Charles and Camilla let their hair down during the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle
The Prince of Wales declares that Queen Elizabeth would have been ‘a very proud mother’ as she watched Charles’s coronation from above.
King Charles and Queen Camilla let their hair down with some dance moves alongside their family during the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday night.
The stunning duo of Andrea Bocelli and Welsh singer Bryn Terfel, as well as Katy Perry, Lionel Ritchie and Take That electrified the 20,000 wellwishers, all crowded on the backyard of the 11th century castle with the stone ramparts forming a perfect backdrop to a stunning light display.
Host Hugh Bonneville joked the King had been preparing, with some gardening duties in the morning.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales were accompanied by Prince George and Princess Charlotte, their five-year-old brother Prince Louis stayed at home: the coronation day duties being more than enough for a busy weekend.
Prince William took the opportunity in a speech to “pa” to dedicate his life to service to the nation and the Commonwealth. It was an unusual pronouncement by William, which clearly sets out his path to become King in the years to come.
“A huge thank you to everyone for making this such a special evening. I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important. But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long,” William began.
Of his father, William said. “For over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.
“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 added: “As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future. And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a very proud mother.
“Your service inspires us. And tonight we celebrate you too. I commit myself to serve you all. King, Country and Commonwealth. God Save The King!”
The royals were delighted with a drone show which stole the show, showing various animals and flowers, reflecting the King’s passion for the environment.
For a monarch aged 74, the concert reflected Charles III’s take on modernity, as well as his various patronages.
Hugh Jackman also gave a video message commenting on King Charles’ thespian skills while Top Gun actor Tom Cruise said that the monarch could always be his wingman.
The concert started nearly half an hour late after police worked to avoid a potentially dangerous crush situation when thousands of people were funnelled into a single entry and exit point inside the concert area.
A 74-piece classical orchestra performed as well as The Coronation Choir, which consists of singers from different groups across the UK.
It went down well with the 20,000 guests from across the country all sitting around the Windsor Castle.
The castle - built by William the Conqueror - was the real star of the show, its stone ramparts glistening in the setting sun, a welcome respite from Saturday’s coronation drenching.
The coronation celebrations began with Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Andrea Bocelli and Sir Bryn Terfel, Classical-soul composer Alexis Ffrench (Freya Ridings had to pull out due to illness), pianist Lang Lang, Nicole Scherzinger, Bette Midler, Tiwa Savage, Steve Winwood and Pete Tong.
In a nod to the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee concert last year, there was a magnificent drone show which overshadowed the music.
For the very first time ever, The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Royal College of Music and The Royal College of Art joined forces for a one-off performance, featuring new Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa.
A 74-piece classical orchestra will perform as well as The Coronation Choir, which consists of singers from different groups across the UK.
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville hosted the event.
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