HELLO! Coronation Special

The eyes of the world were on London for the coronation of King Charles III and his devoted wife of 18 years Queen Camilla. Dignitaries and foreign royals flew in from around the globe to witness the ancient ritual that saw His Majesty become the 40th monarch to be crowned inside Westminster Abbey. Over these gorgeously illustrated 100 pages, we are proud to bring you the most comprehensive coverage of the historic events that took place on 6 May, from the arrival of the 2,300 guests to the magnificent scenes of pomp and ceremony for which the UK is justly celebrated. We take you through how the day unfolded – starting with the build-up of crowds who flocked to The Mall and crowded around the abbey, then exploring the ceremony…

One of the most charming images of the day was the arrival of the Prince and Princess of Wales in full regalia at the abbey, accompanied by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, both dressed immaculately for their grandparents’ big day. It was a picture of formality and tradition underpinned by family unity as the couple gave reassuring smiles to their eight-year-old daughter and five-year-old son. The Prince, who was to play a significant role in his father’s ceremony, was dressed in the deep-blue silk velvet Garter robe, under which he wore the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards in his capacity as Colonel of the regiment. Kate’s mini-me, Princess Charlotte, had been treated to an Alexander McQueen frock But it was his wife and daughter who drew the most…

Regal glamour reigned as royals from around the globe dressed in their finest to witness the coronation. Kings and Crown Princes arrived in military uniform proudly bearing medals, sashes and orders of chivalry, while Queens and Crown Princesses displayed their fashion prowess in colourful ensembles. Traditionally this ceremony has been seen as a ritual sacred to the monarch and the people, with no crowned heads from other countries present – only protectorate rulers such as Queen Salote of Tonga were at Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation. But setting a modern precedent, a roll call of royalty from far and wide came to honour the King, and the abbey was brimming with friends and relatives from around the world. IN THE PINK Leading the way, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of…

Many of the guests had close links to the King’s charities Stars from the worlds of TV, music and entertainment were among the guests at the coronation, with celebrities including US singers Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades and Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – aka presenters Ant and Dec – watching the historic event in the abbey. Also there were the Princess of Wales’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and Kate’s brother James and sister Pippa, along with the Queen’s children Laura Lopes and food writer Tom Parker Bowles. From the world of politics came former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May, Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brow, all bar Sir John with their partners. Actress Dame Emma Thompson waved…

As the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor greys, emerged through the Centre Gate of Buckingham Palace, thousands cheered in delight at the first glimpse of Their Majesties on their momentous journey to Westminster Abbey, with the King – seated beside his adored wife, the Queen Consort, who would return to the palace as Queen – about to fulfil a destiny that has been his since he was a young boy. Appearing to be quietly taking in every second of the King’s Procession, Charles and Camilla – wearing the royal Robes of State – smiled and waved to the excited crowds, aware that many had been waiting for hours, if not days. Not even the rain showers could dampen the spirits, as many enthusiastically waved their Union flags.…

Prince George rose to the occasion and fulfilled his task with aplomb The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry sounded a rousing fanfare to announce the arrival of Their Majesties at Westminster Abbey’s Great West Door, which was adorned with a majestic display of tall yew topiary and a meadow of the British wildflowers – cowslips, primroses and violets – so loved by the monarch and his wife. In accordance with tradition, they wore two different sets of coronation robes during the service – the Robes of State and the Robes of Estate – and the royal couple were resplendent in each. Draped elegantly over His Majesty’s ensemble, which featured his Royal Navy full ceremonial tailcoat, was the King’s crimson velvet Robe of State, which was worn by George VI…