The Albany Gazette - UK coronation party draws to close with volunteer drive

After the pomp and majesty of Saturday's service, and the concert and street party fun of Sunday, Britons were urged to join in the "Big Help Out", billed as a lasting volunteering legacy to mark Charles's crowning.

The coalition of volunteer and faith groups organising the initiative hope that hundreds of thousands of people will join in, with more than 1,500 charities involved.

While Charles will take a break from the public glare on Monday, his son William will take part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre as part of the volunteer programme.

"While wholly supportive of the Big Help Out initiatives taking place right across Britain on Monday May 7, (the King and Queen) will not be attending any events in-person," Buckingham Palace said.

The king was the guest of honour at Sunday's star-studded concert, watched by 20,000 people at Windsor Castle and millions more across the country and world.

Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, watched on from a royal box in the grounds of the castle west of London, as Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and the British band Take That topped the bill of performers.

Screens erected nationwide broadcast the televised event -- featuring a 70-piece orchestra, choirs and several unique dramatic performances -- to communities, while organisers said it would also be seen in over 100 countries.

- 'Proud mother' -

Amid the music and video message tributes from an array of public figures, Prince William took to the stage to pay tribute to his father the day after he was formally crowned king.

Noting his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was "up there, fondly keeping an eye on us", William added she would be "a very proud mother".

"For over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations," the heir to the throne said.

"Pa, we are all so proud of you."

Charles's coronation Saturday as monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth countries was the first in Britain in seven decades.

The glittering Westminster Abbey ceremony, steeped in 1,000 years of tradition and ritual, was attended by global royalty and world leaders as well as hundreds of UK community and charity representatives.

Thanking all those involved, Buckingham Palace said Charles and Camilla had been "deeply touched" by it.

Monday has been declared a public holiday to mark the final day of celebrations -- meaning people could enjoy Sunday unencumbered.

Earlier Sunday, partygoers flocked to tens of thousands of street celebrations and "Big Lunch" events looking to bring modern Britain's communities closer.

More than 67,000 big lunches were planned, according to organisers Eden Project Communities, with Coronation Quiches -- the specially created, baked savoury tart featuring spinach, broad beans and tarragon -- encouraged.

The evening also featured "Lighting up the Nation", in which well-known locations across Britain were illuminated using projections, lasers and drone displays.

(H.Schneide--BBZ)