Coronation – live: Police arrest 52 people as King and Queen crowned in historic ceremony
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The Metropolitan Police have come in for heavy criticism after officers made 52 arrests as Britain crowned its first new monarch of the 21st century.
King Charles III swore an oath of duty to serve, seven months after the death of his mother. His wife Camilla was crowned Queen in an event that could barely have been imagined a decade ago.
Across the UK, cheers, bells and gun salutes marked the historic moment, as a modernised version of the traditional ceremony took place.
The King and Queen set the seal on their coronation day by twice appearing on Buckingham Palace’s balcony in lavish robes.
Prince Harry began making his way back to the US just minutes after the ceremony, and did not join his family at the palace, it was reported.
Rain fell persistently, just as in 1953 when the Queen was crowned, which meant the armed forces flypast was scaled down.
Campaign groups described detentions during republican protests as “incredibly alarming”.
Protesters from the anti-monarchy group, including its chief executive Graham Smith, were apprehended, as well as demonstrators from Just Stop Oil and Animal Rising.
Police said they understood public concern.
Coronation news – latest updates
King and Queen appear on balcony during flypast
Charles is crowned in historic coronation
Louis steals show as he fidgets and yawns during coronation
Prince George pictured as King Charles’s page boy
Prince Harry arrives alone at Westminster Abbey
Prince Andrew booed as he arrives at The Mall
Three cheers for King at Buckingham Palace
Head of anti-monarch group Republic among protesters arrested
The day that belonged to Charles and Camilla
20:00 , Jane Dalton
Britain crowned its first new monarch of the 21st century on Saturday as King Charles III swore an oath of duty – “not to be served, but to serve” – seven months after the death of his mother. Report by Alastair Jamieson:
Britain enters new era as King Charles and Queen Camilla are crowned
New King and Queen: official photos
19:45 , Jane Dalton
Images released by Buckingham Palace show the King and Queen watch the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace:
Braverman thanks police
19:29 , Jane Dalton
Home Secretary Suella Braverman thanked the police for their “hard work” amid criticism of the arrest of protesters.
She said: “I’d like to thank the police for all their hard work at today’s celebration to ensure it was safe and passed without incident.
“It was a magnificent procession and ceremony enjoyed by tens of thousands of people in London. It was a great tribute to our country and monarchy.”
Watch: Six blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments
19:15 , Jane Dalton
Police ‘understand concern’ over arrests
19:00 , Jane Dalton
Police have said they “understand public concern” after officers made 52 arrests.
Commander Karen Findlay, who led the policing operation, said: “Protest is lawful and it can be disruptive.
“We have a duty to intervene when protest becomes criminal and may cause serious disruption.”
Commander Findlay added: “This depends on the context.
“The coronation is a once-in-a-generation event and that is a key consideration in our assessment.
“A protest involving large numbers has gone ahead today with police knowledge and no intervention.”
Human Rights Watch labelled the arrests “incredibly alarming”, adding: “This is something you would expect to see in Moscow, not London.”
Outside London, hundreds of people joined a march through Cardiff city centre in protest against the monarchy as the King was crowned.
Demonstrators shouted “Down with the Crown, not my King” and “God save the poor”.
Nick Wall, member of campaign group Republic and chairman of the Labour For Republic organisation, addressed crowds at a Not My King rally in Cardiff, where he called the arrests of protesters in London “disgraceful”.
On Wednesday, the Met said it would have an “extremely low threshold” for protests during the celebrations, and that demonstrators could expect “swift action”.
Dozens of arrests ‘alarming'
18:49 , Jane Dalton
The Metropolitan Police came in for heavy criticism after officers made 52 arrests on coronation day, including for alleged affray, public nuisance and breach-of-the-peace offences.
Campaign groups described detentions during republican protests as “incredibly alarming”.
Protesters from the anti-monarchy group, including its chief executive Graham Smith, were apprehended during the day - as well as demonstrators from Just Stop Oil and Animal Rising.
The Met said it received information that protesters were “determined to disrupt” the coronation, including defacing public monuments with paint, breaching barriers and disrupting official movements.
But campaigners said the protests were peaceful, describing the arrests as “a dangerous precedent for us as a democratic nation”.
The force confirmed reports from Just Stop Oil that 13 demonstrators were detained on the Mall and six public nuisance arrests on St Martin’s Lane following protests from Republic.
Footage from the Mall showed the Just Stop Oil protesters being handcuffed and taken away by a heavy police presence.
Animal Rising said a number of supporters were apprehended while at a training session “miles away from the coronation“.
Spokesman Nathan McGovern described the arrests as “nothing short of a totalitarian crackdown on free speech and all forms of dissent”.
Spooked horse crashes into barrier behind King's carriage
18:25 , Jane Dalton
Sand patches mystery solved
18:01 , Jane Dalton
Westminster Council cleared up the mystery surrounding patches of sand that lined the procession route.
A spokesman said they were covering drain and inspection covers to help the horses.
The council said it does this for other road surfaces too, such as inclines or sharp turns.
Theories abounded about the mysterious yellow sand patches - including that it could have been an effort to smooth out potholes for the King’s carriage.
Anti-monarchists protest in Scotland
17:30 , Jane Dalton
Hundreds of people gathered on Calton Hill in Edinburgh for an anti-monarchy rally organised by Our Republic.
Some waved Saltire flags, while others wore them as cloaks, and held signs with slogans such as “Not our King” and “down with the crown”.
Speakers included Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater, who is a Scottish Government minister.
She said: “When it comes to the monarchy, Scotland says no.
“Let’s do better, let’s build a better, brighter democratic future in an independent Scottish republic.”
Onlooker recalls Queen’s funeral
17:15 , Jane Dalton
Linda Old went to see Buckingham Palace after watching the coronation in Hyde Park.
She told the PA news agency that the ceremony brought back memories of other royal events, most recently the Queen’s funeral when she camped overnight to see the late Queen lying in state.
Ms Old, from Islington, north London, said: “It has been very well organised. I was emotional watching it.
“I’ve come with my family. Just being here with everybody is special. We all stood up for ‘God Save the King’. It’s special, there’s a lot of memories.”
Royal fans from as far as Australia among crowds
16:58 , Jane Dalton
Huge crowds flocked to London and braved the rain to celebrate the coronation - with some royal fans travelling from as far as Australia:
Royal fans from as far as Australia among huge crowds to celebrate King’s coronation
Just Stop Oil supporters arrested
16:40 , Jane Dalton
Eco protest group Just Stop Oil said around 20 of its supporters were arrested for wearing Just Stop Oil T-shirts on Saturday morning.
“No disruptive action was planned, the supporters were not intending to jump the barrier, merely reveal their T-shirts and hold flags emblazoned with ‘Just Stop Oil’,” the group said.
“What a dystopian nightmare this country has become.”
Historian hails ‘echoes of mediaeval age with modern diversity’
16:25 , Jane Dalton
Historian David Olusoga said the coronation was a “huge effort to show the diversity of faith within Britain”.
He told BBC News: “Today we’ve been reminded of the deep religious history of the country,” adding the ceremony had “echoes of the mediaeval age”.
“That sense of continuity, that sense of tradition, as a historian is absolutely fascinating.
“It’s done now, a new reign formally begins,” he continued.
“I think what you saw today was a strong representation and a huge effort to show the diversity of faith within Britain, one of the things that’s very different between the Britain of today and the Britain of 1953.
“I think it’s more difficult with a thousand-year-old ceremony to retroflect the fact we are one of the more secular nations in the world.”
‘Fantastic’, say Ant and Dec
16:08 , Jane Dalton
Ant and Dec have spoken about how “fantastic” it was to witness the coronation in Westminster Abbey.
“The view was very good by the way, we were here, and then there was only one row, then he (the King) walked past, they all walked past,” presenter Anthony McPartlin told ITV News as he left Westminster Abbey.
McPartlin said that the most amazing moment of the ceremony was “when the crown went on”.
“The crowning, the whole thing, just a fantastic day,” added Declan Donnelly.
Watch: Penny Mordaunt steals the show as she leads King Charles out of Westminster Abbey
15:48 , Thomas Kingsley
Who were the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the King’s coronation?
15:46 , Thomas Kingsley
The King and Queen Consort each have four Pages of Honour supporting them on the day of the coronation – schoolboys who are family friends or close relatives.
Prominent among them is Charles’s eldest grandson Prince George, the nine-year-old future monarch, as well as Camilla’s three grandsons.
The Queen Consort will also have two Ladies in Attendance – her sister Annabel Elliot and her trusted friend the Marchioness of Lansdowne – whose roles will be to support her through elements of the service.
Read the full story below:
Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the King’s Coronation
Royal fans notice ‘sand filled pot-holes’ along procession route
15:28 , Thomas Kingsley
Eagle-eyed royal fans have noticed small patches of sand along the procession route today.
Some online have suggested, likely correctly, that the patches are sand filled pot-holes which have were temporarily fixed to avoid disruptions in the procession route.
King’s coronation showed ‘diversity of faith’ in Britain
15:22 , Thomas Kingsley
Historian David Olusoga said the King's coronation was a “huge effort to show the diversity of faith within Britain”.
He told BBC news: “Today we've been reminded of the deep religious history of the country,” adding the ceremony had “echoes of the mediaeval age”.
“That sense of continuity, that sense of tradition, as a historian is absolutely fascinating.
“It's done now, a new reign formally begins,” he continued.
“I think what you saw today was a strong representation and a huge effort to show the diversity of faith within Britain, one of the things that's very different between the Britain of today and the Britain of 1953.
“I think it's more difficult with a thousand-year-old ceremony to retroflect the fact we are one of the more secular nations in the world.”
Watch: Moment crowd rushes forwards to get place in front of Buckingham Palace
15:11 , Thomas Kingsley
What’s going on with the protesters?
15:01 , Thomas Kingsley
Harry Stratton, 30, a protester, told The Independent: “We're here today because we're demonstrating against the coronation. I just think it's crazy that they're spending all this money on a parade when there are homeless people sitting on the steps of Westminster Abbey right now.
“This morning, they've (the police) already arrested six main organisers. Yeah, and seized our placards. So they won't tell us why they arrested them they won't tell us where they're taking them.”
A republican protest in Trafalgar Square is being held but mainly away from the procession route.
Earlier on Saturday, demonstrators from campaign group Republic protested close to the route on the Embankment side but that has been blocked off and supporters are now in front of the National Gallery in the square.
One demonstrator claimed police had told them the Embankment side was blocked for anti-terror purposes.
Hundreds gathered in the heavy rain and shouted chants of "down with the coronation", "down with the Crown", "don't talk to the police" and "get a real job".
14:54 , Thomas Kingsley
A member of the clergy admitted there were “one or two” hiccups during the service.
Speaking outside St Margaret's Church next to Westminster Abbey, the Bishop of Chelmsford Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, 56, said: “There were one or two things that didn't go strictly to plan.”
Pushed for details, the bishop said: “I'm not going to embarrass anyone in particular.”
Dr Francis-Dehqani carried the King's Chalice and gave the King and Queen communion during the service.
She said: “The most special moment for me was receiving communion and taking the chalice to the King and Queen.
“I lost count of how many times I practised that.
“I didn't drop it, thankfully, and I handed it back to the people who look after it.”
The Queen shares a joke with the King on the balcony
14:51 , Thomas Kingsley
On the Buckingham Palace balcony, the Queen smiled as she appeared to speak to the King about the wet weather, raising her outstretched palm towards the sky.
The Princess of Wales placed a reassuring hand on her son Prince Louis’ shoulder when they joined the King and Queen on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
While Prince George stood with the King’s other pages of honour, Louis and his sister Princess Charlotte joined their parents.
Kate, with some help from the Duchess of Edinburgh, encouraged Louis and Charlotte to move to their left to stand in front of her.
Royal fans overwhelmed by excitement of the day
14:45 , Thomas Kingsley
Michelle Roycroft, from London, was one of the first people to make it to the railings in front of Buckingham Palace ahead of the balcony appearance from the royal family.
“I'm absolutely blown away. So excited,” she said.
Ms Roycroft had been waiting since 7am and said standing in the rain was fine.
“It didn't matter at all,” she said.
Speaking about her experience of watching the balcony moment and the flypast, she said: “Absolutely made my day.
“The most memorable, magical day.”
In pictures: The royal family appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony
14:42 , Thomas Kingsley
False alarm! The King and Queen have returned to the balcony
14:39 , Thomas Kingsley
After leaving the balcony with the royal family a few moments ago, the King and Queen have returned to again wave goodbye to cheering crowds. The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York were not present for any of the balcony appearances.
Will the King and Queen be out for a third appearance?
The King waves goodbye to crowds as he leaves the balcony
14:37 , Thomas Kingsley
The King and Queen were joined by other members of the Royal Family to view a military flypast over The Mall in Central London that signalled the end of the day's proceedings.
Originally intended to be made up of more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the flypast was scaled down to include only helicopters and the Red Arrows due to the poor weather.
Many members of the family looked up and pointed at the aircraft while the King and Queen looked ahead to ensure nothing happened to their crowns.
The flypast lasted for two minutes and thirty seconds rather than the scheduled six minutes.
At least 10 helicopters took part in the flypast alongside a Red Arrows squad of nine Hawk jet.
The coronation flypast has begun
14:31 , Thomas Kingsley
Charles and Camilla in lavish robes and wearing their crowns returned with a wave the cheers of the crowds, who filled The Mall after braving downpours to see a colourful ceremonial military procession not seen for 70 years.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis joined the monarch as did the pages of honour.
The royals are expected to watch a flypast from the balcony, which has been scaled down due to "unsuitable weather conditions".
The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony
14:28 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles and Queen Camilla have appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony ahead of the coronation flypast.
The pair are waving at the crowds of thousands alongside other members of the royal family including Prince Wales and the Princess of Wales.
Royal fans burst into The Mall as police open barriers
14:25 , Thomas Kingsley
Police opened barriers guarding The Mall allowing fans to line the road leading up to Buckingham Palace in an epic display.
Thousands of fans, young and old, are waving Union Jack flags and pushing to get the closest view of Buckingham Palace to see royal family when they come onto the balcony in a few minutes.
More from royal fans camping in central London
14:22 , Thomas Kingsley
Helen Harbinson (right), Isabella Harbinson (second from left), Marie Greenwood (left) and Hannah Greenwod (second from right) said they set off from Essex at 7.30am in a bid to see the procession, but were not able to do so and ended up in Hyde Park.
“We ended up here because all the other parks closed,”
The group added that they were disappointed to not see the procession after setting out so early.
Watch live: Red arrows to flypast Buckingham Palace
14:18 , Thomas Kingsley
Live: King Charles and Queen Camilla watch flypast from Buckingham Palace balcony with royal family
Coronation military flypast over Buckingham Palace scaled back due to bad weather
14:15 , Thomas Kingsley
The military flypast over Buckingham Palace to mark the coronation of the King and Queen has been scaled down because of the weather and will now be formed of helicopters and The Red Arrows, the Ministry of Defence has said.
More than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – including the Arrows – had been scheduled to fly over Buckingham Palace at around 2.30pm.
However, the poor weather conditions meant the Arrows would “wait until the last minute” to decide whether the Buckingham Palace display can go ahead amidst weather concerns.
Read the full story below:
Coronation military flypast over Buckingham Palace scaled back due to bad weather
Three cheers for King at palace
14:00 , Jane Dalton
The King and Queen have appeared on the West Terrace of Buckingham Palace before personnel gave a royal salute.
The royal salute order was given by Lieutenant Colonel James Coleby, who commanded personnel in the garden.
Personnel then gave three cheers for the King before the Massed Bands of the armed forces, directed by Lieutenant Colonel Dave Barringer, played the National Anthem.
The Garrison Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Vern Stokes, then gave personnel the order to remove headdress.
The kiss of succession
13:52 , Jane Dalton
Watch the moving moment Prince William kneels and pays homage to King Charles:
The kiss of succession: Moving moment Prince William pays homage to King Charles
Red Arrows flypast: Route and main towns planes are set to pass over
13:51 , Jane Dalton
More than 60 planes are set to fly above Buckingham Palace this afternoon:
What time is the coronation flypast?
In pictures: the Duke of Sussex
13:49 , Jane Dalton
Princess of Wales
13:31 , Jane Dalton
Watch the moment King Charles is crowned
13:26 , Jane Dalton
Coronation: Watch the moment King Charles is crowned
In pictures: the crowns
13:23 , Jane Dalton
Ukrainian flag ‘at heart of Westminster Abbey’
13:16 , Jane Dalton
The carpets at Westminster Abbey, upon which King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned on Saturday 6 May, resembled the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine:
Flag of Ukraine ‘at the heart of Westminster Abbey’ during coronation
Watch: Moment Prince William pays homage to his father during coronation ceremony
13:14 , Jane Dalton
What happens next?
13:05 , Thomas Kingsley
After the ceremony, in the second procession of the day, the King and Queen Consort will travel back to the palace in the ornate Gold State Coach as part of the Coronation Procession - a much larger ceremonial display than the morning's procession.
At the head of the procession will be Brigade Major Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw riding Sovereign's Shadow, about a mile in front of the coach.
The Gold State Coach, which is covered in gold leaf and carved decorations, was first used by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762 and has been used at every coronation in the last 200 years.
The panels feature Roman gods, and sculptures of cherubs and tritons ride on the roof and over the wheels.
Queen Elizabeth II, who used the coach for her coronation as well as jubilee celebrations, said it might look luxurious but it was a horrible, uncomfortable ride because of the lack of suspension.
It weighs four tonnes and is pulled at walking pace by eight grey horses, with a mounted rider or postilion for each pair.
King Charles leaves Westminster Abbey
13:01 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Westminster Abbey.
The King, wearing the crown and holding some of the coronation regalia was led by Penny Mordaunt, the sword bearer.
The coronation is sung for the newly crowned King
12:58 , Thomas Kingsley
The national anthem is being sung for the newly crowned King as he returns to the Abbey.
The Gold State Coach has just pulled up outside Westminster Abbey, as the ceremony draws to a close.
The first king to use the coach in a coronation was William IV in 1831 and it has been used at every coronation since.
12:52 , Thomas Kingsley
The King and Queen Consort move into St Edward’s Chapel behind the High Altar as Te Deum Laudamus is sung - it translates as “God we praise you.”
They put on their Robes of Estate and the King switches from the St Edward’s Crown to the lighter Imperial State Crown.
Pictured: Camilla crowned Queen
12:46 , Thomas Kingsley
Meanwhile at The Mall, royal fans from Malaysia wait for the King and Queen
12:44 , Thomas Kingsley
One man who flew all the way from Malaysia with his family to attend the King’s Coronation told The Independent of his “disappointment” at the closure of the Mall to more members of the public so early in the day.
Daniel Ismail (centre) said it was a “huge turnout” and he had never seen crowds so big. The areas around Buckingham Palace and The Mall, including St James Park and Green Park, reached capacity by 8.30am, according to one of the information staff on the ground. It is possible the parks could open again at around 1.30pm.
“We were hoping we would see the whole procession,” said Mr Ismail. “But we went to the Mall and it was closed, so we were asked to follow the crowds and ended up here.”
He and his family are currently watching the Westminster Abbey ceremony from a screen in Hyde Park - although the immediate viewing area there is also at capacity, so the trio are hovering at the edge of the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of the royals on screen
King Charles and Queen Camilla take communion
12:36 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have removed their crowns.
The final part of the service will see the King and queen taking Holy Communion - the principal act of worship of the Christian church.
The choir sung Sanctus, composed by Roxanna Panufnik for this service.
A close up of the crown
12:34 , Thomas Kingsley
The crown is made of solid 22-carat gold, the 360-year-old crown is over 30cm (1ft) tall and it’s heavy, weighing about 2.23kg (nearly 5lbs).
Joe Biden congratulates King Charles and Queen Camilla
12:31 , Thomas Kingsley
The absent President Joe Biden has congratulated the King on his enthronement.
In what some viewed as a snub, Mr Biden is not here and instead sent his wife Jill to represent the US.
In a message on Twitter, the US leader said: “Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.
“I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion.”
Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.
I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion.— President Biden (@POTUS) May 6, 2023
12:26 , Thomas Kingsley
The Duke of Sussex was seen in the television footage watching intently as the archbishop raised St Edward's Crown above his father's head before crowning him.
And when a few minutes later the congregation paid homage to the new monarch, Harry was seen, along with the other royals around him, speaking the words: "God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live forever."
Police ‘threaten to arrest anti-monarchy protesters for shouting about Prince Andrew’
12:23 , Thomas Kingsley
Police have threatened anti-monarchy protesters with arrest if they shouted about “Prince Andrew and the sex stuff” or chanted “anything that may be deemed offensive”, The Independent has been told.
One demonstrator claimed officers warned them they “might get shot at” if they blocked the coronation procession on Saturday.
Harry Stratton, who was wearing a yellow “Not My King” hoodie, told The Independent: “We were told [by police] if anyone gets in the way of the procession you might get shot at.
Read the full story from our home affairs editor, Lizzie Dearden:
Police ‘threaten to arrest anti-monarchy protesters for shouting about Prince Andrew’
King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘united in their joint vocation before God’
12:20 , Thomas Kingsley
As Andrew Lloyd-Webber's coronation anthem was sung, the Queen was officially enthroned.
The enthroning of the Queen was a moment in which Charles and Camilla were "united in their joint vocation before God".
The Queen has been crowned
12:17 , Thomas Kingsley
Queen Camilla has been crowned at Westminster Abbey.
She was anointed in public by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a break with tradition.
The Dean of Westminster poured oil from the ampulla into the coronation spoon, and held the spoon for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As she was anointed the Archbishop says: “Be your head anointed with holy oil.
“Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness; hear our prayer this day for thy servant Camilla, whom in thy name, and with all devotion, we consecrate our Queen.
“Make her strong in faith and love, defend her on every side, and guide her in truth and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Prince William pays homage to the King
12:12 , Thomas Kingsley
In a break with tradition, the Prince of Wales was the only blood prince to pay homage during the service.
Kneeling before the King, he said: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Prince Harry did not pay homage alongside his brother.
In pictures: The King is crowned
12:09 , Thomas Kingsley
21-gun salute sounds as King is crowned
12:08 , Thomas Kingsley
A 21-gun salute has sounded at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, the royal residence in Northern Ireland, to mark the coronation of the King.
The cannons began to fire at the moment Charles was crowned, by reservists from the 206 (Ulster) Battery, part of the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery.
Hundreds of guests are watching the service on a screen within the grounds of the castle.
Thousands of people across Northern Ireland are following the ceremony from Westminster Abbey live on public screens including at Belfast City Hall, Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus, Bessbrook, Antrim, Jordanstown and Coleraine.
The King is crowned
12:02 , Thomas Kingsley
The Dean brings The Crown of St Edward to The Archbishop, who says the prayer of blessing as the King is crowned.
“King of kings and Lord of lords, bless, we beseech thee, this Crown, and so sanctify thy servant Charles upon whose head this day thou dost place it for a sign of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with thy gracious favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, supreme over all things, one God, world without end. Amen.”
The Archbishop brings the crown down onto the King’s head and proclaims: “God save The King!”
The congregation responded: “God save The King!”
King presented with the coronation regalia
11:59 , Thomas Kingsley
The King puts on a white linen garment called Colobium Sindonis, a golden coat called the Supertunica and the coronation girdle around his waist.
Having been sanctified at his anointing, the King is presented with the coronation regalia.
In recognition of multi-faith Britain, peers from non-Christian faith traditions have been chosen to take part for the first time – but will only hold regalia that does not have explicit Christian motifs.
11:56 , Thomas Kingsley
To begin the presentation of the regalia, the King was handed the golden spurs - which symbolise knighthood and chivalry.
They were brought to the King by the Lord Great Chamberlain and acknowledged by King Charles and then returned to the altar.
During the exchange of swords, The Greek Choir sang Psalm 71 in tribute to the Greek heritage of the King's father, Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Louis steals the show
11:52 , Thomas Kingsley
Prince Louis has been seen fidgeting in the front row of Westminster Abbey and in one photograph appeared to be yawning during the coronation ceremony.
Another photo showed Louis staring towards the ceiling.
King Charles anointed with oil
11:46 , Thomas Kingsley
The anointing with holy oil is the central act of the religious ceremony and takes place in private.
The King will remove his crimson Robe of State and sit in the Coronation Chair – made for King Edward I in around 1300 – and wear a simple white shirt, representing that he comes before God as a servant.
Handel’s Zadok the Priest is sung by the choir.
The Anointing screen – a new 2.6m high three-sided screen featuring an embroidered tree celebrating the Commonwealth – is arranged around the Coronation Chair.
The Dean of Westminster pours oil from the ampulla – an eagle-shaped vessel – into the coronation spoon – the oldest object in the coronation regalia.
Using his fingers, the Archbishop anoints the King on his hands, breast, and head.
The Archbishops and Dean return to High Altar and the screen is removed to the Shrine.
Royal fans frustrated Camilla has been named Queen and not Queen Consort
11:45 , Thomas Kingsley
Meanwhile, at The Mall, my colleague Rebecca Thomas is speaking to royal fans.
Mark and Debbie Peekins and dog Reuben were here to celebrate the coronation with everybody else.
Mr Perkins said: “The jury is out on Charles, Elizabeth was a hard act to follow. She was impeccable she just felt like everyone’s grandma”
“Camilla should be the Queen consort not the Queen. Queen Elizabeth bequeathed her the Queen Consort title and that’s what she should get. So I think it’s upset a lot of people..from an outsider looking at the royal family there are certain traditions which should be kept.
Mrs Perkins added: “Because if they'd allowed divorcée to be queen, Mss Simpson would’ve been. So he’s changed history for himself.”
“I'm absolutely devastated to be honest that the route has been cut down to 1.3 miles not five so I was 20 back, whereas when we came for the jubilee and funeral we were not at the front but close.
“I think to cut it down is sad and I’m a bit unhappy about the concert at Windsor. I think it should be at Buckingham Palace where everyone can see and sit on the mall. I just think it would be better that is the home of the monarch and he is the monarch.
When asked about the protestors Mr Perkins said: "Everyone has got the right to protest. I don’t get it because if someone you hate invited you to a party you wouldn’t go but everyone has a right to protest it doesn’t bother me.”
11:35 , Thomas Kingsley
When he signed documents during his first Privy Council meeting in September, Charles generated comments on social media when he gestured for an ornate pen holder to be taken away by an aide.
Later it was back in place, after privy councillors used its pens to sign documents, but Charles once again took offence to the item, when called upon to give his signature, and pulled a face before it was removed again.
The King, who is known to carry his own fountain pen for when he is frequently called on to sign visitors’ books during royal visits, grimaced when he screwed the top back on the pen after signing the Oath during the coronation service.
The story behind Camilla’s diamond necklace for the coronation
11:33 , Thomas Kingsley
The Queen Consort is wearing a stunning piece of jewellery known as the Coronation Necklace to her and King Charles III’s crowning ceremony.
Camilla arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside the King wearing the historic piece of jewellery that was worn during coronations in 1902, 1911, 1937 and 1953.
It was previously worn by Camilla’s late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, as well as by Queen Mary before her and Queen Alexandra.
According to the Royal Collection Trust, the diamonds in the coronation necklace come from Queen Victoria’s collection of jewellery.
Read the full story from our reporter, Kate Ng:
The story behind Camilla’s diamond necklace for the coronation
Rishi Sunak reads from the Bible
11:30 , Thomas Kingsley
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has read The Epistle - Colossians 1: 9-17 to the congregation.
Lambeth Palace said that although Mr Sunak is a Hindu, he is reading as Prime Minister so there is no issue over his personal faith during the Anglican service.
11:26 , Thomas Kingsley
George’s gaze could be seen flitting about the church from his seat behind his grandfather.
The prince and his fellow pages then stood behind the kneeling Charles, holding the corners of his trailing robe, as he prayed.
Prince George and the other pages of honour were sitting behind the King in Westminster Abbey as Charles swore the coronation Oath.
In pictures: The coronation is underway
11:22 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles becomes first monarch to pray aloud in front of coronation congregation
11:20 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles III becomes the first monarch to pray aloud in front of a coronation congregation.
A special personal prayer has been written for the King to reflect the “loving service” theme of the service, and the words are inspired in part by the popular hymn I Vow To Thee My Country.
He said: “God of compassion and mercy whose son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.”
Prince Louis steals hearts as he waves to crowd during coronation procession
11:17 , Thomas Kingsley
Prince Louis was seen waving to royal fans as he arrived at his grandfather’s coronation.
The young prince, who recently turned five, stole people’s hearts as travelled to the historic event in a carriage with the Prince and Princess of Wales and his two siblings.
Last year at his great-grandmother's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Louis kept the crowd entertained when he appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Today, Louis is sitting in the front row of the abbey with his brother, Prince George, and sister, Princess Charlotte, as well as their parents.
Read the full story below:
Prince Louis steals hearts as he waves to crowd during coronation procession
What is the Coronation Oath?
11:16 , Thomas Kingsley
The Coronation Oath Act of 1688 requires the King to declare during his crowning ceremony that he will maintain the established Anglican Protestant Church, rule according to laws agreed in Parliament, and cause law, justice and mercy to be executed in his judgment.
Each part of the oath is framed as a question to the monarch, as the King replies he places his hand on the Bible.
For the first time, there is a preface to the coronation oath in which the Archbishop says the Church of England “will seek to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely”.
The King swears the Coronation Oath
11:15 , Thomas Kingsley
The moderator of the General Assembly presents the Bible to the King, on which he swears the Coronation Oath.
“Are you willing to take the oath?” the Archbishop of Canterbury asks.
“I am willing,” the King replies.
Service begins with the Recognition
11:11 , Thomas Kingsley
This is the moment at which the King is presented to the congregation at each of the cardinal points of the compass in turn.
He will be recognised by them as their “undoubted King”.
The congregation replies: “God save King Charles.”
Watch: Moment William and Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey for King Charles’s coronation
11:09 , Thomas Kingsley
Pictured: Prince George and young royals arrive
11:03 , Thomas Kingsley
Prince George, who will be a page boy in the coronation, has arrived at Westminster Abbey.
Also seen arriving is Princess Charlotte and James, Viscount Severn.
As the bells of Westminster Abbey rang out, the King and Queen left the carriage. Camilla got out first followed by Charles after a short pause outside the church.
The King waved to members of the press opposite the abbey.
Prince William and Princess Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey
10:59 , Thomas Kingsley
Prince William has arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside the Princess of Wales.
Prince William is seated in the front row as his younger brother, Harry, is seated two rows behind.
The King and Queen arrive in Westminster Abbey in specially made royal robes
10:56 , Thomas Kingsley
The Queen’s coronation gown, designed by Bruce Oldfield, is a tailored ivory, silver and gold coat-like dress embroidered with delicate garlands of British wildflowers.
Motifs of daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel from fields and hedgerows, representing the King and Camilla’s affection for nature and the nation’s countryside, are among the embellishments.
Celebratory bunting, in antique gold and silver thread, is also intertwined amongst the swathes of blooms on the historic dress, worn for Camilla’s crowning.
On top, for her arrival at Westminster Abbey, the Queen wore the crimson velvet Robe of State with long train originally made for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The King meanwhile wore his grandfather George VI’s crimson Robe of State with a new crimson Coronation Tunic, with cream silk overshirt and Royal Naval trousers for his arrival.
His regal red Coronation Tunic, made by Ede and Ravenscroft, was inspired by similar tunics worn by George V and George VI at their coronations.
Camilla’s couture coronation dress is cut from Peau de Soie, a silk fabric with a dull lustre finish, and woven by Stephen Walters in Suffolk, and has bracelet length sleeves, a strong shoulder and a wide V-neck neckline.
King and Queen arrive at Westminster Abbey
10:51 , Katy Clifton
The King and Queen have arrived at Westminster Abbey for their coronation and the ceremony has got underway.
Why are Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major wearing gold chains?
10:47 , Thomas Kingsley
Former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major wore gold chains indicating their status as Knights of the Garter.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. It is the most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.
The honour is awarded by the monarch, without advice from ministers.
Former Conservative PM John Major was awarded the honour by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005.
And Mr Blair was last year given the honour, despite a petition signed by more than a million people calling for it to be blocked over the Iraq war.
Prince Harry arrives at Westminster Abbey
10:39 , Thomas Kingsley
Prince Harry has arrived in Westminster Abbey for the coronation ceremony.
The Duke of Sussex is not expected to have a formal role at the coronation.
All eyes will be on Harry as he faces his relatives in public for the first time since he criticised Charles, Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales in his tell-all memoir Spare.
10:35 , Thomas Kingsley
The King and Queen rounded the side of the Queen Victoria Memorial to begin processing down The Mall at around 10.23am.
From within the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, Charles smiled.
Cheers erupted from a grandstand seating around 3,800 members of the public in front of Buckingham Palace.
Many from the crowd stood and waved as the carriage passed.
Standing crowds on either side of The Mall chanted “hip hip hooray” as the King's Procession moved down the road lined with Union flags and other flags.
The King and Queen travel along The Mall
10:32 , Thomas Kingsley
What is the Diamond Jubilee State Coach
10:30 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles and Camilla are travelling in the horse-drawn Diamond Jubilee State Coach, created in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne.
The coach, accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, will head down The Mall to Trafalgar Square, then along Whitehall and Parliament Street before turning into Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary.
The 1.42-mile route will be flanked by 1,000 members of the military from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Pictured: King Charles sets off from Buckingham Palace
10:25 , Thomas Kingsley
The King’s procession will pass through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Islan being led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Band, 48 horses and musicians, with their two distinctive drum horses Atlas and Apollo.
In total, 200 personnel and horses are involved in the procession.
The Queen Consort is sitting alongside the King.
King Charles sets off from Buckingham Palace as procession begins
10:23 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles and Queen Camilla have set off from Buckingham Palace as the procession to Westminster Abbey begins.
The monarch is seated in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as military personnel line The Mall.
Why will people shout ‘Vivat’ at King Charles?
10:20 , Thomas Kingsley
A distinctive feature of the coronation ceremony is the shouting of “Vivat!” as the new monarch enters Westminster Abbey
The ‘Vivats’ are the Latin acclamations from the King’s Scholars of Westminster School. The current crop of 48 pupils from the private school have been practising for months for their big moment.
'Vivat' means 'long live' in Latin. So, 'Vivat Rex!' means 'Long live the King!' – in today’s ceremony it will be ‘Vivat Rex Carolus!’ and ‘Vivat Regina Camilla!’
Words from Psalm 122 – “I was glad when they said unto me: we will go into the house of the Lord” – have been sung during the monarch’s procession into the Abbey since the coronation of Charles I in 1626.
Composer Hubert Parry wrote an orchestral accompaniment in 1902, which became an anthem that has been sung at all coronations.
Coronation procession set to begin
10:15 , Thomas Kingsley
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is accompanied by the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry as it arrives at Buckingham Palace to collect the King and Queen.
The King will begin the procession in a few minutes as the historic coronation is set to begin.
Meanwhile, members of the Mounted Division of the Household Cavalry have lined up to the entrance of The Mall ahead of the procession, known as the King’s Procession, to Westminster Abbey.
House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle arrives at Westminster Abbey
10:09 , Thomas Kingsley
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has arrived at Westminster Abbey. He walked in behind a House of Commons officer carrying the ceremonial mace.
The mitre was also placed on the head of the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby ahead of the coronation of the ceremony.
Watch live as anti-monarchy protesters are arrested
10:02 , Thomas Kingsley
Live: Protesters chant 'Not my king' at Charles's coronation
Anti-monarchy ‘Not My King’ protesters arrested for ‘conspiracy to cause public nuisance’ in London
10:02 , Thomas Kingsley
At least seven protesters have been arrested in London ahead of the coronation of King Charles III.
The Metropolitan Police had said it would facilitate anti-monarchy demonstrations unless they contravened existing laws or new powers that came into force last week banning “locking-on” and causing “serious disruption”.
But supporters of the Republic campaign group were arrested on Saturday morning and saw hundreds of placards reading “Not My King” seized by the force.
Anti-monarchy protesters arrested for ‘conspiracy to cause nuisance’
Jill Biden arrives at Westminster Abbey
09:59 , Thomas Kingsley
First lady Jill Biden has entered Westminster Abbey to represent the US while President Joe Biden stayed at home.
She is accompanied by her granddaughter Finnegan Biden.
Ms Biden is wearing blue while her granddaughter is wearing yellow in what looks like subtle nod of support to Ukraine.
Prince Andrew booed as he arrives at The Mall
09:52 , Thomas Kingsley
The Duke of York was driven down The Mall in a state car.
The Duke of York and Prince Harry will not have any formal role at the coronation, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Harry and Andrew, who are no longer working royals, will attend the service on Saturday, but will not perform any duties.
The two men will also be absent from the procession behind the Gold State Coach carrying the newly crowned King and Queen from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony.
Prince Andrew is not expected to play a role in the coronation and is not wearing full military uniform.
The best dressed of the coronation so far
09:48 , Thomas Kingsley
Going back to the best fashion looks of the coronation so far, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska has arrived in a sage-coloured dress and ankle length coat while former leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt has caught attention in a navy dress with a standout wreath embroidery.
Fashion royalty Edward Enninful, the British Vogue editor has also arrived beside Katy Perry who is wearing a pink dress and gloves.
How to watch King Charles III’s coronation live stream
09:38 , Thomas Kingsley
Watch a live view of Buckingham Palace on the morning King Charles III‘s coronation is due to take place.
The procession will officially begin at 10:20am, when the King and Queen Consort leave the Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach to travel to Westminster Abbey.
Celebrities and dignitaries have started arriving at the church, where they will be among 2,000 guests watching the ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.They will later be joined by members of foreign royal families and the UK royal family, before the coronation service begins at 11am.
Read the full story below:
How to watch King Charles III’s coronation live stream
Order of service for coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in full
09:36 , Thomas Kingsley
Here is a step-by-step guide to the order of events during Saturday’s coronation ceremony for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
There are five main elements: the Recognition; the Oath; the Anointing; the Investiture and Crowning; and the Enthronement and Homage, as well as the Queen’s coronation.
Read the full guide below:
Order of service for coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in full
Passenger jets, television, the atomic age – the last coronation had it all to come
09:31 , Roisin O'Connor
The dawn of the Elizabethan Age heralded a brave new world. So what can we expect from King Charles’s days of tomorrow, asks Sean O’Grady
Passenger jets, computers, the atomic age – the last coronation had it all to come
An inside look at Westminster Abbey as guests take their seats
09:28 , Thomas Kingsley
Let’s go inside Westminster as more guests take their seats.
Singer Lionel Richie can be seen sharing a word with guests while Ant and Dec are seated in the Abbey.
Wearing morning suits, Ant and Dec grinned and said hello as some members of the congregation in the North Transept gave them a cheer.
Who’s who inside Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for star-studded coronation
09:26 , Thomas Kingsley
The great and the good are arriving for the star-studded coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla as millions across the globe prepare to watch the historic ceremony.
Celebrities, scientists, politicians and other public figures - wearing a colourful array of suits, fascinators, military uniforms and medals and religious clothing - were among those seen filing into Westminster Abbey on Saturday morning ahead of the big event.
A delighted-looking Dame Emma Thompson was one of the first to arrive for the ceremony. Other stars seen entering the church included actor Stephen Fry, musician Nick Cave and magician Dynamo. Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, who became a household name during the Covid pandemic, was also in attendance, alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Read the full story below from our reporter, Matt Mathers:
Who’s who inside Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for star-studded coronation
Three generations of family attend coronation together
09:23 , Thomas Kingsley
Debbie, 59, traveled down from Yorkshire yesterday with her daughter Debbie (32, middle) and grandchildren Brody (left) and Tilly (right).
Debbie said: “I wanted to bring my children so that they can tell their grandchildren when they're older that they went to the coronation of King Charles. This is a chance in a lifetime. I mean, I might not see it again, hopefully I do you know, but yeah, it's good for the children.
“We're hoping to catch a glimpse somewhere you know what to start trying to get a bit closer like everybody... they're protesting there, why xant they move them back and move the supporters to the front”
Brody, 13, added: “I’m just happy to be here really, it’s going to be great.”
King Charles III arrives into Buckingham Palace
09:20 , Thomas Kingsley
King Charles is seen arriving into Buckingham Palace ahead of the start of the procession to Westminster Abbey.
Queen Consort Camilla was also seen driving into the Palace as fans waved in excitement.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
