Global Courant 2023-05-09 00:42:27
King Charles – Hugo Burnand/Royal House 2023/PA
The King has praised the public’s support, encouragement and kindness “the greatest possible coronation gift” when the first official portraits for the event were released.
His Majesty and the Queen rededicated their lives to public service as they wrapped up a three-day weekend of celebration.
In a privately written message to the nation, the king said: “We thank you, everyone.”
Four portraits of Charles III and Queen Camilla taken by photographer Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace after the coronation on Saturday, were released on this occasion.
In the first, the king is captured in his full regalia, wearing the Imperial State Crown and dressed in his regal purple tunic and Grandfather George VI’s mantle of estate, saved for the occasion.
He sits on a throne chair in the throne room, with the orb in his left hand and the scepter with cross in his right, the dark background adding gravitas and striking a relaxed but regal tone.
The throne is one of a pair of 1902 chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the coronation of King Edward VII.
The Queen is depicted in the Green Salon. She wears Queen Mary’s Crown, her hands are clasped and the long train of her embroidered mantle of estate is spread before her.
Queen Camilla – Hugo Burnand/Royal House 2023/PA
Created for the occasion, the rich purple velvet robe is embroidered with goldwork threads and intricately decorated with bees, a beetle and a myriad of flowers, based on the themes of nature and the environment.
It pays homage to the King by including delphiniums – one of his favorite flowers – while in memory of Elizabeth II it features the late Queen’s favorite flower, lily of the valley.
The Queen Mary’s Crown was made by Garrard’s for the coronation of George V in 1911 and set with 2,200 diamonds.
It originally contained the Koh-i-Noor diamond but to avoid controversy, this time it has been reset with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds in tribute to Elizabeth II, who often wore them as brooches.
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In a separate image, she is standing next to the king, wearing her Bruce Oldfield-designed ivory coronation gown. With a hint of a smile on his lips, the king seems relaxed and relieved that the day’s formalities are over.
King and Queen – Hugo Burnand/Royal House 2023/PA
Finally, all working members of the royal family are depicted together; The Majesties flanked by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra, who is supported by the Edinburghs.
The team photo shows all those who will support the king as he begins his reign. Between the ages of 40 and 86, the band of 12 will set the tone for the new Carolean era.
The number of working royals has declined in recent years due to the deaths of Prince Philip and Elizabeth II and the departures of the Duke of York and the Duke of Sussex.
By the time the portrait session had begun, Prince Harry was already on his way back home to California.
The group photo offers the first glimpse of the Princess of Wales’s Alexander McQueen gown in ivory silk crepe with embroidered motifs of roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks.
The images mark the moment for the history books, as does the photographer Cecil Beaton’s iconic portraits of Elizabeth II’s coronation did in 1953.
Queen Elizabeth – Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2023/PA
Mr. Burnand, 59, has been making royal portraits for over 20 years and was behind the lens for the official post-weddings of both the then Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Castle in 2005 and Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Buckingham Palace in 2011.
He told De Telegraaf it was a “family moment” and added to the portraits: “We keep it nice and tight and cosy.”
In his message, the king said: “As the coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped make this such a special occasion.
“We pay special tribute to the countless people who gave their time and dedication to ensure that the celebrations in London, Windsor and beyond were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.
“To those who have taken part in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and luncheons, or through volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one.”
He added: “Knowing that we have your support and encouragement, and witnessing your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest coronation gift possible as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”
The message was signed by Charles R.
Letter
The personal message marked the end of a weekend that mingled ancient ceremonial tradition with pomp and circumstance Pete Tong and Kermit the Frog.
The two-hour ceremony at Westminster Abbey was followed by the spectacle of a 4,000-strong procession and the King’s first appearance on the palace balcony as monarch.
the coronation concert, with an eclectic mix of Muppets, Shakespeare and pop music followed thousands of street parties and Big Lunch events.
Meanwhile, on Monday Prince Louis, five, took part in his first official royal engagement when he joined his family to support the Big Help Out volunteer initiative.
Prince Louis lends a hand – AFP
Both Charles and Camilla are said to be “extremely” tired after the long weekend, but “so proud of how it went.”
On Tuesday, the pair will travel to Sandringham in Norfolk for some rest and relaxation, having opted not to attend the second Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
