LONDON, May 8, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - People across Britain were on Monday asked to 
do their duty as the celebrations for King Charles III's coronation drew to a 
close with a massive volunteering 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.