The lady in blue, vanishing princes and the crowning event: Key moments from the coronation

By Rob Picheta and Hafsa Khalil, CNN
Updated 4:29 PM EDT, Sun May 7, 2023
Britain's King Charles III <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/08/uk/coronation-official-portraits-intl-gbr-ckc/index.html" target="_blank">poses for a portrait</a> in Buckingham Palace's Throne Room dressed in full regalia. He is wearing the Robe of Estate and the Imperial State Crown while holding the Sovereign's Orb and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross.
Britain's King Charles III poses for a portrait in Buckingham Palace's Throne Room dressed in full regalia. He is wearing the Robe of Estate and the Imperial State Crown while holding the Sovereign's Orb and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross.
Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/AP
A storefront window in London is decorated with framed photographs and a painting of the King on Thursday.
A storefront window in London is decorated with framed photographs and a painting of the King on Thursday.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
Westminster staff and police take cover from the rain on Friday.
Westminster staff and police take cover from the rain on Friday.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The King meets well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace during a walkabout on Friday.
The King meets well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace during a walkabout on Friday.
Toby Melville/Pool/Reuters
A royal fan sleeps along the procession route on Friday.
A royal fan sleeps along the procession route on Friday.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
People travel into London on Saturday to be a part of the historic day.
People travel into London on Saturday to be a part of the historic day.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
Preparations are made on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Preparations are made on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Toby Hancock/CNN
A child has paint applied to his face while waiting for the procession.
A child has paint applied to his face while waiting for the procession.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
Members of the Coldstream Guards march on the procession route before the coronation.
Members of the Coldstream Guards march on the procession route before the coronation.
Marco Bertoorello/AFP/Getty Images
People gather to watch the procession. Showers moved through London on Friday and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_0cf74794c8e0be8ca222db150c2ccb94" target="_blank">more rain was expected for Saturday</a>.
People gather to watch the procession. Showers moved through London on Friday and more rain was expected for Saturday.
Toby Hancock/CNN
People wait on the procession route ahead of the coronation.
People wait on the procession route ahead of the coronation.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
Troops march in London ahead of the coronation ceremony.
Troops march in London ahead of the coronation ceremony.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
The King's carriage leaves Buckingham Palace before the coronation.
The King's carriage leaves Buckingham Palace before the coronation.
Toby Hancock/CNN
Order-of-service booklets are seen at Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the coronation.
Order-of-service booklets are seen at Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the coronation.
Phil Noble/Pool/Reuters
Members of the public look out onto Parliament Square ahead of the coronation.
Members of the public look out onto Parliament Square ahead of the coronation.
Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images
Police officers detain a protester ahead of the King's procession. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_089ce3083553388e9051d6c7fd26c7b0" target="_blank">Several arrests were made Saturday</a> as protesters gathered near the procession route.
Police officers detain a protester ahead of the King's procession. Several arrests were made Saturday as protesters gathered near the procession route.
Yara Nardi/Pool/Reuters
A boy watches guards march on the streets in front of Big Ben.
A boy watches guards march on the streets in front of Big Ben.
Marko Djurica/Retuers
The King and Queen travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as they make their short journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
The King and Queen travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as they make their short journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Niall Carson/PA Images/Getty Images
People line the procession route in London.
People line the procession route in London.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
Jill Biden, first lady of the United States, arrives at Westminster Abbey. Biden, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_054e67e7c5ebf898814c9b3c1126fb9f" target="_blank">who led the US delegation</a>, traveled with her granddaughter Finnegan Biden.
Jill Biden, first lady of the United States, arrives at Westminster Abbey. Biden, who led the US delegation, traveled with her granddaughter Finnegan Biden.
Henry Nicholls/Reuters
The procession takes place in London before the coronation.
The procession takes place in London before the coronation.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
Singer Katy Perry takes a selfie with guests at Westminster Abbey. The coronation guests included <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_6381e2bc126c139f48714994a44b7510" target="_blank">celebrities and world leaders</a>.
Singer Katy Perry takes a selfie with guests at Westminster Abbey. The coronation guests included celebrities and world leaders.
Gareth Cattermole/Pool/Reuters
Royal Navy sailors stand at attention on the Mall in London.
Royal Navy sailors stand at attention on the Mall in London.
Charles McQuillan/Pool/Reuters
Musicians perform at Westminster Abbey before the coronation ceremony.
Musicians perform at Westminster Abbey before the coronation ceremony.
Andrew Matthews/PA/AP
Singer Lionel Richie poses for a selfie at Westminster Abbey.
Singer Lionel Richie poses for a selfie at Westminster Abbey.
Gareth Cattermole/Pool/Reuters
Prince George, second from left, stands with other pages of honor at Westminster Abbey.
Prince George, second from left, stands with other pages of honor at Westminster Abbey.
Toby Melville/PA/AP
Prince Harry, right, arrives at Westminster Abbey along with Princess Beatrice, one of the King's nieces, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_d46a1c2f25cd5c5ed888c323a5411ae9" target="_blank">Harry accepted the invitation to his father's coronation</a> but was without his wife, Meghan, who stayed back in California with the couple's two children.
Prince Harry, right, arrives at Westminster Abbey along with Princess Beatrice, one of the King's nieces, and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Harry accepted the invitation to his father's coronation but was without his wife, Meghan, who stayed back in California with the couple's two children.
Andrew Milligan/PA/AP
The King and Queen travel to Westminstger Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
The King and Queen travel to Westminstger Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
The King is seen near his grandson Prince George, one of his pages of honor.
The King is seen near his grandson Prince George, one of his pages of honor.
Henry Nicholls/Reuters
Prince Harry enters Westminster Abbey.
Prince Harry enters Westminster Abbey.
Andrew Matthews/PA/AP
Former British prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss sit with their partners.
Former British prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss sit with their partners.
Richard Pohle/Pool/AP
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, two of the King's grandchildren, arrive for the coronation.
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, two of the King's grandchildren, arrive for the coronation.
Dan Charity/Pool/AP
Prince William, Harry's brother, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_90cacda1164e4f41a0953249e6219dc0" target="_blank">arrive for the coronation</a> with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Prince William, Harry's brother, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, arrive for the coronation with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Phil Noble/Pool/Getty Images
The King enters Westminster Abbey for his coronation.
The King enters Westminster Abbey for his coronation.
Ben Birchall/PA/AP
The King arrives at Westminster Abbey for his coronation.
The King arrives at Westminster Abbey for his coronation.
Andrew Matthews/Pool/Reuters
People watch the ceremony on a screen in Hyde Park.
People watch the ceremony on a screen in Hyde Park.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
The King and Queen <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_94f8991ad84c43b4548be766efd7779c" target="_blank">entered the Abbey</a> to the strains of "I was glad," the stirring coronation anthem written by Hubert Parry for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. It has been sung at all coronations since then.
The King and Queen entered the Abbey to the strains of "I was glad," the stirring coronation anthem written by Hubert Parry for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. It has been sung at all coronations since then.
Phil Noble/Pool/Reuters
The King and Queen take part in the coronation ceremony.
The King and Queen take part in the coronation ceremony.
Yui Mok/Pool/Reuters
Prince Harry looks around Westminster Abbey from his spot in the third row. He is a non-working royal and did not perform any duties during the ceremony.
Prince Harry looks around Westminster Abbey from his spot in the third row. He is a non-working royal and did not perform any duties during the ceremony.
Richard Pohle/Pool/AP
An anointing screen is erected for King Charles III at the coronation ceremony. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_bf90cc361d9bb2d2940704187697b0cd" target="_blank">The most sacred part of the service</a> — the anointing — took place behind the screen.
An anointing screen is erected for King Charles III at the coronation ceremony. The most sacred part of the service — the anointing — took place behind the screen.
Yui Mok/PA/AP
The King places his hands on the Coronation Bible as he <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_329d6fba5cd3c92110395f5152360553" target="_blank">takes the Coronation Oath</a>.
The King places his hands on the Coronation Bible as he takes the Coronation Oath.
Yui Mok/Pool/Reuters
Guests watch the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Guests watch the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Phil Noble/Pool/Reuters
The St. Edward's Crown is carried inside Westminster Abbey.
The St. Edward's Crown is carried inside Westminster Abbey.
Phil Noble/Pool/Reuters
The King holds a sword during the ceremony.
The King holds a sword during the ceremony.
Victoria Jones/Pool/Reuters
Prince Louis points out something to his sister, Princess Charlotte, during the ceremony. They are flanked by their parents, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
Prince Louis points out something to his sister, Princess Charlotte, during the ceremony. They are flanked by their parents, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
Yui Mok/Pool/Reuters
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_0a26f9200f7038d529cbcb8cb39e0871" target="_blank">places the St. Edward's Crown onto the head of the King</a>.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby places the St. Edward's Crown onto the head of the King.
Aaron Chown/Pool/Reuters
Royal fan Ben Weller reacts as he watches the coronation on a screen in London's Hyde Park.
Royal fan Ben Weller reacts as he watches the coronation on a screen in London's Hyde Park.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
This was the only time Charles will ever wear St. Edward's Crown, as it is reserved for the coronation of a new monarch.
This was the only time Charles will ever wear St. Edward's Crown, as it is reserved for the coronation of a new monarch.
Jonathan Brady/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The King wears the St. Edward's Crown during his coronation.
The King wears the St. Edward's Crown during his coronation.
Andrew Matthews/Pool/AP
The King's son Prince William, the heir apparent to the throne, kisses his father on the cheek during the ceremony.
The King's son Prince William, the heir apparent to the throne, kisses his father on the cheek during the ceremony.
Yui Mok/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
British lawmaker Penny Mordaunt carries the Sword of State during the coronation. She was involved in the ceremony because as the current Leader of the House of Commons, she is also the Lord President of the Privy Council — a body formed of senior politicians who act as the monarch's official advisers.
British lawmaker Penny Mordaunt carries the Sword of State during the coronation. She was involved in the ceremony because as the current Leader of the House of Commons, she is also the Lord President of the Privy Council — a body formed of senior politicians who act as the monarch's official advisers.
Yui Mok/Pool/AP
People in London's Piccadilly Circus walk past a giant screen showing an image of the King during the coronation ceremony.
People in London's Piccadilly Circus walk past a giant screen showing an image of the King during the coronation ceremony.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
The Queen <a href="https://www.cnn.com/uk/live-news/king-charles-iii-coronation-ckc-intl-gbr/h_6681b16ea947c3e32df9f83b3abb3b95" target="_blank">receives her own coronation</a>. She wore the Queen Mary's Crown.
The Queen receives her own coronation. She wore the Queen Mary's Crown.
Yui Mok/AP
Charles and Camilla walk out of Westminster Abbey.
Charles and Camilla walk out of Westminster Abbey.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The King greets multifaith leaders on his way out of Westminster Abbey.
The King greets multifaith leaders on his way out of Westminster Abbey.
Ben Stansall/Pool/Reuters
The Queen walks toward the Gold State Coach after leaving Westminster Abbey.
The Queen walks toward the Gold State Coach after leaving Westminster Abbey.
Toby Melville/Pool/AP
Prince Harry leaves Westminster Abbey after the ceremony. He did not join members of his family to ride in an impressive procession back to the palace. Instead, he got into a car alone and departed the abbey shortly after the service had ended.
Prince Harry leaves Westminster Abbey after the ceremony. He did not join members of his family to ride in an impressive procession back to the palace. Instead, he got into a car alone and departed the abbey shortly after the service had ended.
Toby Melville/Pool/Getty Images
Troops march in London for the King's coronation. On their way back to Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen were accompanied by a huge parade of soldiers, musicians and horses.
Troops march in London for the King's coronation. On their way back to Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen were accompanied by a huge parade of soldiers, musicians and horses.
Sarah Tilotta/CNN
The King and Queen travel to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The King and Queen travel to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Toby Hancock/CNN