In Westminster Abbey, a historic ceremony took place where William III of Orange and his wife Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs of Great Britain. This moment was a culmination of the Glorious Revolution, which sought to dethrone King James II due to his Catholicism and perceived tyranny. The establishment of William and Mary as sovereigns symbolized a constitutional monarchy where Parliament had significant authority, marking a transition from absolute rule to a system that emphasized parliamentary power. Their acceptance by the Scottish Parliament on the same day reinforced the unity of England and Scotland under their reign.

The dual monarchy was particularly significant as it represented not only a compromise after a turbulent period in British history but also aimed to stabilize the country by ensuring that the Protestant faith would continue as the state religion, which was a main concern for many in Britain at the time. The coronation oath included a pledge to govern according to the law and uphold the rights of Parliament, further embedding the principles of constitutional governance into British political culture. The dual rule of William and Mary was characterized by shared responsibilities where both played crucial roles in governance, although their powers were not equal, with Mary often being overshadowed by her husband.

With this coronation, the couple sought to affirm their legitimacy and consolidate their power. The grand ceremony was attended by the nobility and marked a new beginning for the British monarchy, now rooted in the principles of constitutionalism rather than divine right. While the event itself was celebrated, it also illustrated the ongoing tensions in British politics, influencing future governance and royal authority. The coronation paved the way for future monarchs, who would also have to navigate the relationship between the crown and Parliament carefully.