On May 6th, 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Charles was crowned as King Charles III in a historic and symbolic ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The tradition-rich coronation event was attended by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who had arrived in London on May 3 upon King Charles III's invitation for a special visit until May 14.
The presence of the royal family, heads of state, government leaders, and dignitaries from around the world made London the centre of global attention. The event was broadcast live on television and social media, allowing the people of the United Kingdom and international viewers to witness the glorious coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which began at 11 am local time (6 pm Malaysia time) and was attended by about 2,000 specially invited guests.
Al-Sultan Abdullah wore the No. 1 military ceremonial uniform, while Tunku Azizah donned a stunning modern baju kurung in yellow. Her Majesty personally designed the outfit for the occasion, adding a special touch of elegance and tradition.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah are the first Malaysian heads of state to attend a UK Monarch's coronation ceremony.
The last time a similar ceremony was held was 70 years ago, at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as head of state of the UK, on June 2, 1953. At that time, Malaya (now Malaysia) was not yet independent, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Institution did not yet exist.
For King Charles III’s coronation, Malaysia is also represented in the massive ceremonial procession, which saw the participation of approximately 6,000 UK military personnel, including 400 military personnel from 38 Commonwealth countries.
Led by Major Nurul Fauzan Md Sabri, the soldiers, who arrived on April 27, have taken part in seven rehearsals in Oldham, Sandhurst and Pirbright, among others, and in an oversight rehearsal from Waterloo to Buckingham Palace.
"As representatives of the Malaysian armed forces, we feel very proud and privileged to be invited by the British government to represent our country in King Charles III's coronation parade," said Nurul Fauzan after a rehearsal at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey.
A Proud Son
The Prince of Wales has also paid tribute to his "Pa" King Charles the day after the Coronation, saying the late Queen Elizabeth II would be "a proud mother".
Addressing the crowds at Windsor Castle for the Coronation concert, William said his grandmother was "up there, fondly keeping an eye on us".
He said this weekend was "so important" because it was all about service.
Highlighting King Charles' achievements over the last 50 years, William said: "Pa, we are all so proud of you."
He said that after entering Westminster Abbey for Saturday's service, the first words spoken by his father were his pledge to continue to serve.
The prince praised the King for warning about damage to the environment "long before it was an everyday issue", and for his work with the Prince's Trust, the charity Charles set up which supports young people.
"Perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported," he said.
The prince gave his thanks to those who serve "in the forces, in classrooms, hospital wards and local communities" before offering his own vow of service.
He finished by saying "God save the King", which was repeated loudly by the crowd before the national anthem was sung.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, NST, mothership & various cross-references for context.
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