Biden misses King Charles III’s coronation with world leaders.

Charles III Crowned King of the United Kingdom in Historic Ceremony

World leaders gathered at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday for the first coronation ceremony since 1953, as Charles III was crowned king of the United Kingdom. Notably absent was President Joe Biden, though first lady Jill Biden was in attendance.

A Promise to Serve

During the ceremony, the 74-year-old Charles promised to serve the British people and uphold the Church of England. His wife, Camilla, was also crowned queen in the historic ceremony.

“I come not to be served, but to serve,” Charles said before the archbishop of Canterbury put St. Edward’s Crown, made in 1661, on his head.

A Formal Confirmation of Charles’ Role

There was no legal requirement for the coronation, as Charles automatically became king when Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022. However, the ceremony still took place as a religious ritual and served as a formal confirmation of Charles’ role as head of state and titular head of the Church of England.

During the ceremony, Charles swore on a Bible the Accession Declaration Oath, a promise to maintain the Protestant claim to the throne.

Controversial Figures in Attendance

Prince William, son of Charles, pledged his loyalty during the ceremony, while controversial royal figures Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were also in attendance but did not have speaking roles.

A Historic Anointing

The oil used to anoint Charles was made with olives from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the place where Jesus Christ prayed before his crucifixion.

A Notable Absence

President Dwight Eisenhower did not attend Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, and President Joe Biden was also absent from Charles III’s coronation. However, many world leaders were in attendance, including first lady Jill Biden.

As Charles III begins his reign, the world watches to see what changes and continuity he will bring to the United Kingdom.