Britain’s largest ceremonial event in 70 years took place on Saturday with the anointing and crowning of King Charles III. The two-hour service, which dates back 1,000 years, saw the

Archbishop of Canterbury place the 360-year-old St Edward’s Crown on the king’s head as he sat on a 14th-century throne in Westminster Abbey. The congregation, including about 100 world leaders, then proclaimed, “God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the king live forever”. The event, only the second to be televised, was also notable for the crowning of Charles’ second wife Camilla, who became queen. The ceremony aimed to reflect a more diverse Britain and its religions.

The monarch’s supporters believe the royal family plays a vital role as an international draw, diplomatic tool and means of keeping Britain on the world stage. However, Saturday’s coronation took place amid public scepticism, particularly among the young, about the role and relevance of the monarchy, as well as a cost of living crisis. Tens of thousands of people braved pouring rain to line the route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace to watch the king and queen travel in the four-tonne Gold State Coach.