The Coronation choir got the crowd on their feet, too

The 300 amateur singers from community choirs across the country who make up the newly formed Coronation choir came together to sing Emeli Sandé’s “Brighter Days”. Seeing them all signing out one of the final verses was genuinely heartwarming. Later on in the evening, the virtual Commonwealth choir also made an appearance, introduced by the luminous Sonam Kapoor.

Nicole Scherzinger paid tribute to a Disney princess

The Pussycat Dolls’s lead singer chose a Disney classic for her Coronation Concert performance: Lea Salonga’s “Reflection” from the original Mulan. Yes, you read that right.

Ncuti Gatwa and Mei Mac lit up the stage

The newly crowned Doctor Who and the magnetic star of My Neighbour Totoro joined forces for a sweeping tribute to Romeo & Juliet, with the support of five royal institutions: the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal College of Art, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Opera House, and the Royal Ballet. The pair’s performance of Act I Scene V was accompanied by magical light projections, a rendition of “Somewhere” from West Side Story and dancers including the ever graceful Francesca Hayward.

Prince William gave a surprisingly emotional speech

“I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important,” the Prince of Wales began, upon reaching the stage. “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 proud mother. For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: service. My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. Because 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, and those whose memory must not be neglected. Pa, we are all so proud of you.”

Katy Perry brought the house down

Is there anything more surreal than hearing Katy Perry croon “Do you ever feel like a plastic bag…” in a giant metallic ballgown with Windsor Castle looming behind her? The pop star who Prince William admitted to being most excited to see also performed “Roar” as a projection of a lion floated above the stage; caused the castle to be lit up in the colours of a rainbow when singing “after a hurricane comes a rainbow”; and told the audience: “I got to bring my mum! She’s so happy to be here! We get to stay at Windsor Castle!”

If the Coronation belonged to Prince Louis, the concert was Princess Charlotte’s

The youngest member of the Wales clan stole the show at the Coronation with his yawning, whispering and waving to the crowds, but the concert, sadly, was deemed past the five year old’s bedtime. Enter: his older sister Charlotte, who gamely sang along to “Roar”; grooved to Lionel Richie’s greatest hits; clapped through Take That’s set; and pointed proudly at her father when he took to the stage. Simply adorable.