In Photos: Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Compared to King Charles III's
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A lot has changed in the 70 years that have elapsed since Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and King Charles III's coronation.
The late queen was crowned in a lavish ceremony in 1953. Extravagance reigned at her nearly three hour-long service, which was the first-ever to be televised and was subsequently watched by millions of people. Now, seven decades later, Queen Elizabeth's eldest child, Charles, has officially ascended the throne—and, while his own coronation certainly wasn't lacking in opulence, the ceremony took a slightly more modern approach. Guests generally dressed more casually than the attendees of Elizabeth's coronation, and the king made sure to prioritize sustainability while planning the event's different elements.
Buckingham Palace previously announced that the coronation service, which took place today at Westminster Abbey, would "reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry."
The ceremony was intentionally designed to weave in the king's lifelong passion for the environment, with decisions being made in the interest of sustainability. This includes the king and queen consort's reuse of their throne chairs and crowns, the invitations being printed on recycled paper, and thoughtfully crafted floral arrangements.
Ahead, see a comparison of Elizabeth and Charles's coronations through photos.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
Queen Elizabeth sits inside the Gold State Coach en route to Westminster Abbey.
King Charles, 2023
King Charles and Queen Camilla also ride the Gold State Coach, but traveled in it upon exiting Westminster Abbey.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
The queen enters Westminster Abbey wearing the Robe of State.
King Charles, 2023
Charles prepares to leave the abbey while cloaked in his Robe of Estate.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
A view of the procession during the queen's coronation.
King Charles, 2023
The same location, 70 years later.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
Queen Elizabeth sits in the Coronation Chair.
King Charles, 2023
Charles sits in the same seat after being crowned.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
The monarch sits on her throne after being crowned.
King Charles, 2023
Charles is seated in his throne after being crowned.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
The queen carries the Orb and Sceptre after her crowning.
King Charles, 2023
Charles carries the Orb and Sceptre while exiting Westminster Abbey.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
A then four-year-old Prince Charles appears bored during the ceremony, during which he sits between the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.
King Charles, 2023
Likewise, Prince Louis was photographed yawning throughout his grandfather's coronation.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
The queen and Prince Philip wave to onlookers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
King Charles, 2023
Charles and Camilla appear on the balcony.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
Other royals joined Elizabeth and Philip on the balcony, too.
King Charles, 2023
A photo showing the full balcony following Charles and Camilla's coronation.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
Female members of the royal family wore white dresses and tiaras for Elizabeth's coronation.
King Charles, 2023
Though Princess Kate did not wear a tiara, she did wear a silver Jess Collet x Alexander McQueen leaf embroidery headpiece and a white Alexander McQueen gown.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
Princess Margaret arrives for the coronation of her older sister.
King Charles, 2023
Princess Kate travels by coach following the coronation of Charles and Camilla.
Queen Elizabeth, 1953
Police contain a crowd of spectators.
King Charles, 2023
Crowds take photos during the procession of the king.
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