king charles state visit wiki

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Stars join King Charles at Versailles banquet during French state visit

Trip designed in part as show of friendship to reset UK-French relationship after Brexit years

King Charles was welcomed at a lavish state banquet at the Palace of Versailles on Wednesday night, at the start of a state visit to reinforce the renewed UK-France relationship after the near total collapse in trust during the Boris Johnson years after Brexit.

In Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, the famed 17th-century gallery built by the Louis XIV to project the power and majesty of the French monarchy, King Charles told the French president, Emmanuel Macron: “Your generosity of spirit brings to mind how my family and I were so greatly moved by the tributes paid in France to my mother, the late queen … You said that she had touched your hearts – and it was she who held France in the greatest affection.”

He added: “I would like, if you would allow me, to raise a toast to President and Madame Macron and to the French people, as well as to our entente cordiale – a sustainable alliance. Whatever lies ahead, may it endure, faithful and constant, for centuries to come.” He was accompanied by Queen Camilla, who wore a blue silk crepe dress and matching cape by Dior, with diamonds inherited from the late queen.

More than 150 guests, including Mick Jagger and Hugh Grant, were seated along one vast, 60-metre-long table in order for everyone to be present “at the king’s table”. They were to dine on a lobster and crab dish inspired by the tastes of Louis XIV, followed by French poultry marinaded in champagne and a gratin of French cèpe mushrooms.

A selection of French and English cheeses included stichelton, a British blue cheese similar to stilton that uses unpasteurised milk. Along with a long list of vintage wines and vintage champagne, the dessert was a French macaron with lychee and rose sorbet and raspberry compôte.

There was no foie gras on the menu – the controversial pâté obtained by force-feeding ducks or geese – as the king has banned it from his household.

From early evening at the gilded entrance to the Palace of Versailles – both the seat of the French monarchy and a symbol of the French Revolution of 1789 – a procession of figures from sport, politics and culture walked the red carpet laid over cobblestones.

They included the British-French actor and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, the British-French actor Emma Mackey and the French actor Carole Bouquet.

Also present were the chief executive of the French luxury goods empire LVMH, Bernard Arnault, one of the world’s richest people, as well as the businessman and French Iliad telecoms group founder Xavier Niel.

Several guests from the world of sport included the former French football coach Arsène Wenger, the French-Ivorian football star Didier Drogba, the footballer Patrick Vieira, and Tony Estanguet, the three-times Olympic canoeing champion who is head of the 2024 Paris Olympics organising committee, as well as the tennis player and former Wimbledon winner Amélie Mauresmo.

Stéphane Bern, the French broadcaster and royal commentator, who was a guest at the dinner, said: “Versailles is a showcase for France. This is about Franco-British friendship. It is about the excellence of the French art of fine dining, and it’s about showing the best of France to the British. The main element of an evening like this is always the toasts. You can only speak to your neighbour on your left or right as the table is too wide to speak over. The key topic of conversation at an event like this is the French art of eating and entertaining.”

All day, a team in Versailles had worked on the table presentation, using tape-measures to finalise the place settings to the millimetre.

The king’s toast referred to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who had lunch in the same room at Versailles during her first state visit to France in 1957. Macron had presented the king with a book specially made to commemorate her official visits to France.

The king’s trip is seen as the “soft power” follow-up to Rishi Sunak’s drive to repair the badly damaged Paris-London relationship at a Franco-British summit earlier this year, which addressed issues such as the crisis of people risking their lives to cross the Channel in small boats. “Despite Brexit and because our ties are so old, I know that we will continue to write together part of our continent’s history,” Macron said in his toast at the Versailles dinner.

Earlier in the day, King Charles lit the flame at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe before travelling down the Champs-Elysées with Macron to hold one-to-one talks on issues including war in Ukraine and recent coups in Africa’s Sahel region.

At the Arc de Triomphe, the 74-year-old king and 45-year-old president commemorated Britain and France’s common sacrifices and continuing military cooperation ahead of next year’s 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Macron later posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, of the pair greeting crowds where shouts of “Vive le Roi” could be heard.

This friendship. pic.twitter.com/ikXRzDWUuE — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 20, 2023

Macron presented the king with a gift of the first edition of the novel Les Racines du Ciel by Romain Gary, chosen for its references to the protection of animals and biodiversity, as well as a medal for his work on the environment.

King Charles, who is on his 35th visit to France, and Queen Camilla landed at Orly airport on a British Airways flight and were met on a red carpet by the prime minister, Élisabeth Borne. Their mode of transport was in contrast to Elizabeth II, who had travelled to Paris by Eurostar train in 2004 and 2014.

The king and queen were driven from the airport in their own Bentley, which was transported from the UK. But the king accompanied Macron down the Champs-Elysées in the presidential Citroën DS7 convertible accompanied by 136 horses of the republican guard.

• King Charles III
• Emmanuel Macron

More on this story

‘Existential challenge’: King Charles calls for France-UK climate entente

Rapport to the fore as King Charles and Macron rebuild cross-Channel trust

Starmer wraps up foreign mini-tour with visit to Macron in Paris

The Guardian view on Keir Starmer in the Élysée: a cautious charm offensive

French trade minister to visit UK after post-Brexit ‘hiccup’

Liz Truss to say Macron trip to China was sign of weakness

E-scooters: a tale of two cities as London and Paris plot different paths

King Charles France visit could have had echoes of 1789, says ex-ambassador

Most viewed.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

King Charles III picks France, Germany for 1st state visits

FILE - Britain’s King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, walkabout to meet members of the public following a ceremony at Micklegate Bar, in York, England, Wednesday Nov. 9, 2022. King Charles III will travel to France and Germany for his first state visits since becoming monarch, underscoring Britain’s efforts to build bridges with its European neighbors. Buckingham Palace announced Friday, March 3, 2023 that Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, will visit the European Union’s two biggest countries March 26-31, hosted by Presidents Emanuel Macron of France and Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany. (James Glossop/Pool Photo via AP, File)

• Copy Link copied

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III will travel to France and Germany for his first state visits since becoming monarch, Buckingham Palace said Friday, underscoring Britain’s efforts to build bridges with its European neighbors following years of strained relations caused by Brexit.

Charles and Camilla, the queen consort , are set to visit the European Union’s two biggest countries March 26-31, hosted by Presidents Emmanuel Macron of France and Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany, the palace announced.

“The visit will celebrate the U.K.’s relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values,’' the palace said. “It is also a chance to look forwards and show the many ways our countries are working in partnership, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.’'

Highlighting the significance of the trip is the fact that it will be the first state visit by a British monarch since 2015; the late Queen Elizabeth II , Charles’ mother, stopped traveling abroad in her later years.

The announcement came just days after Charles met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Windsor Castle and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a breakthrough in talks to resolve the dispute over post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.

Sunak will be anxious to use the soft power of the monarchy to highlight the thaw in relations between the U.K. and the EU, which have been strained by Britain’s decision to leave the bloc.

The trip to France and Germany is being made at the request of the British government and at the invitations of the two governments, the palace said.

The royals will travel first to France, where they will be greeted by Macron and take part in a ceremony of remembrance at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Charles will later meet with members of the National Assembly and Senate and attend a state banquet at the Chateau de Versailles.

The French leg of the trip will also include traveling to Bordeaux, which is home to a large British community. The royal couple plan to visit an organic vineyard and one of the areas devastated by wildfires last summer.

Charles and Camilla are scheduled to travel to Germany on March 29, where they will be greeted by Steinmeier and Charles plans to address the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament. Steinmeier will also host a state banquet for the royal couple.

Charles will also meet with Ukrainian refugees in Germany, visit a joint U.K.-German military unit and travel to Hamburg, where he will visit sustainable energy projects.

While Britain’s royals have ceded most of their powers to the nation’s elected leaders, the aura of the monarchy and the pomp and ceremony of royal visits are still seen as a way to burnish the U.K.’s image and bolster ties with nations around the globe.

This role was epitomized by Elizabeth, who made 121 state visits during her 70-year reign, leading royal historian Robert Hardman to dub her “Queen of the World.”

When Charles met with von der Leyen on Monday, Buckingham Palace was quick to stress that he was working in concert with the government.

“The king is pleased to meet any world leader, if they are visiting Britain, and it is the government’s advice that he should do so,” the palace said before that meeting.

The French leg of the trip may have a particular significance for Charles, who is said to have formed a close relationship with Macron because of the two men’s shared focus on protecting the environment and fighting climate change.

Mutual respect also was expressed by Germany’s president. In a video message, Steinmeier said he last met Charles at Elizabeth’s funeral and invited him to visit Germany as king. He said that Charles’ decision to visit half a year later shows how much the king values the friendship between Germans and Britons.

The German president said Charles’ decision to travel to Germany and France “is also an important European gesture.”

“I would like to say to him, but of course also to all Britons: We in Germany, we in Europe, want close and friendly relations with the United Kingdom after Brexit as well,” Steinmeier said.

In November, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made the first state visit to Britain of Charles’ reign. But the visit had been in the works before the late queen’s death.

Associated Press Writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

King Charles and Queen Camilla to Host Japan State Visit in June

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's planned state visit to the UK in spring 2020 was postponed due to the pandemic.

"Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan have accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom in late June 2024," Buckingham Palace today, sharing that King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the visit.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022 , their first overseas trip since Naruhito's enthronement ceremony in 2019. They did not attend Charles and Camilla's coronation; instead, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended on their behalf .

King Charles has a long history with the Japanese Imperial Family ; he's visited the country five times—the most recent trip occuring in October 2019, for the enthronement ceremony . This will be the third state visit he's hosted during his reign; the first, in honor of South Africa's President Ramaphosa , took place in November 2022, and the second, in honor of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol , was in November 2023.

State visits typically include a state dinner on the first night, attended by senior members of the royal family. Per the royal family's website, the state banquet "is a very grand formal occasion held in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom. Around 150 guests are usually invited on the basis of their cultural, diplomatic or economic links to the country being hosted." (For example, South Korean girl band Blackpink attended the last state banquet. ) Typically, the royal women wear tiaras—at the last state banquet, Kate Middleton debuted the Strathmore Rose tiara and Queen Camilla wore the Burmese Ruby Tiara .

No specific date for the Japan state visit has been set yet, but we'll update this as soon as we learn more.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

Frederik & Mary's First Interview Since Accession

Lionel Richie Says Charles Is "Doing Fantastic"

King Charles at Royal Windsor Horse Show 2024

The Duchess of Edinburgh Channels Queen Elizabeth

Get to Know All of King Charles's Grandchildren

The Most Iconic Photos of Princess Charlotte

How Will & Kate Share Images of Their Kids

Princess Charlotte Turns 9! See New Photo

Prince William Gives Rare Update on Kate Middleton

Who Received American Riviera Orchard Jam?

King Charles Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment Timeline

King Charles and Camilla look to host the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June

By Isaac Zamet

Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, and wife Empress, Masako, sign a book of condolence at Church House in London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Buckingham Palace has just announced that a bumper state visit is on the cards for the summer time. According to official communications from the Palace, the Emperor and Empress of Japan have accepted an invitation from the King to pay a visit to the UK in late June 2024.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday, in the monarch's first public facing engagement in months

By Harriet Johnston

The visit will be hosted at Buckingham Palace and will likely feature a good deal of pomp, ceremony and a general attempt at pulling out all the stops for the visitors.

The King has some pedigree when it comes to relations with Japan. He visited the island nation five times as Prince of Wales, including for the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito . (Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum throne in 2019, following the abdication of his father Akihito). The enthronement saw traditional ceremonies followed by lavish white tie banquets with dozens of international royals on show.

Charles, then Prince of Wales, arrives for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace on in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019

By Isaac Bickerstaff

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales walks with Japan's Princess Takamado in the Afan Forest on October 30, 2008 in Nagano, Japan. The Prince was in Japan to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom

In fact, the King was also present at the enthronement of Akihito in 1990. The King’s other visits came in 2008, 1986 and 1970. The Queen was present alongside the King during his 2008 visit. This will be the third state visit received by the King during his reign, with the first having been South Africa and the second South Korea.

The pattern of state visits may suggest a focus, perhaps coordinated by the FCDO, on Commonwealth and East Asian partners. Strong bonds with the nations of South Korea and Japan are regarded as an important instrument in managing the influence of China.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales greets flag waving schoolchildren as he arrives at the Emerging Museum of Science and Innovation on October 28, 2008 in Tokyo. The Prince and the Duchess are in Japan to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom

The mother-of-two, who announced her engagement in 2019, opted for the chic dress as she visited Dubai earlier this week

The Emperor and Empress of Japan attended the State Funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. This was the first overseas trip the Emperor and Empress had made since their enthronement, which took place just before the Covid pandemic.

At the time, the Emperor attended a reception hosted by the King for Heads of State and Official Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace. This took place on 18th September, the evening before the funeral.

Emperor of Japan Naruhito (C) and wife Empress Masako arrive for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England

The planned visit for late June is in fact a rescheduling of a Covid-hit visit planned for Spring 2020. With so many difficulties taking place in relation to the health of the royal family, the King will no doubt be delighted to for an opportunity to return to full-scale royal duty. Where better to do so than at a state visit of an important partner like Japan?

It is likely that the visit will include strategic discussions, a guard of honour and a processional element, a number of informal and charity-based commitments and a state dinner. All eyes will be peeled for the splendour of the dinner, after the showstopping gala during the visit of South Korea last year.

By Ben Jureidini

King Charles visits cancer center in 1st return to public duties since cancer diagnosis

Charles' cancer diagnosis was announced in February by Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III visited a cancer treatment center in London Tuesday, marking his first public royal engagement since his own cancer diagnosis was announced in February.

Charles, 75, was joined by his wife, Queen Camilla , during the visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, which was not associated with his treatment.

The king and the queen met with the center's staff and patients, some of whom are undergoing chemotherapy.

When asked by a patient how he is doing, Charles replied, "Not too bad. It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you?," according to the U.K.'s The Telegraph newspaper.

Buckingham Palace announced on Feb. 5, that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for benign prostate enlargement.

The palace has not disclosed publicly what type of cancer Charles was diagnosed with, nor what type of treatment he is undergoing.

In announcing Charles's return to public duties, the palace noted that Charles is still undergoing treatment but has been approved to remove some public-facing duties.

"His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise," a palace spokesperson said in a statement Friday.

While he did not hold public engagements, Charles had for the past three months continued the behind-the-scenes work of a monarch, handling official paperwork and continuing his weekly audiences with Britain's prime minister.

MORE: King Charles III seen in new photos after cancer diagnosis

Prior to Tuesday's appearance, the king was last seen publicly on Easter Sunday, when he and Camilla joined other members of the royal family for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England.

Related Stories

King Charles announces return to public duties

• Apr 26, 1:06 PM

King Charles III returns to public duties with a trip to a cancer charity

• Apr 30, 5:24 AM

William, Kate celebrate 13th wedding anniversary

• Apr 29, 1:11 PM

According to the palace, Charles will continue to hold public-facing engagements throughout the summer, but his schedule will "remain subject to doctors' advice."

"His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties," a palace spokesperson said in a statement. "Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."

In June, Charles is expected to be joined by members of the royal family in celebrating his second Trooping the Colour as king.

MORE: King Charles' cancer battle puts spotlight on William, Camilla

Also in June, Charles and Camilla are expected to host the emperor and empress of Japan for a state visit.

Next month marks the first anniversary of Charles and Camilla's historic coronation ceremony , which took place on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey.

Related Topics

• King Charles
• Royal Family

Prince William shares update on Kate Middleton

• May 1, 9:37 AM

As Charles announces a return to public-facing duties, a look at recent events involving the royals

• Apr 27, 9:42 AM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

King Charles gets a kiss and cuddle from his niece on surprise visit

Share this with

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

King Charles was spotted on a surprise visit at a royal horse show where he was pictured chatting with friends and family amid his cancer treatment.

The King also got a big hug from niece Zara Tindall during his stint to the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The monarch braved the rain to make his third public visit of the week to the equestrian site which was Queen Elizabeth ’s favourite.

Dressed in a classic beige trench coat with a green and navy tie, the King appeared in good spirits despite his ongoing cancer treatment.

He was seen smiling as he cracked a joke with Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.

The King met his niece overlooking the Royal Windsor Endurance course, in Windsor’s beautiful Great Park, which takes riders along landmarks like the famous Long Walk.

Among the royal group were Lord Soames, a long-time friend of the King, who served as his equerry when Charles was the Prince of Wales, comic Rory Bremner, former racing driver Jackie Stewart and ex-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

Charles was also pictured chatting to Simon Brooks-Ward, director of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, who knew the late Queen well.

While the Palace warned that Charles’s summer schedule will be lighter with public duties, his first week back to work has been busy.

On Wednesday, the King and Queen were presented with the Coronation Roll which recorded all the key events from their crowning last year .

King Charles’s cancer diagnosis

It comes just days after Charles visited a cancer unit with Queen Camilla on Tuesday as he returned to work since positive cancer treatment as an outpatient.

He spoke of his ‘shock’ after receiving the diagnosis, saying he was ‘well’ when asked how he was doing.

The Palace said that Charles’s diary will not be a full summer programme, but his attendance will be announced nearer the time and ‘subject to doctors’ advice’, with ‘adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk’ to his recovery.

It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and lower the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face, PA reports.

He is reportedly  hoping to ride  his mare, Noble, for the Trooping the Colour event in June, The Sun said citing an insider source.

The King spent three nights at the  London Clinic  in January – the same private hospital where  Kate Middleton  stayed for almost two weeks after her abdominal surgery also in January.

After his diagnosis was announced on February 6, the monarch postponed all public engagements while he continued with his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings, including meeting with the Prime Minister.

Kate is also undergoing treatment for cancer which she announced in March in a devastating video message.

The month of May appears to be off for a better start for the Royal Family as both Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis celebrated their birthdays.

Prince W illiam and Kate released new birthday pictures of their children to mark the occasion, a tradition for the Waleses.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Lionel Richie confirms friend King Charles is ‘doing fantastic’ after cancer news

MORE : King Charles does these simple workouts everyday to keep fit

MORE : The hidden meaning behind King Charles’ pink dinosaur tie

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

Behind the ancient coronation traditions as King Charles is blessed, anointed and crowned

LONDON — While King Charles III , 74, has ruled since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died in September, on Saturday he was crowned monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also becoming the largely ceremonial head of the Commonwealth .  

The U.K. is the only country in Europe to hold a lavish coronation ceremony — other countries, such as France , have abolished the monarchy, opted for a more simple affair, like Norway, or have never had coronations, such as the Netherlands.

It was the 40th coronation at Westminster Abbey, a tradition dating to 1066. Charles’ wife, Camilla , previously known as the queen consort, officially became queen.

Elizabeth , who died at age 96, sat on the throne for a record 70 years. She was 27 when she was crowned in 1953 — an era-defining moment shown on the still-new medium of television for the first time. In contrast, Charles is a veteran royal who has traveled around the world many times representing the country.

Here’s everything that happened on the day:

Procession to Westminster Abbey

Public viewing areas along the route were open from 6 a.m. (1 a.m. ET). Space was limited, as many streets in and around the abbey were closed to traffic.

Early Saturday, the military units involved in planning and executing the event arrived at Waterloo Station and then moved across the city to help marshal the thousands of onlookers.

In the morning, the procession travelled from Buckingham Palace to the abbey in a journey lasting around 35 minutes. Charles and Camilla were in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, first used by Elizabeth in 2014 . The air-conditioned carriage, which weighs 3 metric tonnes (a little over 6,600 pounds) was pulled by six Windsor Grey horses, and is only ever used by the sovereign, occasionally alongside a visiting head of state.

Follow coronation ceremony live updates here

The gilded crown on the carriage roof was carved from oak from HMS Victory — Lord Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 — and a piece of the mathematician Isaac Newton’s apple tree inscribed with his initials.

The service

The two-hour service began at 11 a.m. (7 a.m. ET). It was a somber and symbolic ceremony, largely unchanged in a millennium, in which Charles took on the role of sovereign.

The traditional Anglican anthem “ I Was Glad ” was sung as he entered, a piece based on Psalm 122 that has been used at this moment in coronations since at least 1626.

The coronation was presided over by Justin Welby , the archbishop of Canterbury , whose role has remained unchanged since 1066. 

Welby delivered a liturgy , or sermon, in which he invited the millions of Britons watching to “make their homage, in heart and voice, to their undoubted King, defender of all.” 

The service for the first time included languages from around the U.K., including a prayer in Welsh and a hymn sung in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic. 

Two thousand guests packed the abbey, including first lady Jill Biden and Prince Harry , Charles’ younger son, who has an acrimonious relationship with his father and elder brother, Prince William , and the royal establishment. 

Charles was the 10th monarch to be crowned since America declared independence in 1776. No U.S. president has ever attended a British coronation, a tradition that continues.

The recognition and oath

After he entered the abbey, Welby called for recognition of the sovereign by the people — assembled dignitaries and senior royal household staff members then acclaim the king, pledging their homage, or loyalty.

Charles then took the coronation oath, a legal requirement since a law passed in 1689 compelled King William and Queen Mary to promise to maintain the Protestant faith. The same year, Parliament passed a law that bans any Catholic from taking the throne — a rule still in effect.

At Elizabeth’s coronation, the archbishop asked her whether she would govern the people of the U.K and the Commonwealth and uphold the Anglican faith. “All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised, I will perform, and keep. So help me God,” she replied.

The anointing

Then Charles was anointed, blessed and consecrated by Welby as he sat in the coronation chair, a relic first used in the coronation of King Edward II in 1308.

The process of anointing is inspired by the biblical anointing of King Solomon — it is a deeply religious moment, similar to a baptism. The oil was made with olives harvested from two groves from monasteries on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, where the Bible says Jesus prayed the day before his crucifixion.

But the moment was hidden from the millions watching around the world by a screen: Tradition holds that the only witnesses will be the king, the archbishop and God.

Charles took off his crimson robes and any jewelry and wore just a simple robe as the archbishop poured oil on his head, hands and chest. As he did this, Welby said: “So be you anointed, blessed and consecrated King over the Peoples, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern.”

Handel’s anthem “Zadok the Priest” played during the ancient ritual. Shakespeare referred to the symbolism of the process in “Richard II”: “Not all the water in the rough rude sea/Can wash the balm off from an anointed king.”

Not all monarchs revered it, however: Elizabeth I referred to the sacred oil as “grease” that “smelt ill,” according to George Gross , a theologian at King’s College London.

After Charles received the crown jewels, the orb and two scepters, Welby placed the St. Edward’s Crown on his head. The crown features a 4.9-pound solid gold frame complete with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, topazes and tourmaline gemstones. It was worn by Elizabeth during her coronation and has been refitted for her son.

At the end of the ceremony, Charles switched to the lighter Imperial State Crown for the procession back to the palace.

Gun salutes were fired from across Britain both at land and sea.

The reception

After the service, the procession took the king and queen back to Buckingham Palace in a different ceremonial carriage, the Gold State Coach, on the same route around Central London that Elizabeth’s body was taken during her funeral last year. 

Some 5,000 armed forces personnel from across Britain and the Commonwealth accompany the newly crowned king and queen. A further 1,200 members of the British armed forces will line the route, according to plans shared by Buckingham Palace and the British government.

The Gold State Coach, commissioned in 1760, was first used by George III to travel to the state opening of Parliament two years later. It weighs 4 metric tonnes (almost 9,000 pounds) and needs eight Windsor Grey horses to pull it, and it can manage no more than a walking pace.

Elizabeth used it on her coronation day in 1953. On that unseasonably cold June day, royal staff members strapped a hot water bottle under her seat. Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother, was not fond of the gold coach and did not use it in seven state openings of Parliament, the Royal Collection Trust said .

The balcony moment and flypast

Charles and Camilla headed to the Buckingham Palace garden for a reception.

They then appeared on the famous palace balcony alongside their pages of honor and other senior royals — including the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine and Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.

The final crescendo of the day’s pomp and circumstance was the six-minute flypast of more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Air Force, the British army and the Royal Navy, followed by the Royal Air Force’s aerobatics team, the Red Arrows.

Among the aircraft were planes that have delivered aid to Ukraine and policed NATO airspace, as well as Spitfires, the famous planes that flew in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Max Taylor is a senior desk editor for NBC News, based in London.

Timeline: King Charles Set to Resume Duties After Cancer Treatment

FILE PHOTO: Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla greet people after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Britain March 31, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/Pool/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles will return to public duties on April 30 following nearly three months of treatment for cancer, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

The positive news about the king's health comes after a tough start to 2024 for the royal family. Six weeks after the king's cancer diagnosis was revealed in February, his daughter-in-law Kate said she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Below is a timeline of recent events involving Britain's royal family, including the king's cancer diagnosis:

Kensington Palace says Kate, the Princess of Wales, has undergone successful abdominal surgery. On the same day Buckingham Palace says King Charles, 75, will undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

Prince William, the king's eldest son and heir to the throne, is pictured visiting his wife Kate, 42, at the private London Clinic.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and the ex-wife of Charles' brother Prince Andrew, says she been diagnosed with a malignant form of skin cancer - her second cancer diagnosis in a year.

Charles undergoes planned treatment to address an enlarged prostate. The king is admitted to the same hospital where Kate is still recovering from her surgery.

Both Charles and Kate return home from hospital.

Buckingham Palace says Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment.

Charles is seen in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. The king and his wife Queen Camilla take a helicopter to his Sandringham estate in rural eastern England.

William thanks the public for their messages of support for his wife and for his father.

Charles meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a weekly private audience. Charles says he has been reduced to tears by the messages of goodwill.

Several news agencies including Getty, Reuters, Associated Press and AFP withdraw a photograph of Kate and her children issued by Kensington Palace after analysis showed it did not meet their editorial standards.

The photograph was released alongside a message from Kate thanking the public for their support in her first public message since undergoing surgery.

It causes intense speculation about Kate on social media.

Kate issues an apology for "any confusion" caused by the edited photograph, saying "like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing".

Charles misses an event to mark 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth Day as he continued to undergo cancer treatment.

Kate says tests following the abdominal surgery she had in January found cancer had been present and she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Charles greets well-wishers in Windsor after attending an Easter church service, in his first appearance at a public royal event since his diagnosis was announced in February.

Buckingham Palace announces that Charles will return to public duties on April 30 when he will visit a cancer treatment centre.

(Reporting by Farouq Suleiman and Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James, William Schomberg and Gareth Jones)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Join the Conversation

Tags: cancer , United Kingdom , celebrities , Europe

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

Women, Money and Michael Cohen

Lauren Camera May 3, 2024

Lawmakers Ramp Up Response to Unrest

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton May 3, 2024

Job Growth Slows as Unemployment Rises

Tim Smart May 3, 2024

Did Hush Money Fuel Trump’s 2016 Win?

Lauren Camera May 2, 2024

Biden Condemns Unrest on Campuses

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton May 2, 2024

Four More Gag Order Violations

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

King Charles to Return to Public Duties as Palace Shares Major Update on His Health amid Cancer Treatment

The King, 75, will visit a cancer treatment center with Queen Camilla as the palace says he is "greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties"

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

King Charles is gearing up for a return to public-facing royal duties after revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.

Buckingham Palace shared an encouraging update about the monarch's health on April 26, announcing that King Charles, 75, will visit a cancer treatment center to meet medical specialists and patients with Queen Camilla , 76, on April 30. It's understood that the center has not been directly involved with the King's medical care.

The palace added that the outing will be the first of several engagements planned for the King in the coming weeks, including hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

After beginning cancer treatment, King Charles postponed public duties but continued to work behind the scenes and undertake meetings including small audiences at Buckingham Palace . However, a royal source previously told PEOPLE that the monarch's desire to work was "wholly undiminished" with his nephew Peter Phillips revealing in an interview that his uncle was "frustrated" by his limitations .

Buckingham Palace/PA Wire 

“He is always pushing, his staff and everybody and his doctors and nurses to be able to say, 'Actually, can I do this? Can I do that?' " Peter said. “So the overriding message would be that he's obviously very keen to get back to a form of normality. And he's probably frustrated that, recovery is taking a little longer than probably he would want it to."

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that King Charles' cancer treatment will continue, but "doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties."

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The King will continue all official state business and select audiences in addition to adding public outings to his agenda, but he will not have a full summer schedule, according to the palace. His appearance at Trooping the Colour , the annual celebration and parade marking the British monarch's birthday in London, on June 15 is still unconfirmed, in addition to other highlights on the royal calendar such as Royal Ascot in June and palace garden parties in May.

"Any public-facing engagements will be announced nearer the time in the usual way and will remain subject to doctors’ advice," the palace spokesperson said.

"His Majesty is greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise," the spokesperson added.

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty 

The latest health announcement was accompanied by a new portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla, taken to mark the first anniversary of the coronation approaching on May 6. The snap was taken in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on the morning of April 10, the day after the couple's 19th wedding anniversary , by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington.

Pilkington also got behind the camera last year to snap the official birthday pictures of Kate Middleton and Prince William 's three children, Prince George ,  Princess Charlotte  and  Prince Louis . She also snapped the image of the Prince of Wales surrounded by his sons and daughter that was released last year to celebrate Father's Day.

King Charles was most recently seen spending time with Queen Camilla in Scotland. On April 21, what would have been  Queen Elizabeth 's 98th birthday, the couple were photographed in a car after attending church at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle, where the royal family traditionally gathers in the summer months.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The sovereign  made his first major public appearance since his cancer revelation at Easter. After attending a church service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle with Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family, he greeted well-wishers outside by shaking hands and wishing them a happy holiday.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A royal source told PEOPLE last month that King Charles was " progressing well " in his cancer treatment and there is an "amplified confidence" amid the sophisticated treatment receiving.

"He is positive, the doctors are optimistic," the source said.

Related Articles

King Charles is back at work after cancer diagnosis. He looks good.

LONDON — King Charles III is back at work. It’s been three months since he told Britain he has cancer. He’s been getting treatment. He looked good.

His first outing in the public eye on Tuesday was a symbolic one, a visit to a cancer hospital in the capital, where he spoke with staff, marveled at the CT scanner and met with patients.

He took the stairs, not the elevator.

He sat with one woman, her head wrapped in a scarf, in a set of those plastic chairs they have in waiting rooms. She was attached to an IV drip. He held hands with another patient.

Charles was asked by a patient how he felt. “I’m all right, thanks. Not too bad,” the king replied, according to the royal press pool.

To another patient, Charles said, “It’s always a bit of a shock isn’t it, when they tell you.” He was talking about his own diagnosis.

Charles is the monarch, but he has entered another realm and is now a cancer patient as well. This has unnerved the nation, but the photos of him out again in public appeared welcome.

Yes, the king looked good.

Charles assumed the throne upon his mother’s death of “old age” in September 2022. She was 96. In March, the 42-year-old Catherine, Princess of Wales , wife to Prince William, heir to the throne, revealed that she, too, has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment.

The palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the king has, except to say it is not prostate cancer, nor has Buckingham Palace given information about his treatment, except to say he is still receiving it.

He and Queen Camilla arrived at University College Hospital via the Royal Bentley. Charles was dressed in a blue pinstripe suit, with a polka-dot tie and a blue pocket square.

He smiled — a lot.

British media splashed photos and video of the event because — to be honest — the big question is: How does the king look?

Charles is 75. Before his diagnosis, he was a remarkably fit man, a keen gardener who mostly avoids meat, enjoys fish and eats vegetarian one day a week. Unlike many members of his family, he never smoked.

Average life expectancy for a British male is 79 (for an American male, it’s just 73).

Charles waved to photographers outside the hospital, and then jammed his left hand into his coat pocket, a familiar pose.

He received warm applause when he arrived. Upon leaving, the couple were given bouquets.

It was announced that in addition to his other duties, Charles will now serve as patron of Cancer Research UK.

On Friday, the palace released a statement that the king’s treatment program will continue, “but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.”

It added, “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

In 2023, the Court Circular, a kind of diary, had Charles attending 425 royal engagements, both public and private, according to a count by the Daily Telegraph. In normal times, in the course of the year, there would be one or two state dinners for a visiting head of state, plus trips abroad.

Charles liked to attend international conferences, especially those to combat climate change. There are also frequent investitures — when a royal bestows an honor on a citizen, such as a knighthood — and there are many ribbon cuttings, appearances at cultural and sports events, and visits to tend to patronages.

Smiling King Charles visits cancer centre on his return to public duties

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Michael Holden Editing by William Schomberg and Christina Fincher

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Brazil rejects Vale, BHP settlement offer for Mariana disaster

Brazil and the state of Espirito Santo have rejected a proposal by miners Vale and BHP regarding reparations for the deadly 2015 Mariana tailings dam burst, the federal government said on Friday.

Debris from downed Russian drones struck civilian targets early on Saturday in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, injuring three people and sparking a fire in an office building, the regional governor said.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

King Charles gets sweet kiss and hug from Zara Tindall on surprise visit after return to public duty

After his big return to public-facing duties earlier this week following his cancer diagnosis, King Charles has today paid a surprise visit to an event taking part on his doorstep - the Royal Windsor Horse Show

• 11:53, 3 May 2024 Updated 14:30, 3 May 2024

King Charles has made a surprise visit to one of his late mother's favourite events - just days after returning to public duties - and got a warm kiss and cuddle from his niece Zara Tindall.

The monarch was spotted at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today, which is taking place close to his Windsor Castle residence. The annual event was one of the late Queen's favourites , with her attending almost every year since she was a young girl until her death in 2022. Today Charles beamed as he braved the wet weather to tour some of the showgrounds, where some of his horses in action.

Also attending the event today was Princess Anne's daughter Zara, a champion equestrian, who couldn't wait to greet her uncle the King and the pair were spotted having a sweet moment as they greeted each other warmly at the show.

The King met his niece overlooking the Royal Windsor Endurance course, in Windsor's Great Park, which takes riders along landmarks like the famous Long Walk. Among the royal group were Lord Soames, a long-time friend of the King, who served as his equerry when Charles was the Prince of Wales, comic Rory Bremner, former racing driver Jackie Stewart and ex-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace . Charles was also pictured chatting to Simon Brooks-Ward, director of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, who knew the late Queen well.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show has remained close to the hearts of the Royal Family , with the late Prince Philip regularly competing in the carriage driving categories until his retirement in 2003. More recently, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's daughter Lady Louise Windsor has competed at the event, with Edward and Sophie also in attendance at this year's show yesterday.

The King's surprise visit to event comes just days after spoke of his "shock" at being diagnosed with cancer as he met fellow patients on his return to public-facing duties. Charles candidly described the experience of being told he had the disease when he visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London, to learn about the latest treatments and chat to staff providing the pioneering care.

He also reassured those who asked about the state of his health, saying: "I'm well." The King, who looked relaxed and in good spirits, was joined on the visit by the Queen, and went on impromptu walkabouts, meeting staff who had stopped to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Charles sympathised with cancer patient Lesley Woodbridge as she underwent chemotherapy alongside many others in a day unit, telling the 63-year-old: "It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you?" He added: "I've got to have my treatment this afternoon as well."

The King has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February, and last Friday it was announced he would be returning to public-facing duties. The development indicated the positive progress he is making after almost three months of cancer care as an outpatient.

Sources have stressed that despite the welcome news the King will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease. The Palace spokesperson said "… His Majesty's medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery."

Charles's diary of events will not be a full summer programme, and attendance will be announced nearer the time and "subject to doctors' advice", with "adaptations made where necessary to minimise risk" to the King's recovery. It is understood the warmer weather would allow events to be staged outside and lessen the risk posed by other people that many cancer patients face.

The spokesperson added: "The pacing of the King's programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team."

Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox

King Charles III to return to public duties amid ongoing cancer treatment

Roll out the royal red carpet.

King Charles III is returning to his public duties after taking a step back from treatment  for an undisclosed form of cancer .

The British monarch will visit a cancer treatment center with his wife, Queen Camilla , on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace announced in a news release. There, the couple "will meet medical specialists and patients."

"As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year," the palace said.

Charles will continue treatment for an undetermined amount of time, but according to the palace, "doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties."

Despite not having a clear timeline on when Charles can conclude treatment, the palace said his medical team is "very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive" about his recovery.

King Charles thanks Commonwealth for 'thoughtful good wishes' amid cancer recovery

Will Charles return to a full schedule?

Charles' treatment center will "be the first in a number of external engagements" coming up, although his schedule won't immediately return to what it was before his diagnosis.

Outings "will remain subject to doctors' advice," but "it will not be a fullsummer program," the palace said.

Whether the pace of his duties increases is a decision for his medical team, and certain events will be "adapted where necessary to minimize any risks" to the king, the palace said.

Charles' first major event includes a state visit from Japan

Among one of the bigger anticipated events during Charles' recovery is a state visit from Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in June.

The Japanese royalty will be hosted at Buckingham Palace nearly four years after their planned visit in 2020 was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buckingham Palace announced Charles' cancer diagnosis in February

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Feb. 5 that Charles was diagnosed with "a form of cancer." Before the announcement he was hospitalized and underwent a procedure for  benign prostate enlargement in January, and the cancer was identified via diagnostic tests after a "separate issue of concern was noted."

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the palace said. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

His daughter-in-law Princess Kate has also been diagnosed with cancer and has been taking a break from public duties.

In a  video released by Kensington Palace  last month, Kate, 42, called her diagnosis a "huge shock" for her family, adding that she and  Prince William  have done "everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

Kate said it has "taken time" to explain her diagnosis to her and William's children and "to reassure them that I'm going to be OK."

The palace first announced in January that Kate had been admitted to the hospital for planned abdominal surgery.

In a statement at the time, the palace said Kate's surgery was successful but that "based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."