Entertainment Reporter.

Photo Credit: Tatler.

Moments before King Charles III's coronation service began at London's Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May, South Africa's Pretty Yende performed before guests in a history-making moment.

Yende performed Sacred Fire, composed by Sarah Class, as well as Oh, had I Jubal's lyre and Care selve.

Ahead of the coronation, Yende said in an interview, per Aljazeera: "I'm too excited to be nervous."

She added:"It's an incredible time of my life as a young girl, as a South African, as an artist, only joy floods my heart. For me, it's a soul's business. Whether you're a king, a princess or just a girl from the tip of Africa singing for the coronation of the king."

In Yende's South Africa, there have been calls for the UK to return the world’s largest diamond, known as the Star of Africa, which is set in Charles's royal sceptre. The diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and presented to the British monarchy two years later by the colonial government in the country, which was then under British rule.

Yende grew up singing gospel music in church in her hometown of Piet Retief in eastern South Africa.

Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.