King and Queen ‘Deeply Touched’ By Coronation

[BBC] King Charles and Queen Camilla, crowned in a lavish, historic ceremony on Saturday, were “deeply touched” by the day’s events, Buckingham Palace said.

The royal couple were “profoundly grateful” to all who helped to make it “such a glorious occasion”, the palace said.

They also thanked the very many who turned out to show their support in London and further afield.

Millions around the world watched the Coronation, the first in 70 years.

In the UK alone, at least 18 million viewers tuned in, provisional figures suggest.

At Westminster Abbey, more than 2,000 guests including world leaders, fellow kings and queens, celebrities and community champions packed the pews to witness the crowning of a king.

Outside, thousands lined the Mall despite the rain to cheer the king as his horse-drawn carriage passed from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Later, the couple, still in their crowns, appeared on the palace balcony to wave to the rain-soaked public, keen to be part of a moment in Britain’s history.

Celebrations are continuing on Sunday with thousands of street parties and lunches planned ahead of a star-studded concert.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected to join a Coronation Big Lunch in Cranleigh, Surrey, while the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence will be at a community street party in Swindon.

The Duke of York’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will be in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, for a big lunch.

In a message posted on the Royal Family’s official Instagram account, the King and Queen said they hoped the day would be “truly enjoyable”.

Later at 20:00 BST, the Coronation Concert takes place at Windsor Castle and will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC Radio 2.

Big names include Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who were at Saturday’s Coronation, as well as Take That, Olly Murs and Paloma Faith.

There will also be musical favourites from a world-class orchestra and a joint performance from The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera House, the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal College of Music and The Royal College of Art.