King Charles coronation latest LIVE: King and Queen join Coronation concert guests in Windsor
The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance in Windsor on Sunday afternoon where they greeted people arriving for the Coronation Concert.
William and Kate will join the King and Queen and around 20,000 visitors for the star-studded event at Windsor Castle this evening, where they will see performances by Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
The couple’s appearance in Windsor comes as thousands of communities have come together across the country for the Coronation Big Lunch. King Charles and Queen Camilla sent their “warmest good wishes” to those across the nation who are joining the street parties.
On Saturday, the coronation brought together around 100 heads of state, kings and queens from across the globe, celebrities, everyday heroes and family and friends of Charles and Camilla.
The couple, in lavish robes and wearing their crowns, appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony twice as crowds braved downpours during a ceremonial military celebration not seen for 70 years.
The Coronation Concert will be broadcast from 8pm.
Police got ‘balance right’ in arrests, says Culture Secretary
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:19 , Sarah Harvey
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has denied that police went too far in policing the coronation, saying they got the "balance right".
Asked the question, she told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "No. The police are operationally independent from Government.
"What they had to do was to police an international event on the world stage and I think they took that into account in their policing.
"What they have to do is balance the right to protest, which is important in a democracy. At the same time there's the right of all those other people to enjoy what was a fabulous day.
"I think, overall, they managed to get that balance right."
Read more on the police response, and criticism here.
In pictures: Some of the best images from the coronation day
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:22 , Sarah Harvey
Catching up? Here are some of the best pictures from throughout coronation Saturday.
Prince Harry heads back to California for Archie’s birthday
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:25 , Sarah Harvey
Prince Harry made a swift exit after the Coronation service, heading straight to Heathrow Airport where he jumped on a British Airways flight back to Los Angeles.
Harry arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at around 7.30pm local time (3.30am UK) to reunite with his son on his birthday.You can read more here.
Everything you need to know about tonight’s Coronation concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:26 , Sarah Harvey
The organisers of Sunday’s Coronation concert have promised a “wonderful celebration” of the historic event with millions set to watch a star-studded line-up.
A huge TV audience — on top of the 20,000 people who will be at Windsor Castle — will see acts including Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, veteran rocker Steve Winwood and Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls perform.The Coronation Concert will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 8pm.Read the full details here.
‘Concerns’ over police handling of coronation protest arrests
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:45 , Sarah Harvey
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said she has "some concerns" over how the police handled protests at the coronation.
Asked on Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday about how the police handled protests at the coronation and if they got the balance right, she said: "I've got concerns that they may not have done. We still need to see some more information coming out about what's actually happened.
"Some of that information is unfolding. But, on the face of it, I do have concerns."
She added: "What worries is me is that the Conservative government have now increased these sort of wide-ranging powers... what they haven't done is enshrined the sort of legal responsibility and the duty on the police to actually facilitate peaceful protest."
Coronation ‘Big Lunch’ preparations underway in Regent's Park
Sunday 7 May 2023 09:49 , Sarah Harvey
London’s Regent’s Park will host a coronation ‘big lunch’ on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday morning, preparations were underway.
Lib Dem deputy leader has ‘concerns’ over police handling of protests
Sunday 7 May 2023 10:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said she has “some concerns” over how the police handled protests at the coronation.
Asked on Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday about if police got the balance right, she said: “I’ve got concerns that they may not have done. We still need to see some more information coming out about what’s actually happened.
“Some of that information is unfolding. But, on the face of it, I do have concerns.”
She added: “What worries is me is that the Conservative government have now increased these sort of wide-ranging powers…what they haven’t done is enshrined the sort of legal responsibility and the duty on the police to actually facilitate peaceful protest.”
Preparations for the Big Lunch are underway
Sunday 7 May 2023 11:07 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Thousands of communities across the country are getting ready to throw street parties this afternoon, come rain or shine, as part of the ‘Big Lunch’.
Getting ready for the #BigLunch @RBKC Town Hall organised by @thekensingtonandchemseaover50sforum @volunteercentrekc pic.twitter.com/GYkN77qs1b
— Linda A Wade🔶 (@LindaAWade) May 7, 2023
Tables beginning to heave #Coronation2023 #biglunch #harlow@StPaulsHarlow @stpaulandmary pic.twitter.com/0TWJFAuSO9
— Martin Harris (@martininharlow) May 7, 2023
Who was best dressed at the Coronation?
Sunday 7 May 2023 11:22 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Two thousands guests including world leaders, A-list celebrities, and members of the Royal Family attended the coronation yesterday.
Find our wrap on the best dressed - from the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte, to Katy Perry and MP Penny Mordaunt - here.
Coronation service watched by around 20 million UK viewers
Sunday 7 May 2023 11:40 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Around 20 million people in the UK tuned in to watch the King’s coronation service at Westminster Abbey yesterday, provisional figures show.
An average of 18.8 million people watched the lavish ceremony across 11 channels and services, with audience figures peaking at 20.4 million when the King was crowned just after midday, according to overnight ratings released by the research organisation Barb.
The figure is not quite as high as the ratings for the funeral service of the late Queen last September which was seen by 26.5 million people across more than 50 TV channels.
Millions are thought to have watched the Queen’s coronation on television in 1953 – but there are no reliable figures, making comparisons with TV ratings of today difficult.
Royal couple send ‘warmest good wishes’ to those attending street parties
Sunday 7 May 2023 11:56 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The King and Queen have shared a special message to thousands of communities across the country who are coming together for street parties this afternoon as part of the Coronation Big Lunch.
Today set to be warmest day of the year so far
Sunday 7 May 2023 12:30 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Today looks set to be the hottest day of the year so far as coronation celebrations continue with street parties across the country.
Highs of 23C are forecast for the East Midlands and down to London, beating the previous high for this year of 21.2C on April 17.
Some showers are predicted across eastern England and Scotland, but the vast majority of the country can expect sunny spells throughout the day, the Met Office said.
The warmest temperatures are expected in the late afternoon, when thousands will be out enjoying their Coronation Big Lunches.
It will be welcome news for many royal fans who spent Saturday standing in the heavy rain, to watch the coronation procession in central London.
Guests begin arriving in Windsor hours ahead of coronation concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 12:33 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Royal fans have started arriving in Windsor hours before the coronation concert at 8pm.
People draped with Union Jacks and in dresses bearing the flag have been flooding off trains at the station.
Tables laid for Prime Minister’s street party outside No 10
Sunday 7 May 2023 12:37 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Bunting has been hung and long tables laid in Downing Street, where a street party is due to be held this afternoon as part of the nation’s Coronation Big Lunch celebrations.
Staff were pictured carrying platters of food, while places appeared to be set with Emma Bridgewater crockery bearing the name of King Charles III.
The lunch is being held by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, who will host volunteers, Ukrainian refugees in the UK, and youth groups at the event.
King and Queen thank nation for help making coronation ‘glorious’
Sunday 7 May 2023 13:08 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The King and Queen were “deeply touched” by the nation’s celebration of their historic coronation, Buckingham Palace has said.
A Palace spokesman said: “Their Majesties were deeply touched by the events of yesterday and profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support in such numbers in London and further afield.”
Read more here.
Big Lunches get underway across the country
Sunday 7 May 2023 13:14 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Thousands of people across the nation are gathering together for street parties as part of the Big Lunch event, which is being held to mark the coronation.
It comes as the Met Office says today is expected to be the warmest of the year so far.
Prime Minister greets guests at street party outside No 10
Sunday 7 May 2023 13:40 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Rishi Sunak has arrived at a lunch in Downing Street to celebrate the King’s coronation.
The Prime Minister walked out of Number 10 with his wife, daughters, and dog, saying: “Hello, how are you?”
He then began mingling with the invited guests, who include volunteers, Ukrainian refugees in the UK, and members of youth groups.
Palace shares sneak peek of Prince William rehearsing for concert appearance
Sunday 7 May 2023 13:48 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The Prince of Wales will take to the stage and give a speech at this evening’s coronation concert, Kensington Palace has said.
Final preparations for this evening’s #Coronation Concert… 👀 pic.twitter.com/3bc8yfiiV8
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 7, 2023
The Palace also tweeted footage of William walking up to a microphone during behind-the-scenes preparations.
A voice can be heard saying: “OK, Prince of Wales. It’s time for your rehearsal” before William strides out towards the microphone.
Prince and Princess of Wales delight crowds with surprise appearance in Windsor
Sunday 7 May 2023 14:13 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a surprise appearance in Windsor where they are greeting people arriving for this evening’s Coronation concert.
They have shaken hands with, and spoken to delighted revellers.
At one point, Kate, wearing a pale blue blazer and white top, picked up a small union flag on a stick which had fallen on the floor and handed it to the person who dropped it.
William crouched down to chat to a boy and girl wearing golden crowns, and told one group of well-wishers: “Enjoy the concert tonight.”
Pictured: Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend Big Lunch in Cranleigh, Surrey
Sunday 7 May 2023 14:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
William and Kate share a drink with concert-goers in Windsor
Sunday 7 May 2023 14:43 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Prince William - who has made a surprise appearance in Windsor to greet Coronation concert-goers - with was offered a drink in a paper cup by a group of women wearing cloth crowns.
He took a sip and handed it to his wife Kate, who also drank from the cup and appeared to like the drink.
The prince was fascinated by a collection of canned beers the women had before them, and pointed at one asking “that’s from Windsor?”.
The public swarmed around the couple, who crouched down to talk to children with their parents, and posed with people for group photographs and selfies.
PM joined by US First Lady Jill Biden at Downing Street Big Lunch
Sunday 7 May 2023 14:49 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
US First Lady Jill Biden has joined Rishi Sunak in Downing Street for a street party as part of the nation’s Coronation Big Lunch event.
Mrs Biden arrived with her granddaughter Finnegan Biden, and was met by Mr Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty.
Volunteers, Ukrainian refugees in the UK, and members of youth groups were also among those invited to the lunch in front of No 10.
Also present were Mr Sunak’s two daughters and the family dog, Nova, who sported a union flag bandana.
Guests tucked into dishes including coronation quiches, coronation chicken, sausage rolls and smoked salmon.
King ‘very pleased’ with Coronation, says Dean of Canterbury
Sunday 7 May 2023 15:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The King was “very pleased” with his coronation day and the rain “didn’t damp the spirits”, the Dean of Canterbury has said.
The dean said: “The King’s very pleased with the day and even the rain didn’t damp the spirits. It was very clear everyone was out to enjoy themselves.”
Pictured: Communities gather in balmy weather for Coronation street parties
Sunday 7 May 2023 15:37 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Royal family tweets Big Lunch pictures
Sunday 7 May 2023 16:16 , Robert Dex
The Royal Family tweeted a selection of pictures showing members of the public meeting royals including Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Cambridge during the Coronation Big Lunch.
Wonderful to see so many people out enjoying their #CoronationBigLunch today! 🧁🍾 pic.twitter.com/E1XdljaPDG
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 7, 2023
Toon coronation celebration kicks off
Sunday 7 May 2023 16:18 , Robert Dex
One young football fan celebrated the Coronation with a special Newcastle United union flag ahead of the game against Arsenal at St. James’ Park.
Prince George revealed as secret rocker on Coronation walkabout
Sunday 7 May 2023 16:38 , Robert Dex
The Prince of Wales has told royal fans his son Prince George is a big fan of rock bands AC/DC and Led Zeppelin during a surprise meet and greet.
William and Kate greeted Big Lunch attendees and coronation concert-goers in an unannounced walkabout for around 40 minutes on The Long Walk in Windsor on Sunday.
George, nine, played his first major ceremonial role at his grandfather’s coronation as a page of honour.
Caroline Mulvihill, from the Rock Choir in Windsor and Maidenhead, spoke to William during the meet and greet.
She told the PA news agency: “We were talking about the kind of music we do in Rock Choir and Will was telling us in their household they have a very diverse music taste and George is very much into AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. It was quite interesting to hear that.”
Pictured: Huge crowds are arriving at Windsor Castle for tonight’s Coronation concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 17:02 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Pictured: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attend Coronation Big Lunch in Chalfont St Giles, Bucks
Sunday 7 May 2023 17:30 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Who is performing at tonight’s Coronation concert?
Sunday 7 May 2023 18:11 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Tonight’s concert kicks off at Windsor Castle at 8pm, and is set to feature performances from musicians and bands including Lionel Richie, Take That, and Paloma Faith.
Other stars including Bear Grylls, Tom Jones, Tom Cruise and beloved fictional bear Winnie the Pooh are set to make appearances in pre-recorded sketches.
For full details, click here.
King requested Ibiza classics for for Coronation concert, says DJ
Sunday 7 May 2023 18:19 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
DJ Pete Tong has revealed the King specifically requested Ibiza classics songs as part of his coronation concert.
The BBC Radio 1 DJ, who has been tasked with delivering the King’s wish at the event this evening, said he hopes it will be a “brilliant” way to start the show in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Speaking backstage ahead of the event, Tong said: “He wanted Ibiza classics - that was very specific.
“And then they asked us to suggest a couple of songs so we suggested three or four, and he came back with one of them and that’s the one that’s starting the show. So they very much had an involvement in what they wanted us to perform.”
“I think they want to put across a big variety of UK talent and touch all different demographics and be relevant to different age groups.”
Lang Lang says performing at Coronation concert a ‘tremendous honour'
Sunday 7 May 2023 18:42 , Robert Dex
Chinese pianist Lang Lang has said he feels it a “tremendous honour” to be performing at the King’s Coronation concert this evening.
The musician is part of the star-studded line-up performing at the event, which kicks off in the grounds of Windsor Castle at 8pm.
Ahead of the event, he said he felt it a “tremendous honour” to be on the bill with “many great artists from different parts of the world to celebrate music and love for music”. He said he thought yesterday’s coronation ceremony was like a “great classical music festival” due to the range of musicians and performers throughout the event.
Gareth Malone hoping for musical redemption at the Coronation Concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 19:07 , Robert Dex
Gareth Malone said he hopes to redeem himself during the Coronation Concert after suffering a major technical issue when he performed in front of the King during a Royal Variety Performance.
The choirmaster will conduct the 300-strong Coronation Choir during the celebratory event in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
He said: “I performed at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the then-Prince Charles and my backing track went completely wrong and so the whole thing fell apart and it was the worst ever performance I’ve ever had in my whole career.
“For years I wouldn’t use any technology and I’m hoping that I’m going to lay that ghost to rest this very night.”
Sound of Oasis warms up the Windsor crowd
Sunday 7 May 2023 19:15 , Robert Dex
The crowd waiting for the start of the Windsor concert were “fired up” with a blast of Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis.
Thousands could be seen waving union flags to the music in a clip posted by Washington Post reporter Karla Adam.
This is the first concert to be held in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Concert hasn’t started but crowd getting fired up with #Oasis . #coronationconcert #WindsorCastle pic.twitter.com/ipnZ8f2TTy
— Karla Adam (@karlaadam) May 7, 2023
Olly Murs - my family thought concert news was an April Fool’s prank
Sunday 7 May 2023 19:19 , Robert Dex
Olly Murs revealed his family thought it was an April Fool’s prank when he told them he would be performing at the King’s Coronation Concert.
The singer is among the star-studded line-up which also includes Katy Perry, Take That and Lionel Richie.
Ahead of the event, he told the PA news agency backstage: “Maybe it was April Fool’s at the time but they know what I’m like, I’m a bit of a prankster and they were like: ‘You are winding us up!’ And I was like: ‘I’m not winding you up, I’m actually going to be singing at the King’s coronation.’”
He added that he was “honoured and humbled” to be invited and that he was excited for his family to be in the audience supporting him.
Nicole Scherzinger - ‘rehearsing in grounds of Windsor Castle made me feel like a princess'
Sunday 7 May 2023 19:35 , Robert Dex
Nicole Scherzinger said she felt like a Disney princess when she was rehearsing her song for the Coronation Concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman will perform a rendition of Reflection, which was written and produced for Disney’s 1998 animated film Mulan.
Scherzinger told the PA news agency backstage ahead of the event she felt “overjoyed” and “honoured” to take the stage.
“Now that I’m here, it just feels really surreal. Being on the ground and having Windsor Castle as your backdrop is the dream,” she added.
The singer said she found the coronation service on Saturday to be “remarkable”, as her home country of America does not have the same type of pageantry.
Crowd at Windsor get ready for the show
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:08 , Robert Dex
The crowds at Windsor are getting ready for the concert which starts soon with viewers already tuning in to the BBC coverage which started at 8pm with Kirsty Young presenting the show.
Stella McCartney praises King’s environmental campaigning
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:10 , Robert Dex
Stella McCartney said she feels the King has a “true love and passion” for nature which has been shown through his work across his lifetime.
The fashion designer will deliver a spoken word performance with a conservation theme during the Coronation Concert which will reflect her and the King’s shared passion for environmental sustainability.
McCartney, who has championed a vegan lifestyle and sustainable design throughout her career, told the PA news agency she felt “very honoured and proud especially to be asked to represent fashion sustainability within the context of such a historical moment”.
Reflecting on Charles’ environmental work, she added: “It’s a true love and passion for nature and for mother earth and to safeguard that.
“I think we see that when we see the King’s work over the last 50 years. Obviously, I’ve grown up with that from day one, too, so it’s incredibly important.
“I think it’s one thing that actually unites all of us, no matter what you think about any of this stuff. I think we all know that the planet is in need of help and love and attention and protection.”
Her contribution will be part of a broader nature-themed section of the concert, which will also include a rendition of a 1980s hit by classical-soul composer Alexis Ffrench and London-based singer-songwriter Zak Abel alongside a house orchestra, band and choir.
Take That look forward to a ‘massive’ show at Windsor
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:12 , Robert Dex
Take That’s Howard Donald said the band’s performance tonight in front of a huge audience was “massive”.
The singer told the BBC: “We are just looking forward to going out there and giving it some.”
Hugh Bonneville promises a few surprises in the concert show
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:19 , Robert Dex
Downton Abbey and Paddington star Hugh Bonneville has said there are surprises on the way during the King’s Coronation Concert.
BBC presenter Kirsty Young asked the actor if people could expect any events during Sunday evening’s show like Paddington Bear’s appearance at the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations last summer.
The actor laughed and replied: “Yes there are, there are a couple of surprises and they are well worth waiting for.”
Huge cheer for the King and Queen
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:28 , Robert Dex
A huge cheer went up when the King and Queen arrived in the audience for the concert.
Host and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville kicked off the show from a huge stage in the grounds of Windsor Castle, with 20,000 members of the public invited to the musical extravaganza.
Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales is to take to the stage later and deliver a speech, after behind-the-scenes footage of William rehearsing and walking up to a microphone was shared on social media.
The heir to the throne is likely to speak about his father the King who fulfilled his destiny on Saturday when he was crowned before the eyes of the world during a coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Windsor crowd get a royal wave
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:30 , Robert Dex
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived to a fanfare and took their seats next to the Prince of Wales, who was sat with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the Princess of Wales.
The King waved to the crowd before taking his seat and DJ Pete Tong kicked off the show.
The royals arrive for the show
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:33 , Robert Dex
Hugh Bonneville then took to the stage to welcome the King and Queen and told the audience it had already “gone a bit Pete Tong”.
He also praised King Charles for his love of arts, dubbing him “the artist formerly known as Prince”, before introducing Olly Murs.
Palace reveals details of the Queen’s outfit
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:35 , Robert Dex
The Queen is wearing an Anna Valentine jumpsuit, Buckingham Palace said.
Coronation Choir wins over the audience
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:40 , Robert Dex
The Coronation Choir, made up of volunteers led by Gareth Malone, then took to the stage to perfom.
The singers, who include farmers from Northern Ireland, refugees from Wales and the country’s only signing choir, received a huge ovation.
Royal artists come together for the King
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:49 , Robert Dex
The Coronation Choir’s performance of Emile Sande’s Brighter Days was followed by appearance by pianist Lang Lang and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
Then members of the Royal Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Ballet, the Royal College of Music and the Royal College of Art came together for the first time to produce a one-off performance on the themes of love and togetherness.
Nicole Scherzinger gets royal approval
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:51 , Robert Dex
Scherzinger who joined Lang Lang to sing Reflection from Disney’s Mulan won applause from the royal couple for her powerful performance – with the King turning to the Queen after the song to say a few words.
Choir joins Steve Winwood for Higher Love
Sunday 7 May 2023 20:59 , Robert Dex
Steve Winwood was joined on stage by a commonwealth choir to perform his hit Higher Love.
A Muppet Coronation Concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:08 , Robert Dex
There was a bit of comic relief when Muppets Miss Piggy and Kermit arrived on the show much to the amusement of the King and Queen.
They were followed by Sir Bryn Terfel and Andrea Bocelli who performed You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Tom Cruise praises his fellow pilot the King
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:13 , Robert Dex
The audience were also shown footage of Hollywood legend Tom Cruise praising the King who is a qualified RAF pilot.
The Top Gun star told him: “Pilot to Pilot, Your Majesty, you can be my wingman anytime”.
Lionel Richie raises the roof at Windsor
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:19 , Robert Dex
Lionel Richie’s performance of his classic Easy was illuminated by a light show on the outside of Windsor Castle before he launched into a version of All Night Long.
Prince William says the late Queen would be ‘very proud'
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:24 , Robert Dex
Prince William had the difficult job of following Lionel Richie to the stage.
He told the audience he believed the Queen was “ up there fondly keeping an eye on us and she’d be a very proud mother”.
William said his father had dedicated himself to “serve others” and praised his early environmentalism and support for the Prince’s Trust and its work with young people.
He added: “Pa, we’re all so proud of you” before adding: “God Save the King”.
Prince William’s speech in full
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:25 , Robert Dex
Here is the full text of Prince William’s speech:
he Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the King on stage at the coronation concert.
Here is the full text of William’s speech:
“Good evening Your Majesties. Good evening Windsor!
“A huge thank you to everyone for making this such a special evening.
“I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important.
“But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long.
“As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future.
“And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. And she would be a very proud mother.
“For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: Service.
“My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service.
“It was a pledge to continue to serve.
“Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.
“Take the natural world. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue.
“Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their ambitions.
“And, perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported.
“Pa, we are all so proud of you.
“I also want to express my pride and gratitude for the millions of people who serve, in the forces, in classrooms, hospital wards and local communities.
“I wish I could mention you all. Your service inspires us. And tonight we celebrate you too.
“I commit myself to serve you all. King, country and Commonwealth.
“God save the King!”
Stunning light shows and drones celebrate the coronation
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:34 , Robert Dex
Paloma’s Faith performance was intercut with a stunning lightshow and spectacular drone effects beamed live from across the United Kingdom before fashion designer Stella McCartney spoke about the King’s passion for environmentalism describing him as “a beacon of light” for the green cause.
Spectacular stage show at Windsor
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:39 , Robert Dex
The stage was lit up by a spectacular light show throughout the concert.
Katy Perry takes to the stage with a Roar
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:43 , Robert Dex
Katy Perry, who was also a guest at the coronation, opened her set with a performance of Roar.
Katy Perry pays tribute to the King
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:49 , Robert Dex
Katy Perry, who is an ambassador for the King’s British Asian Trust, praised the monarch for “bringing out the firework in so many young people” before launching into her hit Firework.
She also told the audience she was “so happy” to be in the country for the coronation, adding: “I got to bring my mum, she is so happy to be here, we got to stay in Windsor Castle.
“No big deal.”
Katy Perry provides fireworks
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:54 , Robert Dex
Katy Perry on stage
Take That celebrate Greatest Day
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:55 , Robert Dex
Hugh Bonneville said the concert had united the country in “light and love” before introducing “British pop royalty” Take That.
The band, now a trio, launched into their hit Greatest Day.
King’s environmental message played at the concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 21:57 , Robert Dex
Earlier in the night a message from The King, first given to the 7th Our Ocean conference in April 2022, was played, which said: “Climate, the ocean and biodiversity are, in fact, part of one common planetary system that helps sustain all life on Earth.
“What we do to the ocean and to nature, we ultimately do to ourselves.
“As stewards of this precious planet, it is our actions, and our actions alone, that will determine its future.”
King joins the flag waving crowds to Take That
Sunday 7 May 2023 22:00 , Robert Dex
Take That also performed their hit Shine with the King joining the crowd in standing and waving his Union flag along to the music while other royals, including Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, led the dancing in the royal box before the band performed Never Forget.
Take That close coronation concert
Sunday 7 May 2023 22:06 , Robert Dex
Take That star Howard Donald who led the band and the audience in a version of Never Forget.
Drones light up Windsor sky
Sunday 7 May 2023 22:07 , Robert Dex
One of the drone light displays which lit up the sky above Windsor Castle tonight.
Thank you for reading
Sunday 7 May 2023 22:09 , Robert Dex
That brings our live coverage of today’s events to an end. Thank you for reading.