Charles III has been crowned king in the country's biggest ceremonial event in seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years - but adapted to reflect 21st-century Britain.
First British king since 1937
King Charles III's coronation - the first of a British king since 1937 - is the religious confirmation of his accession after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September.
Windsor Grey horses
King Charles and wife Camilla had left for the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor Grey horses, and escorted by members of the king's bodyguard, the Household Cavalry.
Camilla will be crowned separately
The coronation is being attended by just 2,000 people - a fraction of the more than 8,000 guests who crammed into Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth II's crowning in 1953. Camilla will be crowned separately in a similar but simpler ceremony.
Oldest British monarch to be crowned
King Charles has become the oldest British monarch to have the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown placed on his head as he sits upon a 14th century throne at Abbey.
It is a Christian service
It is a Christian service, but leaders of Britain's non-Christian faiths and its Celtic languages are playing a prominent role. Charles's grandson Prince George and the grandchildren of Camilla are also playing official roles at the grand ceremony.
Sunak to give Bible a reading
Rishi Sunak, Britain's Prime Minister and a practising Hindu made history by giving a reading from the Bible as the head of the UK government. He described the coronation as "a proud expression of UK history, culture and traditions".
A smaller scale event
The event has a smaller scale than that staged for Queen Elizabeth in 1953, but still aim to be spectacular, featuring an array of historical regalia from golden orbs and bejewelled swords to a sceptre holding the world's largest colourless cut diamond.
Princes Harry, Andrew will attend
Princes Harry and Andrew both attended the coronation of King Charles III, but had no formal role in proceedings -- confirming they remain out in the cold.
The pair was also absent from the public procession behind the Gold State Coach carrying the newly crowned king from the Abbey back to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony.
Coronation Procession
After the service, the king and queen will return to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach in a larger ceremonial "Coronation Procession". They will be joined by other members of the royal family and some 4,000 British and Commonwealth troops in full regalia.
Concert at Windsor Castle
After returning to Buckingham Palace, the couple and other British royals will make a traditional appearance on the balcony, with a fly-past by military aircraft. The coronation is the centrepiece of three days of events, including a concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday evening.
