…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
The King and Queen of England have expressed their gratitude to the nation for their support during the coronation celebrations, calling it “the greatest possible coronation gift”.
They have released official portraits to mark the end of the three-day event, which included traditional ceremonies and festivities.
King Charles III has pledged to continue a life of service and has thanked “countless people” for their tireless work in ensuring that the celebrations went smoothly.
The monarch was captured in his full regalia, wearing the Imperial State Crown, holding the Orb and Sceptre with Cross, and dressed in his regal purple tunic and Robe of Estate, seated on a Throne Chair in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.
Camilla, the Queen, was pictured alongside the King, and also in a solo portrait, wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, with the train of her lengthy embroidered Robe of Estate spread in front of her.
In addition to the King and Queen’s portraits, photographs were taken of the working royal family – the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Edinburghs, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters, and Princess Alexandra – standing with the King and Queen.
The photos were taken by Hugo Burnand, a former Tatler photographer who has previously taken official portraits for Charles and Camilla’s wedding in 2005, and for William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
In his statement, signed as Charles R, the King expressed his “sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion”.
He also paid 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”.
On the following day, the Prince Louis joined other members of the royal family in a volunteering initiative to mark the coronation.
The young Prince was seen shovelling dirt, pushing wheelbarrows, and operating a digger at a Scout Hut in Slough.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also participated in the volunteering day, helping at a puppy class for trainee Guide Dogs in Reading, while the Princess Royal attended a County Civic Service recognising local volunteers in Gloucester Cathedral.
However, some political groups and individuals, including Scotland’s First Minister, have criticised the cost of the coronation weekend, expected to be more than £100 million.
Humza Yousaf, the Scottish First Minister, expressed discomfort over the amount spent on the occasion during a cost-of-living crisis.
He hoped that the costs would be kept to a minimum, stating that “most people watching, whether they’re republicans or whether they’re monarchists, would want the costs kept to a minimum”.