Charles issues new message to the nation: ‘We thank you, each and every one’ | UK News

The newly-crowned King and Queen have thanked the nation for a ‘special’ coronation weekend, paying tribute to all those who helped to make it a historic few days.

Charles and Camilla sent their ‘heartfelt thanks’ to the thousands of people across the country who made the coronation possible, in a moving statement to the country.

King Charles III became the country’s 40^th monarch when the St Edward’s crown was lowered onto his head inside Westminster Abbey in a ceremony full of pomp and grandeur on Saturday.

On a day that with more than a thousand years of history, Queen Camilla was also crowned and anointed alongside her husband as members of the Royal family all watched on from the rows of seats inside the Abbey.

The Mall in London was then lined by thousands of Royal fans who braved the rain, as the King and Queen made the short trip back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Carriage.

Parks were packed out and more than 18 million people tuned in to watch the coronation live across 11 different channels.

The royal couple later made their first appearance from the Buckingham Palace balcony and were met by a huge roar from the massive crowd outside the gates, with a flypast of Red Arrows painting the grey skies red, white, and blue.

The celebrations continued on Sunday as the country got out their bunting and Union Jack flags to take part in thousands of street parties up and down the land.

The Big Coronation Lunch held more than 65,000 street parties, and there were some extra special guests as the Long Walk in Windsor was lined with tables and chairs.

Prince William and Kate met with party-goers and children who enjoyed a packed lunch of sandwiches, scones and Coronation Quiche.

The sun was shining for the street parties, and the Prime Minister even held his own outside Downing Street, inviting the US First Lady Jill Biden for a cheese and pickle sarnie outside Number 10.

Along with his wife, Akshata Murty, the PM welcomed volunteers, award winners and Ukrainians who have come to the UK as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Recipients of the Points of Light Award, given to ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community, were also among the lucky few who got an invite.

Other guests include young people from UK Youth and the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs.

On Sunday evening Windsor Castle was once again the centre of attention and more than 20,000 people packed out the grounds to watch a star-studded concert with performances from Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Take That.

Prince William gave an emotional speech, and said ‘Pa, we are all so proud of you’ and said that his grandmother would be a ‘proud grandmother’.

The Prince of Wales took to the stage at the Coronation Concert after Lionel Richie – and couldn’t resist joking that, unlike the star, he wouldn’t go on ‘all night long’.

He also said the Queen was ‘keeping an eye on us’ as she watched down on her son following in her footsteps.

He said: ‘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.’

The highlights of the concert weren’t necessarily the music or the incredible drones that flew above the castle as the young Royals stole the show.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George had front-row seats for the spectacular gig, and their antics and animated behaviour kept the nation entertained.

To round off the coronation weekend millions of people got together to volunteer and take part in the Big Help Out today.

In what was seen as the lasting legacy of the crowning of Charles, groups across the UK donated their Bank Holiday Monday to help out in the community.

Although Charles and Camilla didn’t make an appearance, William and Kate, and their three children, Louis, 5, Charlotte, 8 and George, 9 all rolled up their sleeves at a Scout group in Slough.

The Royal family painted, decorated, and dug in honour of the King with dozens of other Scouts in their honorary neckerchiefs.

Prince William got behind the wheels of a digger, and president of the Scouts the Princess of Wales helped her youngest son as he enjoyed smores, and pushed a wheelbarrow to help out other kids.

But the day was rounded off with fun and games as the Wales’ all had a go at archery, with the competitive side of the younger Royals coming out as they took aim in Berkshire.

After a weekend that King Charles had waited all his life for he and his new Queen said they wanted to thank ‘each and every one’ who was involved in the proceedings.

In a statement released by the Palace the King and Queen said: ‘As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion.

‘We pay particular 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.

‘To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one.

‘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 rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.’

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