Key timings you need to know for the coronation this weekend
Ever since King Charles III's coronation date was locked in for 6 May, there's been plenty of momentum building (especially since it was also announced that there'd be an extra bank holiday in the mix too). But what are the timings for the coronation's order of service? When will you need to tune in to watch the King's procession begin? And what time are the Royal Family set to wave to crowds from the balcony?
We've broken down the running order for the coronation weekend below, to ensure you never miss a moment...
Timings for the coronation (Saturday 6 May 2023)
6am: Things will be kicking off nice and early, as viewing areas along the central London procession route will be open from 6am. It's anticipated that thousands will line the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, on this symbolic and momentous day in history.
7.15 to 8.30am: Those lucky enough to be on the 2,000-strong guestlist (which includes Jill Biden, several former Prime Ministers, the Beckhams, Joanna Lumley and plenty of other notable names) will begin to arrive at security check points in Victoria Tower Gardens, ahead of the Westminster Abbey service. Members of the public are also invited.
9am to 10:45am: With security checks passed, the guests will begin to be seated in the Abbey.
9.45am: Whilst guests are finding their seats, down the road in Buckingham Palace, around 200 members of The Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry will begin to gather ahead of the procession to the Abbey.
10.20am: Things are hotting up! The King and Queen Consort's procession, past huge crowds, will set off from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. It's predicted to take just over half an hour and spans 1.42 miles.
Charles and Camilla are set to be making the journey in the Diamond Jubilee Coach, which has all the mod-cons such as shock absorbers and air con (ideal if it ends up being a warm day).
10.53am: The King and Queen Consort will touch down at Westminster Abbey.
11am: Charles and Camilla will enter the Abbey through the Great West Door, and so... the service begins.
12pm: God save the King! This is the point at which Charles III is officially crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will place the St Edward's Crown on the new monarch's head. Cue: trumpets and gun salutes all around the UK.
1pm: With the formal service over, the newly-crowned King and his Queen Consort will begin to make their way back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach. It's believed that other members of the Royal Family, such as Prince William (the heir to the throne), will join them, along with 4,000 sailors, soldiers, aviators and other military personnel.
1:33pm: If all has run smoothly, Charles and Camilla will enter Buckingham Palace through the Centre Arch at approximately 1:33pm.
1.45pm: The King and Queen Consort shall receive salute from military gathered in the Palace grounds.
2:15pm: It's time for a biggie! Members of the Royal Family, likely including the Princess of Wales, Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – and possibly Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – will gather with the King and Queen Consort to greet crowds and view the flypast.
Still not done with coronation fun? Us neither – and the same goes for the royals, it would seem, as there's more celebrations to be had the following day.
What's happening the day after the coronation? (Sunday 7 May 2023)
12pm: In line with the King's passion for strengthening communities, thousands of Coronation Big Lunch events are set to commence around the country, bringing neighbours together. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, will be hosting his own at Downing Street.
3pm: Gates will open at Windsor Castle for those lucky enough to have tickets to the Coronation Concert, which will see the likes of Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That (minus Robbie Williams and Jason Orange) and Andrea Bocelli perform.
7pm: The concert commences and 20,000 people will get their groove on! It will also be broadcast live on BBC One and be available to watch later on BBC iPlayer.
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