I” diamond – 530.2 carats, 106 grams)
He had waited 70 years for this day, the eternal heir to the throne of the United Kingdom, heir to the record regent Elizabeth II († 96, 70 years on the throne). As he pledged service before God and his people on Saturday, Charles seemed to look back inwardly.
Charles’ eventful life
► He, the former polo player and environmental activist with a green heart and around 700 hectares of organic land (“Duchy Home Farm”) – he was happy in rubber boots and a wax jacket instead of state robes.
Passionate polo player: Prince Charles on the pitch in 1994
► He, the father of two, who is only connected to the heir to the throne William (40), while the prodigal son Harry (38) did not even want to stay for the coronation lunch.
► He, the son who lost his mother eight months ago. Her oversized shadow shrank steadily toward the end. And every ounce of life that’s out Elizabeth wich meant more limelight for Charles. His big day required her last.
WAS IT WORTH IT? In any case, it was his destiny.
High age
The mammoth procession was also a physical challenge for Charles at 74. At 11.20 a.m. he boarded the Diamond Jubilee carriage at Buckingham Palace with Camilla (75) towards Westminster Abbey – they were only back after 2.30 p.m.
Visibly exhausted: Queen Camilla closes her eyes for a moment on the return journey to Buckingham Palace in the Golden State Coach. The carriage is considered very uncomfortable and drafty
No drinks in between, no toilet, not a moment to catch your breath.
The state robes weigh around six kilograms, Charles’ coronation crown (Edwards crown) more than two kilos! Huge physical strain… The king looked extremely tense, almost worried, as the €40 million symbol of power was placed on his head.
Enraptured look! In full regalia, including a coronation glove (right hand) and two scepters (dove stands for spiritual role, cross is a symbol of worldly power), King Charles sits on the throne in the church. Instead of happy, he mostly looks stooped
Queen Camilla (75) also had problems going to church, she asked Sister Annabel (74) for help. According to the lip reader, the weight of the state robe in the shoulder area bothered her: “Can you help me with the cloak? My arms…thank you!”
Entering Westminster Abbey, Camilla struggled with her dress and gown, her sister Annabel came to her rescue
King Charles also seemed slightly overwhelmed with the meticulous procedures of the more than 1000-year-old ceremony. He was clearly worried about making mistakes. Charles irritated: “Wait, here? Now?” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (67), kept guiding him on his way.
In addition, the possible fear of dropouts. The king read his sentences from text cards – even the moment when he was supposed to kiss the Bible seemed to be written on it.
And now: the Bible kiss! During the two-hour ceremony, King Charles used text cards presented to him as a guide for his sentences and action steps
The king only smiles on the balcony
It was only when the two-hour service came to an end that the king felt some tension. 90 minutes later he was finally able to smile on the palace balcony.
Visibly relieved royal couple: After surviving the procession, Charles smiles next to Camilla from the balcony of Buckingham Palace
To make the leap from eternal second to sovereign, Charles simply needed God’s blessing.
