Nation's support is 'greatest coronation gift,' says King

The nation’s support was “the greatest possible coronation gift,” the King has said.

As the weekend of festivities came to an end, the King issued a written message saying: “We thank you, each and every one.”

In the message, the King and Queen pledged to re-dedicate their lives to service.

The King, signing his message Charles R, said he and Camilla give “our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion”.

He added: “To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible coronation gift, as we now re-dedicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the realms and commonwealth.”

Official portraits of the King and Queen were released to round off the occasion.

The King was shown in his full regalia, wearing the imperial state crown, holding the orb and sceptre with cross, and dressed in his regal purple tunic and robe of estate.

He was seated in the throne room at Buckingham Palace on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the coronation of King Edward VII. The throne chairs were also used in the background of the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and by the King and Queen at Westminster Hall to receive addresses from the speakers of both Houses of Parliament last year.

The Queen was pictured alongside the King, but also in a solo portrait in the green drawing room of Buckingham Palace.

She wore Queen Mary’s crown, with the train of her lengthy embroidered robe of estate spread in front of her.

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The working Royal Family – the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Edinburghs, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra – were also featured in a photograph while stood with the King and Queen. The images were captured by Hugo Burnand.

Prince Harry and Prince Andrew did not feature in the picture as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.

Edward and Sophie were seen offering support to the late Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra, who was smiling, with both holding her by her arms.

Last year, it was reported that King Charles was expected to reveal a “slimmed down” monarchy with fewer working members.

However, last week Princess Anne said a slimmed-down monarchy “doesn’t sound like a good idea”.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Canadian channel CBC News, Princess Anne was asked about the idea of a slimmed-down monarchy and replied: “Well, I think the ‘slimmed-down’ [monarchy] was said in a day when there were a few more people around to make that seem like a justifiable comment.”

When it was put to her that the world changes, Anne said: “It changes a bit. I mean, it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.”

The King also paid tribute to the “countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible”.

Meanwhile, Princes Louis and George and Princess Charlotte joined volunteers around the country on the final day of coronation celebrations.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited a scout hut in Slough to help with renovations, with Prinecs Louis, in what is thought to be his first official royal engagement, and George using wheelbarrows and drilling walls.

The children also tried their hands at archery and later made s’mores around the fire pit with the scouts.

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