As the three days of celebrations came to an end, King Charles expressed “sincere and heartfelt” gratitude to everyone involved in his coronation weekend, and said he and his wife Camilla would rededicate their lives to service.
Charles and Camilla were crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday amid pomp and pageantry in Britain’s largest ceremonial event in 70 years.
Charles and Camilla reaffirmed their commitment to serve in an echo of his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee message last June before she died three months later.
“As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion,” Charles said in a statement, paying tribute to those who made the weekend possible as well as those who participated in celebrations.
“To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth.”
The announcement came at the conclusion of three days of festivities and was accompanied by four official photos of Charles, Camilla, and other members of the royal family.
The royals joined a 20,000-person audience at Windsor, the king’s palace to the west of London, for a “Coronation Concert” featuring singers such as Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
After the concert, Charles and Camilla interrupted Richie and Perry as they were recounting their weekend experience on the TV show American Idol, on which the singers are judges.
Charles inquired of Richie whether the singers would be present “all night long,” referring to one of Richie’s hits.
“I was wondering how long you’ll be using this room for?” chuckled Charles.
DAZZLING SPECTACLE
After a long weekend of street parties and celebrations, thousands of organizations gathered on Monday for a volunteer program.
Charles’ son William and his wife Kate participated in “The Big Help Out” by taking their children to a scout group in Slough, near Windsor. Kate is the Scout Association’s president.
It was the first royal engagement for their younger son Louis, 5, who shoveled, pushed a wheelbarrow, and even drove a digger with his father’s supervision.
Other members of the royal family, as well as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, volunteered at events across the country.
“On the weekend, I think no other country in the world could put on such a dazzling spectacle,” Sunak told broadcasters.
“It was deeply moving and incredibly uplifting to be in the coronation service, and it’s an experience I don’t think anyone will forget for the rest of their lives.”
