King Charles III is crowned in Westminster Abbey, amid pomp and pageantry

King Charles III, a man who waited almost 74 years to become King, was crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey with all the pomp and pageantry Britain could muster.

Shouts of "God save the King" rang out and trumpet blasts echoed in the abbey after Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed St. Edward's Crown on the monarch's head.

Charles had taken an oath to govern the people of the United Kingdom with "justice and mercy" and to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs can live freely. The oath was the second of five elements of the historic coronation rite that is rooted in more than 1,000 years of tradition.

The King said he was willing to take the oath, and after placing his hand on the Bible, he solemnly promised to do so. He later kissed the holy book.

Camilla, the Queen Consort, was then anointed and crowned with Queen Mary's Crown. Clergy handed her the Queen Consort's Sceptre with Cross, and the Queen Consort's Rod with Dove.

After the service, Charles switched to the lighter Imperial State Crown. The King and Queen rode in the Gold State Coach on their way back to Buckingham Palace — where they appeared with other members of the Royal Family on the balcony to wave at the crowd below and watch a flypast of military aircraft.

About 4,000 troops marched to the palace in the post-ceremony procession, making it Britain's biggest military parade in 70 years.

Westminster Abbey buzzed with excitement and was abloom with fragrant flowers and colourful hats as guests arrived two hours before the ceremony began.

Streaming into the abbey were celebrities such as Judi Dench, Emma Thompson and Lionel Richie, alongside politicians, judges in wigs, soldiers with gleaming medals attached to red tunics and members of the House of Lords in their red robes.

Dignitaries and world leaders in attendance included U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and eight current and former British prime ministers.

Tens of thousands of people amassed in central London in the rain, and loud cheers erupted among wellwishers lining The Mall, the grand avenue leading to the palace, as Charles and Camilla were seen waving from within their Bentley as their motorcade arrived at Buckingham Palace.

The couple then left the palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, and after a two-kilometre journey, arrived at Westminster Abbey, where they were crowned.

Heir to the throne Prince William, his wife, Kate, and their three children were all in attendance. William's younger brother Prince Harry, who has publicly sparred with the family, arrived alone. His wife Meghan and their children remained at home in California.

William's eldest son, Prince George, was one of four honour pages carrying the train of his grandfather's robe.