Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon are among the world leaders at the Coronation of King Charles the Third.  It has been almost 70 years since the last coronation which is when Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953. During the ceremony the Archbishop of Canterbury stated the “Crown a King to serve” which is reportedly the direction King Charles wanted to take with the coronation in emphasizing the importance of service for the King.

The procession travelled from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and the coronation included for the first time female clergy and participation from representatives of other faiths.  The King took the coronation oath and signed it pledging to serve the people and rule according to law.

The anointment of the King took place behind a privacy screen and is considered the most sacred part of the ceremony when Charles is anointed with special oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury on his hands breast and head.

The King was presented with spurs followed by the presentation of a sword, bracelets of sincerity and wisdom,  and he also received the sceptre and orb.  As well, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed a sceptre and a rod in Charles’s hands.  At that point the actual crown was placed on his head.  It is St. Edward’s Crown which weighs more than two kilograms and was made for the coronation of his predecessor King Charles II.  King Charles III then took the throne and the Archbishop of Canterbury knelt and pledged the homage of the Church of England to the King, followed by Prince William, Charles’ son paying homage.  Prince William’s son Prince George also took part in the service as a Page of Honour helping carrying the train of his grandfather’s robe.

Camilla was then crowned in a simpler ceremony after being presented with the royal sceptre and anointed only on her head, then had the crown, which was Queen Mary’s Crown, placed upon her head.

To mark the Coronation, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada will donate $100,000 to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. King Charles III has a longstanding commitment to environmental protection and conservation.

Today, also in honour of the Coronation, the Government of Canada will unveil a new Royal Crown, Royal Flag, Canadian stamp, and collector coins.