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Prince William kneels to pledge allegiance to King Charles III in historic moment

Prince William has taken a knee to swear allegiance to his father, the first monarch to be crowned in Britain in decades.
The Prince of Wales and wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, flanked by two of their children, wore formal robes and mantels as the pomp and grandeur of King Charles III's coronation reverberated around Westminster Abbey on Saturday.
Kate paid tribute to William's mother, the late Princess Diana, and the late Queen Elizabeth II with two sentimental pieces of jewellery, while young Prince George and Charlotte were adorable in blue and white outfits to watch their grandfather's special moment.
LIVE UPDATES: King Charles' coronation
Prince William kisses his father King Charles III, during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey. (AP)
From left, 1st row, Britain's Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Kate, Princess of Wales and the Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey, London, Saturday May 6, 2023. (Yui Mok, Pool via AP)
Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Kate, Princess of Wales and the Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh at the coronation ceremony. (Yui Mok, Pool via AP)
Unlike his brother, Harry, William had a key role to play in the extravagant religious ceremony.
First, Archbishop Justin Welby placed the heavy St Edward's Crown on the head of Charles, who wore a single white glove as he clutched the Sceptre with Cross — complete with the controversial Star of Africa many want returned to South Africa — and Sceptre with Dove.
Then William stepped forward to kneel before his father, who became King when Queen Elizabeth II died last year.
"I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God," he recited, eyes to the right.
A solemn touch of the crown and a kiss on the cheek completed the historic moment.
King Charles III sits as he is crowned with St Edward's Crown by The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
King Charles III sits as he is crowned with St Edward's Crown by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during the coronation ceremony. (AP)
King Charles III receives the St Edward's Crown. (AP)
The Waleses' arrival had earlier caused some consternation, with royal expert Dickie Arbiter declaring they were running late.
"(I'm not sure) whether the Diamond Jubilee State Coach procession was a little bit faster than anticipated, and I think we will get that in the post-mortem afterwards," he said on the 9News special coverage.
"Meanwhile, it is a little bit of a wait for the King and Queen. 
"They can't go in before the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive because the King and Queen are the main act."
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. (Getty)
Britain's Prince George of Wales and King Charles III are seen before the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Jamie Lorriman/Pool Photo via AP)
Prince George of Wales and King Charles III are seen before the coronation. (Jamie Lorriman/Pool Photo via AP)
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales departs the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England.
The Princess of Wales departs the coronation. (Getty)
Arbiter suggested the tardiness could have been down to Prince George "throwing a wobbly, saying he doesn't want to be a page of honour".
"This is all pure speculation, but you have to be calm about these things.
"Nothing in this world is perfect. Everybody is in place except four key players."
A photo fit for a King: Royals release official coronation portraits
When they did arrive, all eyes were on Kate, resplendent in an ivory silk crepe Alexander McQueen dress.
She wore no tiara, at the request of the King and Queen, but donned pearl and diamond earrings belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales, and a statement diamond necklace that previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England.
Kate wore jewellery that belonged to Diana, the Princess of Wales. (Getty)
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England.
The Waleses arrive. Not pictured is George, who was a page of honour. (Getty)
There was no sign of problems with George as he and three other pages of honour helped carry the king's long train down the aisle of the abbey.
The royals' youngest son, five-year-old Louis, waved to the crowds upon arrival and was seen pointing with his sister but wasn't expected to stay for the whole two-hour ceremony.
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