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Britain marks coronation of King Charles in rainy London

  • Some 2 million people expected in London for King Charles’ coronation celebrations
  • At 74, King Charles is the oldest person to ascend to the throne in British history

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Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla travel in the Gold State Coach following their coronation ceremony. Photo: Reuters
Chad Brayin London
Millions of Britons gathered in a rain-soaked central London on Saturday to commemorate the coronation of King Charles as part of a long weekend of celebrations and pageantry across the country to mark the formal beginning of his reign.
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King Charles ascended to the throne in September following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth at age 96, but his coronation was scheduled for months later as tradition dictates an “appropriate period of time” passes following a monarch’s death.

At 74, he is the oldest person to assume the throne in British history. His mother was Britain’s longest-serving monarch, spending 70 years on the throne after the death of her father in 1952.

“We can say to the king of kings himself, God, as does the king today, give grace that in thy service I may find perfect freedom,” Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said during a service at historic Westminster Abbey. “By that prayer for every king, for every ruler, and, yes, for every person, all of us, we are opened to the transforming love of God.”

The coronation was a smaller affair than Queen Elizabeth’s in 1953.

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About 2,300 dignitaries were invited to attend the two-hour service at Westminster Abbey, including 100 heads of state and members of international royalty.

Britain’s Prince William kisses his father King Charles, who is wearing St Edward’s Crown. Photo: AFP
Britain’s Prince William kisses his father King Charles, who is wearing St Edward’s Crown. Photo: AFP
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