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Thai King Vajiralongkorn: Coronation in pictures

An elaborate three-day coronation ceremony in under way in Thailand, sealing the accession of King Vajiralongkorn to the throne.

AFP Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun during the royal purification ablution at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, 04 May 2019.AFP

Saturday's rituals gave him divine authority. He began the day by receiving sacred water in a purification bath at a veranda in the Grand Palace.

Reuters King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida during his coronationReuters

Thailand also celebrates a new queen. Queen Suthida is the king's long-time partner, whom he married two days before the coronation.

EPA Thai well-wishers watch coronation ceremony of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn n a screenEPA

It is the first time most Thais have witnessed the pomp of a coronation - the last one was in 1950 for the king's revered father Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Reuters Royal Guards march during the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, 4 MayReuters
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Guards marched outside the Royal Palace.

EPA Thai Royal guards march during the coronation of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun outside the Grand PalaceEPA
EPA Thai royal guards fire an artillery gun salute during the coronation ceremony of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 04 May 2019EPA

The sounds of a gun salute echoed outside.

EPA Thai royal guards fire an artillery gun salute during the coronation ceremony of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 04 May 2019EPA
Getty Images Volunteers watch the crowning of King Maha Vajiralongkorn during the Royal Coronation,Getty Images

The moment the king placed the Great Crown of Victory on his head was watched on a big screen by those who had gathered nearby.

EPA Thai man with a young child holds a portrait of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun during the coronation ceremony on a large screen outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, 04 May 2019EPA

Some held portraits of the monarch, who takes the title of Rama X. On Sunday a major procession will take place on the streets of Bangkok.

Reuters Thai navy members take part in a water procession for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as they sail down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, 4 May 2019Reuters

Royal Thai Navy oarsmen steered the royal barge on the Chao Phraya River towards the Grand Palace.