The King has thanked singers who performed at a coronation concert in his honour at Windsor Castle for a “great treat” as a long holiday weekend of celebrations draws to a close.
Amid pomp and pageantry, the King and Queen were crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday in Britain’s biggest ceremonial event in 70 years.
The palace released four official coronation portraits taken by renowned British photographer Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace.
The portraits include the King in full regalia in the Throne Room, the King and Queen together, and the couple flanked by “working royals”.
The King’s regalia includes the Robe of Estate and Imperial State Crown as he holds the Sovereign’s Orb and Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
Celebrations on Sunday culminated in the coronation concert featuring singers including Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, as the royals joined a 20,000-strong audience at Windsor, the King’s palace to the west of London.
In a surprise comedy sketch after the concert, the monarch and his wife interrupted Richie and Perry as they were relaying their experience of the weekend on TV show American Idol, on which the singers are judges.
The King asked Richie whether the singers would be there “all night long”, in reference to Richie’s hit song.
“I just wanted to check how long you’ll be using this room for?” asked a chuckling monarch.
“Thank you so much for your brilliant performance, and Katy, it was wonderful, it really was. A great treat to have you both here.”
After a weekend of street parties and celebrations, on Monday, a public holiday in Britain for the coronation, thousands of organisations are getting together for a volunteering program.
Members of the royal family, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the leader of the opposition are expected to volunteer at “The Big Help Out” events around the country.
Tweet from @AmericanIdol
The King posted a thank-you tweet to “all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion”.
“We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.
“To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one.
“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 Commonwealth.”
