King Charles III and his wife Camilla were crowned at a lavish Westminster Abbey ceremony on a rainy day in London, as thousands of people lined the streets in the capital. About 2,200 people, including the Royal Family, celebrities, faith leaders and heads of state, were there to witness the event, on Saturday, May 6, making Britain's first monarch in 70 years. The ceremony was last held in 1953, during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles' mother. “I come not to be served, but to serve,” Charles said in his first remarks of the ceremony, setting the theme for the intimate yet grand proceedings. President Paul Kagame in his capacity as current chair in office of the commonwealth, was among the attendees. Also present at the celebrations was First Lady Jeannette Kagame. The King was anointed with holy oil, symbolizing the sacred nature of his rule. He was vested with an imperial mantle, and the archbishop of Canterbury placed the ancient crown of St. Edward onto his head. The inventure, held at Westminster Abbey forms part of a long weekend filled with celebrations for the new monarch, ranging from street parties to concerts. The King ascended the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022.
