Why one '90s hit summed up the coronation concert best in fun-filled introduction to the new King

LONDON: British band Take That closed out the Coronation Concert with their '90s hit Never Forget and it perfectly summed up the mood on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle.

There was a mix of celebration, of nostalgia and of excitement as people danced through the performances in honour of King Charles' coronation.

There were nods to the late Queen Elizabeth – both in the drone show, similar to what we first saw at Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee concert, Platinum Party at the Palace, last year, as well as in Prince William's speech.

READ MORE: Andrew and ex-wife Fergie sit together at coronation concert

With the concert held at Windsor Castle, which sits beneath a flight path to Heathrow Airport, planes overhead wasn't an odd occurrence.

However, one appearing directly overhead as the Prince of Wales spoke of his late granny being "up there fondly keeping an eye on us" felt oddly, or serendipitously, timed (depending on how you look at it).

READ MORE: Royal grandkids look adorable at the coronation concert

The words of Take That's 1995 song include: "Been on this path of life for so long / Feel I've walked a thousand miles", which felt relevant to the King being the longest-serving heir-apparent in British history.

But one particular line – "someday soon this will all be someone else's dream" – reminds us this is all about the monarchy and not the monarch, with the line of succession firmly in view during the concert with Prince William and Prince George next to King Charles.

Although, for tonight, it was well and truly King Charles and Queen Camilla's night.

The 20,000-strong crowd roared on their arrival, waving flags and bursting into an unexpected three cheers for Their Majesties.

The duo engaged in the tributes to them on-stage but there was undeniably a "getting to know you" element to the concert.

Where Platinum Party at the Palace paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth's 70 years of service, this coronation concert was more about offering insights into the man who served as the Prince of Wales for over 64 years.

Even Aussies got in on the action. Hugh Jackman popping up to talk about the King's thespian side and the Australian arm of the Commonwealth virtual choir were part of the Higher Love performance by Steve Winwood, which had Princess Charlotte dancing in her seat.

But the only performer to really have the royal box all up and on their feet was Lionel Richie.

The first artist to perform two songs across the night (Katy Perry was the only other artist to perform two songs, while Take That performed three), his energy on stage had the crowd and the royals in the palm of his hand.

The crowd were also wowed by 13-year-old blind pianist Lucy, who is affiliated with one of Queen Camilla's charities, as well as Andrea Bocelli's duet of You'll Never Walk Alone with Sir Bryn Terfel.

The very first "royal collaboration" – bringing together the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal College of Music and Royal College of Art for a combined performance of a Romeo & Juliet scene, set to Somewhere from West Side Story – won over the audience as well.

As the concert came to an end with a big "goodnight" filling the screens around the stage, the crowd again went wild and waved their flags and light-up wrist bands at the King and Queen.

Their Majesties, who paused to acknowledge the crowds by waving their own flags back in return, clearly also took in the moment, the cheers and the celebrations that, for tonight at least, were all for them.

Watch the coronation concert in full on Channel 9 and 9Now.