Coronation – live: Prince Harry ‘won’t wear military uniform to King Charles’ ceremony’
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The coronation of King Charles III will take place tomorrow (Saturday 6 May), in a ceremony that will also crown his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, as Queen.
Ahead of tomorrow’s festivities, the King, along with Prince William and Kate, spent the day greeting well-wishers near Buckingham Palace. The Princess of Wales later reunited with Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, and US First Lady Jill Biden, who is attending the coronation in place of her husband, President Joe Biden, during a reception at the Palace.
The “slimmed-down” affair Saturday will see 2,000 guests, including political leaders, members of the royal family, and celebrities, attend.
On Thursday, The Independent exclusively revealed that Charles has snubbed Earl Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, from the invitation list.
Preparations for the coronation continue as the King’s close friend Jonathan Dimbleby claimed today that the monarch would be horrified at the thought of the public pledging their allegiance to him.
“I can’t think of anything he would find more abhorrent,” Mr Dimbleby told the Today Programme. “He’s never wanted to be revered. He’s never wanted anyone to pay homage to him except in mock terms as a joke.”
As for the weather this weekend, forecasts suggest heavy bursts of rain are set to fall during the coronation, with the Met office predicting conditions to be “humid” and wet.
Coronation news – latest updates
Everyone we know invited to King Charles’ coronation – from Prince Harry to Princess Charlene of Monaco
IN PICTURES: Royal mega-fans set up camp along coronation procession route
Coronation Concert stage with Windsor Castle backdrop revealed as 20,000 set to attend
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit pub in Soho ahead of coronation
King Charles does not want ‘abhorrent’ pledge of allegiance during coronation, friend reveals
King Charles greets well-wishers along Mall ahead of coronation
14:19 , Ellie Muir
21:55 , Chelsea Ritschel
Prince Harry ‘won’t wear military uniform to King Charles’ ceremony’
The Duke of Sussex, who served 10 years in the Army, has not been permitted to wear his military uniform to his father’s coronation, according to The Telegraph.
Instead, Harry, who is no longer a working member of the royal family, is expected to wear a morning suit.
The life of Prince Harry: From ‘spare to the heir’ to beleaguered Duke of Sussex
21:40 , Kate Ng
Here is a timeline of Prince Harry’s life ahead of the coronation:
A timeline of Prince Harry’s life ahead of the coronation
‘I almost missed the email to bake Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake’
21:20 , Kate Ng
British-American baker Claire Ptak tells Prudence Wade about baking for the Sussexes, how patience is more important than skill when it comes to baking and bringing a slice of Californian sunshine to East London:
‘I almost missed the email to bake Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake’
The curious culinary history of royal coronation food
21:00 , Kate Ng
From coronation chicken to King Charles’s veggie quiche, Benjamin Parker unpacks how different dishes have shaped the monarchy’s image:
The curious culinary history of royal coronation food
Coronation flypast could be cancelled amid ‘70% chance’ of showers in London
20:20 , Kate Ng
There is a 70 per cent chance of showers at the same time a flypast to celebrate the King’s coronation is due to take place, forecasters say.
Royal fans who will be in London to celebrate the occasion are advised to bring umbrellas, cagoules and waterproof jackets with dreary weather expected.
Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston has said “it’s 50/50” as to whether a flypast scheduled to fly over The Mall and Buckingham Palace after 2.15pm will take place if there is rain and low cloud.
Coronation flypast could be cancelled amid ‘70% chance’ of showers in London
20:16 , Chelsea Ritschel
Heavy rain to hit UK during King Charles III’s ceremony
Heavy bursts of rain are set to fall during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, in a ceremony expected to be bookended by thunderstorms.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Steven Keates, said: “A further area of rain is expected to move into southwest England early on Saturday, moving east and north through the day with some heavy bursts at times.
“This is likely to bring some rain to London by around lunchtime. Further north in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland it will be a day of sunshine and showers before the more persistent rain moves northwards overnight. It will feel humid, especially in the south, with highs of 17C possible in London.”
Read more:
King Charles does not want ‘abhorrent’ pledge of allegiance during coronation, friend reveals
20:00 , Kate Ng
A friend of King Charles suggested the new monarch would be horrified by the public pledging allegiance to him.
Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, a close friend of the King, said the idea was “ill advised” and not something the monarch would have wanted.
“I can’t think of anything he would find more abhorrent,” Mr Dimbleby told the Today programme.
Read the full report:
King Charles does not want ‘abhorrent’ pledge of allegiance during coronation
Sculptor creates tiny crown in the eye of a needle as coronation tribute
19:40 , Kate Ng
A renowned micro-sculptor has created a tiny crown fitted inside the eye of a needle to mark the coronation of the King and Queen Consort.
Dr Willard Wigan hand-wove a 24-carat gold frame around a carved grain of sand to make the body of the piece, encrusting it with real jewels and painting the piece with a brush made from his own eyelash.
See more here:
Sculptor creates tiny crown in the eye of a needle as coronation tribute
WATCH: ‘Are you tired?’: Kate greets crowds waiting for coronation outside Buckingham Palace
19:20 , Kate Ng
19:01 , Chelsea Ritschel
Andrea Bocelli reveals King Charles and Queen Camilla requested specific song for coronation concert
Famed Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli has revealed the special song request he received from the King and Queen ahead of the coronation concert on Sunday.
According to Bocelli, who spoke to People, the couple “specifically requested a song that is very dear to me as well: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’” which he described as “a touching, intense and evocative score, a true tribute to solidarity”.
Read more:
Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie among acts to perform at coronation concert
Fans who shook hands with royals on the Mall speak about experience
19:00 , Kate Ng
On Friday afternoon, the eve of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, fans of the royal family shook hands with the monarch and the Prince and Princess of Wales as they went on a walkabout on the Mall.
After shaking the King's hand, Faby, 55, from London, who did not give her last name, said: "I just came to soak up the atmosphere and I got to shake hands with the King. He said hello everyone and thank you for coming.
"He was charming. It was incredible. It's not every day you get to shake hands with the king. It was so lovely. This woman here told him he looks younger in real life and he laughed!"
A woman wearing a plastic crown said it was a "very special moment" to shake the King's hand.
Theresa Iredale, who turns 66 on Saturday, was approached by the King during his walkabout on Friday.
Iredale said: "He said 'thank you for coming' and he appreciated it and I did say it my birthday and he said 'oh, congratulations'.
"I was shaking. I saw his hand coming out to mine and I was like, I can't believe I'm shaking the King's hand. A special moment. He came straight over to us."
On whether Charles' attention was drawn by her crown, she said: "I think, actually, I was screaming a bit to be honest."
Alison Cowburn, 62, from Derby, who arrived in central London this morning, was in the cheering crowd during Charles' walkabout and shook his hand.
She told the PA news agency: "I said it was very nice to meet him and he said 'have you been camping?' I said no we are just down for the day and he said 'nothing so rash as that then'."
On how she felt after the encounter, she said: "Brilliant, so delighted. Absolutely ecstatic."
PA
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
18:40 , Kate Ng
Here is a look at what else is happening day by day and how the coronation celebrations will unfold.
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
‘Coronation protesters must be aware they’ll be in an armed policing operation’
18:20 , Kate Ng
Protesters planning unannounced action at the coronation could be mistaken for plotters who wish to cause harm, a security expert has warned.
Former royal protection officer Simon Morgan told the PA news agency demonstrators need to be aware that they will be in the middle of an armed policing operation.
Read more:
‘Coronation protesters must be aware they’ll be in an armed policing operation’
18:07 , Chelsea Ritschel
What is the coronation schedule and how can you watch?
From the daily itinerary to the ways you can watch, you can find all the information about timings below, including how early those living in the US will have to wake up to catch the historic moment.
Read more:
King Charles coronation: Timings, schedule and key events
Nick Cave shocks fans as he defends ‘inexplicable’ attachment to royals ahead of coronation
18:00 , Kate Ng
Nick Cave has defended himself after a fan questioned his attendance at King Charles III’s forthcoming coronation.
On Saturday (6 May), the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II will be crowned King of the United Kingdom, while his wife, Camilla, will be crowned Queen.
Among the high-profile guests expected to attend the historic event is Australian singer Cave, who has justified his appearance by saying he holds “an inexplicable emotional attachment to the Royals”.
Inga Parkel reports:
Nick Cave shocks fans as he defends ‘inexplicable’ attachment to royals
The bonkers world of professional royal doppelgangers
17:45 , Kate Ng
‘Camilla’ needs special looking-after, and ‘the Queen’ refuses to swear. As they prepare for the first coronation of their careers, the people who cash in on their royal resemblances speak to Katie Rosseinsky.
Full story:
Inside the bonkers world of professional royal doppelgangers
17:36 , Chelsea Ritschel
A behind-the-scenes look at the coronation flowers featuring British blooms.
Seasonal flowers from around the UK will adorn Westminster Abbey for the King’s coronation on Saturday, with floral designer Shane Connolly, from west Belfast, saying his aim was to make the flowers “incredibly personal” to Charles and the Queen Consort.
Read more:
A behind the scenes look the coronation flowers featuring British blooms
17:33 , Chelsea Ritschel
Police officers from the Caribbean have arrived in London as part of coronation security operation
Police officers from the Caribbean have arrived in London as part of the huge security operation from the coronation, our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden writes.
Almost a thousand officers from outside the capital are being deployed to support the Metropolitan Police.In addition to the 43 UK forces, officers from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are being represented.
Jacquelyne Tom, an acting inspector from the Royal Virgin Islands Police, said she was “delighted” to be involved, adding: “It will be a great event in history and it’s really exciting to know I’ll be there.”
Detective Constable Samantha Sillitoe, a former Metropolitan Police officer now serving with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be part of history on Saturday and meeting members of the public who have come along to watch. I will be proud to wear my RCIPS ceremonial uniform which always generates questions from the public so I look forward to speaking to lots of people and representing my force on this momentous day.”Officers from Bermuda and the Channel Islands are also among those who will be serving alongside those from across Britain.
Explosives search dog Isla has been transported to London from her home in North Yorkshire to join other specialist canines in security checks on the procession route and at Westminster Abbey.
Her handler, PC Gareth Gummerson, said the eight-year-old springer spaniel is “highly trained and skilled at her job, and she’s never happier than when she’s working”.
“Isla has been working hard searching a range of venues and locations but she’s also had plenty of downtime socialising with new canine friends,” he added. “She’s definitely been enjoying staying in my hotel!”
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’ ahead of coronation
17:20 , Ellie Muir
Naomi Campbell has shared words of encouragement for King Charles III as he prepares for his coronation on Saturday 6 May.
The supermodel, 52, first met the monarch when he was the Prince of Wales at Donatella Versace’s 2001 charity fashion gala.
She recalled meeting him several times since then, but her “highlight” was when they attended a reception at the Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos in 2018.
Kate Ng reports:
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’
Live: Guests arrive for King Charles’s reception ahead of coronation
17:06 , Ellie Muir
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
17:00 , Ellie Muir
The coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla is taking place this weekend.
Pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue serving customers for two hours beyond their usual closing time, with the extended licensing hours applying from 11pm on Friday 5 May, Saturday 6 May and Sunday 7 May.
Here is a look at what else is happening day by day and how the coronation celebrations will unfold.
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
Queen Consort Camilla’s grandson will perform Page of Honour duties in a sling after ‘breaking arm’
16:15 , Ellie Muir
The Queen Consort’s grandson Gus Lopes will reportedly have to wear a sling while carrying out his royal duties as Page of Honour at the coronation this weekend.
The 13-year-old, who is the son of Laura and Harry Lopes, is one of four pages who will hold Camilla’s coronation robes as she walks down Westminster Abbey in the historic occasion on Saturday 6 May.
But during the dress rehearsals this week, Gus was spotted with his right arm in a sling.
Kate Ng reports:
Queen Consort Camilla’s grandson to wear sling at coronation after ‘breaking arm’
Sharon Osbourne camps out along Mall ahead of King Charles's coronation
16:01 , Ellie Muir
Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation
16:00 , Peony Hirwani
Prince George has been given an official role at the 6 May coronation – a Page of Honour to the King.
King Charles III and the Queen Consort each have four Pages of Honour supporting them on the day of the coronation, including schoolboys who are family friends or close relatives.
George, the nine-year-old future monarch, is the most prominent among them. Camilla’s three grandsons will also join George in the role.
Read more:
Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation
Sharon Osbourne sleeping in a tent along Mall ahead of the coronation
15:45 , Ellie Muir
Sharon Osbourne has been spotted peeping out of a tent as she joins royal fans camping along the Mall ahead of the King’s coronation tomorrow (6 May).
Hundreds of fans have lined the Mall to get a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they make their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Full story:
Sharon Osbourne sleeping in a tent along Mall ahead of the coronation
Prince William ‘crossing fingers’ father’s coronation ‘goes well’
15:30 , Peony Hirwani
The Prince of Wales has said he has his “fingers crossed” for his father’s coronation on Saturday, 5 May.
Speaking to well-wishers in Soho, Prince William expressed his hope for good weather when King Charles III is crowned.
The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first trip on the Elizabeth Line, named after the late Queen Elizabeth II, to Tottenham Court Road in Soho on Thursday ahead of the weekend celebrations.
The couple visited the Dog and Duck pub, where they both ordered a pint of cider, and William poured a “perfect” pint behind the bar.
Prince William ‘crossing fingers’ father’s coronation ‘goes well’
WATCH: King Charles meets royal fan who says he was at Queen Elizabeth's coronation
15:15 , Kate Ng
Heavy rain to hit UK over King’s coronation weekend ahead of thunderstorms
15:00 , Peony Hirwani
Heavy bursts of rain are set to fall during the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, in a ceremony expected to be bookended by thunderstorms.
Thousands of people are expected to travel to London to catch a glimpse of the monarch at a 1.3-mile procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on Saturday.
In its much-anticipated coronation weekend weather forecast, the Met Office has predicted conditions in the south will be “humid” and wet, with highs of 17C in London rivalling the warmest coronation on record.
Read more:
Heavy rain to hit UK during King’s coronation ahead of thunderstorms
IN PICTURES: King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton meet fans along the Mall
14:49 , Kate Ng
Final coronation dress rehearsal ends at Westminster Abbey
14:32 , Kate Ng
King Charles III was spotted being driven away from Westminster Abbey where a 2,300-strong coronation congregation, and a television audience likely to be in the tens of millions, will watch him being crowned tomorrow.
The monarch has a busy day with a series of diplomatic duties and has been joined by working royals at a special lunch for realm prime ministers and governors general at Buckingham Palace.
Charles, who is head of the Commonwealth, will also attend a Commonwealth Heads of Government leaders' meeting and garden reception at London's Marlborough House the same day.
Also on the eve of the coronation, the King and the royal family will host a glittering reception for foreign royalty and other overseas dignitaries at the Palace.
PA
Andrew Lloyd Webber says he feels ‘sadness’ over coronation after son’s death
14:30 , Peony Hirwani
Andrew Lloyd Webber has opened up about coping with the grief following the death of his son, as he prepares for the King’s coronation this weekend.
In March, Lloyd Webber’s son, Nicholas, who was also a composer, died having suffered from gastric cancer aged 43.
In a new interview with The Telegraph, Lloyd Webber said that it will be of “considerable sadness” to be in Westminster Abbey without his son tomorrow.
“One of the things is that I haven’t properly taken it all in yet, and I think once the Coronation is over, and my small part of it is done, I do need to think about what I will do next,” he said of coping with the grief.
“But I was brought up by my mother to think, ‘whatever you’ve got, if you’ve got any kind of talent, you’ve got to get on and keep going’. I think that’s good advice, but if I’m being honest I haven’t fully absorbed it yet.”
Read more:
Andrew Lloyd Webber says he feels ‘sadness’ over coronation after son’s death
King Charles meets with royal fans waiting along Mall
14:28 , Ellie Muir
Prince and Princess of Wales meet royal fans waiting along Mall ahead of tomorrow’s service
14:23 , Ellie Muir
From Prince of Wales to King Charles III: The man behind the crown
14:15 , Ellie Muir
Ahead of the coronation, Charlotte Cripps talks to royal sources to debunk some bizarre myths about our new monarch, and learn more about the issues he really cares about.
Full story:
King Charles uncovered: The real man behind the crown
Live: King Charles meets royal fans on Mall ahead of coronation
14:09 , Ellie Muir
‘Mind the gap’: Charles and Camilla’s special coronation Tube message
14:00 , Peony Hirwani
Train passengers on platforms across the UK are being reminded to “mind the gap” by King Charles III.
The monarch and Queen Consort Camilla have recorded an announcement which is being played between Friday and Monday at every railway station across the UK and all London Underground stations, industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.
In the message, the King begins by telling passengers: “My wife and I wish you and your families a wonderful coronation weekend.”
Camilla then says: “Wherever you are travelling, we hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.”
The message concludes with Charles adding: “And remember, please mind the gap.”
Read more:
‘Mind the gap’: Charles and Camilla’s special coronation Tube message
King Charles spotted leaving Westminster Abbey after coronation dress rehearsal
14:00 , Ellie Muir
King Charles III has been spotted leaving Westminster Abbey in the pouring rain following a dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s coronation service.
He was seen leaving in a car accompanied by Sir Clive Alderton, his principal private secretary.
Jill Biden arrives at 10 Downing Street ahead of coronation
13:45 , Ellie Muir
Prince William 'crossing fingers' father's coronation 'goes well'
13:38 , Ellie Muir
King Charles coronation: All the ways the ceremony is expected to break from royal protocol
13:30 , Peony Hirwani
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned on Saturday 6 May 2023 during a symbolic coronation ceremony.
The coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey in London and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony that follows nearly 1,000 years of tradition.
Although there are many ways in which the coronation will be similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years ago and that of her father, King George VI, in 1937, there will also be a few key differences as King Charles announces departures from tradition.
From the dress code to the role given to his grandson Prince George, these are some of the ways in which King Charles is expected to break from royal protocol during his coronation.
All the ways King Charles’ coronation is expected to break from royal protocol
All the foreign royals attending King Charles III’s coronation
13:00 , Peony Hirwani
King Charles III’s coronation, which takes place on Saturday 6 May, is set to be attended by 2,000 guests, including foreign monarchs across the world.
The coronation will be held in London at Westminster Abbey, which can seat up to 2,200 people. The limited guest list marks a departure from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, which was attended by 8,000 guests with 129 nations and territories officially represented at the ceremony.
Here’s a list of all the foreign royals who have confirmed their attendance so far.
All the foreign royals attending King Charles III’s coronation
Sharon Osbourne sleeping in a tent along Mall ahead of the coronation
12:36 , Ellie Muir
Sharon Osbourne has been spotted peeping out of a tent as she joins royal fans camping along the Mall ahead of the King’s coronation tomorrow (6 May).
Hundreds of fans have lined the Mall to get a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they make their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Osbourne, 70, has been spotted in a tent, wrapped up in a coat and wearing a hat, before filming a segment for TalkTV shortly after midnight in the early hours of Thursday (5 May).
Full story:
Sharon Osbourne sleeping in a tent along Mall ahead of the coronation
How to throw a street party to celebrate King Charles’ coronation on the bank holiday weekend
12:30 , Kate Ng
Looking for last-minute party tips? We’ve got you covered:
WATCH: Coronation timetable: A complete schedule of times and events for King Charles’s crowning
12:00 , Kate Ng
Mary Berry unveils her chosen coronation chicken pie recipe
11:30 , Kate Ng
Adam Handling’s chicken pie has been crowned the winner of a coronation dish competition on The One Show.
The BBC programme teamed up with The Big Coronation Lunch to find a recipe perfect for street parties and celebrations across the country this Saturday.
Get the recipe:
Discover Mary Berry’s chosen coronation chicken pie recipe by Adam Handling
Is TikTok making the royals cool again?
11:00 , Kate Ng
When it comes to fans of the royal family, Gen Z probably isn’t the age range that automatically springs to mind.
In a recent poll commissioned by Panorama, only 32 per cent of 18-24-year-olds backed the monarchy, compared with 78 per cent of over-65s. Yet, hop onto social media – particularly viral video platform TikTok, a favourite among younger age groups – and it seems all things royal are thriving.
Read more:
Is TikTok making the royals cool again?
King Charles III ‘to break from tradition’ with specific outfit choice for coronation
10:30 , Peony Hirwani
King Charles III has been advised to wear an outfit for his coronation that goes against previous royal tradition, according to reports.
In previous ceremonies, the King or Queen has traditionally worn silk stockings and breeches. However, recent reports have claimed that King Charles will opt to wear his military uniform instead.
As reported by The Sun, a source said: “Senior aides think breeches look too dated.” When contacted by The Independent, Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Read more:
King Charles III ‘to break from tradition’ with coronation outfit choice
Watch: View of Buckingham Palace as King’s coronation preparations continue
09:50 , Peony Hirwani
Watch view of Buckingham Palace as King’s coronation preparations continue
The bonkers world of professional royal lookalikes
09:30 , Kate Ng
‘Camilla’ needs special looking-after, and ‘the Queen’ refuses to swear.
As they prepare for the first coronation of their careers, the people who cash in on their royal resemblances speak to Katie Rosseinsky.
Read the full feature here:
‘Diana fans will heckle’: The bonkers world of professional royal lookalikes
Coronation timetable: A schedule of times and events for King Charles’s crowning
09:24 , Ellie Muir
‘I played the Queen in a flea powder advert’: The bonkers world of professional royal lookalikes
09:10 , Peony Hirwani
‘Camilla’ needs special looking-after, and ‘the Queen’ refuses to swear. As they prepare for the first coronation of their careers, the people who cash in on their royal resemblances speak to Katie Rosseinsky.
The Cannes Film Festival’s geriatric line-up risks sliding into irrelevance
Hugo Burnand: Meet the man tasked with making history happen during the coronation
08:40 , Peony Hirwani
The former Tatler photographer is the only portrait photographer in the UK to have a royal warrant.
The Independent’s Charlotte Cripps takes a look at his ‘relaxed but regal’ portraits of Charles and Camilla, collaborations with Kate Middleton on her wedding photos, and his favourite shot.
Hugo Burnand: The man crowned as official coronation photographer
King Charles does not want ‘abhorrent’ pledge of allegiance during coronation, friend reveals
08:04 , Kate Ng
A friend of King Charles suggested the new monarch would be horrified by the public pledging allegiance to him.
Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, a close friend of the King, said the idea was “ill advised” and not something the monarch would have wanted.
“I can’t think of anything he would find more abhorrent,” Mr Dimbleby told the Today programme.
Thomas Kingsley reports:
King Charles does not want ‘abhorrent’ pledge of allegiance during coronation
King Charles coronation: Who is going – and who isn’t?
08:00 , Peony Hirwani
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be joined by 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey for their coronation on Saturday 6 May.
Among the senior members of the royal family, a number of celebrities, actors, and politicians in attendance. The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct the ceremony.
Here are all of the royals and celebrities who have confirmed they will be attending the King’s coronation:
King Charles coronation: Who is going – and who isn’t?
Queen Consort Camilla’s grandson will perform Page of Honour duties in a sling after ‘breaking arm’
07:20 , Peony Hirwani
The Queen Consort’s grandson Gus Lopes will reportedly have to wear a sling while carrying out his royal duties as Page of Honour at the coronation this weekend.
The 13-year-old, who is the son of Laura and Harry Lopes, is one of four pages who will hold Camilla’s coronation robes as she walks down Westminster Abbey in the historic occasion on Saturday 6 May.
Read more:
Queen Consort Camilla’s grandson to wear sling at coronation after ‘breaking arm’
The curious culinary history of royal coronation food
06:40 , Peony Hirwani
From coronation chicken to King Charles’s veggie quiche, Benjamin Parker unpacks how different dishes have shaped the monarchy’s image:
The curious culinary history of royal coronation food
What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?
05:00 , Kate Ng
It is understood that the King will opt for a more modern choice of clothing for the ceremony. Instead of the traditional silk stockings and breeches worn in coronations past, it has been reported that the monarch will be crowned in his military uniform.
Therefore, it is expected that Camilla’s coronation dress will also be more modern compared to previous versions, which tend to include ornate designs and lavish materials.
Read more:
What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
16:03 , Ellie Muir
Pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue serving customers for two hours beyond their usual closing time, with the extended licensing hours applying from 11pm on Friday 5 May, Saturday 6 May and Sunday 7 May.
Here is a look at what else is happening day by day and how the coronation celebrations will unfold.
Full story:
King’s coronation: Timings, itinerary and key events
Inside Operation Golden Orb: UK security plan for King’s coronation has been years in the making
03:30 , Kate Ng
The King’s coronation will be a “complex”, multi-pronged operation for police, who are working to stem potential terror threats, disruptive protests and criminal opportunists in dense crowds.
Thousands of officers are being drawn from across the UK for the occasion, which comes months after a huge operation to protect the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Independent understands that authorities are bracing for significant potential disruption from protests, while monitoring jihadists, neo-Nazis and other extremists who revile the royal family as a symbol of the British state.
Lizzie Dearden reports:
Inside Operation Golden Orb: The security forces plan for King’s coronation
The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation
02:00 , Kate Ng
On 6 May, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned at Westminster Abbey as the world watches.
The monarch ascended the throne following the death of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, last September. His coronation takes place more than 70 years after Elizabeth was crowned on 2 June 1953.
During the crowning and anointing parts of the ceremony, which are said to be the most sacred parts, King Charles will sit upon the 700-year-old Coronation Chair.
Find out more:
The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation
King Charles III coronation: What happens in sacred anointing ceremony?
01:00 , Kate Ng
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla is less than a week away, taking place on Saturday 6 May.
As we approach the big day, Buckingham Palace has been revealing more details about the events that will unfold as Britain crowns a new monarch for the first time in more than 70 years.
Here’s everything you need to know about the anointing ceremony:
What will happen during King Charles’ anointing in coronation ceremony?
Hugo Burnand: Meet the man tasked with making history happen during the coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 23:00 , Kate Ng
The former Tatler photographer is the only portrait photographer in the UK to have a royal warrant.
Charlotte Cripps takes a look at his ‘relaxed but regal’ portraits of Charles and Camilla, collaborations with Kate Middleton on her wedding photos, and his favourite shot:
Hugo Burnand: The man crowned as official coronation photographer
Sculpture for King’s coronation will show how he has become more ‘sophisticated’
Thursday 4 May 2023 21:00 , Kate Ng
A new sculpture of the King marking his coronation will show how he has become “more sophisticated” and “dignified” in the last decade, its creator has said.
Leeds-born artist Frances Segelman, who has also created busts of the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, said the depiction also showed a look of concern upon his face as he deals with “the weight of the world on his shoulders”.
Sculpture for King’s coronation will show how he has become more ‘sophisticated’
Complete guide to all the glittering regalia being used at the coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 20:00 , Kate Ng
Here is all the coronation regalia being used at the crowning of the King and Queen Consort.
The sacred, priceless objects are part of the Crown Jewels – the nation’s most precious treasures – which are held in trust by the King for the country and kept under armed guard in the Tower of London.
Complete guide to all the glittering regalia being used at the coronation
Prince William jokes he’s ‘not too bad at drinking pints’ rather than pulling them
Thursday 4 May 2023 19:00 , Kate Ng
The Prince of Wales tried his hand at pulling a pint during his and Kate Middleton’s visit to the Dog and Duck Pub in Soho today, but joked he may be better at drinking them instead.
Prince William poured a pint of Kingmaker, a pale ale brewed to celebrate the coronation. He was accompanied by pub managers Chris Watts and Maria Sojkova.
While waitress Bernie Kidson described the pint as “perfect”, William appeared to disagree as he replied sarcastically: “Oh, really?”
The royal joked: “I’m not too bad at drinking pints.”
After the visit, Watts said William was “enjoying his drink” and did not want to leave the pub.
“He was saying he likes to go to the pub - he said he goes out into the sticks where it’s a bit quieter and enjoys watching football, chatting to people and talking,” he said.
“I don’t think he could do that here - it’d be quite busy.”
Big Ben, Tower Bridge and more landmarks to light up for coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 18:00 , Kate Ng
Four London landmarks have been announced as additions to the list of buildings which will light up across the nation to mark the King’s coronation.
Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Guildhall and Mansion House will be illuminated in red, white and blue to mark the crowning of the King and the Queen Consort this weekend.
The colourful displays will take place on Saturday evening after the coronation ceremony, from 8pm until midnight, and during the same period on Sunday to coincide with the BBC’s Lighting Up The Nation event.
Big Ben was earlier announced as another London landmark which will be illuminated by a series of projections of national flowers of all four home nations - a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock, from Thursday evening.
The words of the national anthem, God Save The King, will also appear on the tower before the projection culminates with the coronation emblem, designed by Sir Jony Ive, a British product designer and chancellor of the Royal College of Art.
Guildhall, Mansion House, Tower Bridge and the Central Criminal Court will also fly the Union Flag over the coronation weekend.
Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, whose official residence is Mansion House, said: “The coronation is a day of national celebration and marks the beginning of a new era for the country and the Commonwealth.
“It’s only right that we should honour this momentous occasion by lighting up some of the UK’s best-known landmarks.”
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, which has its headquarters at Guildhall, said: “The first coronation of a new monarch in 70 years will be a truly momentous event for our country.
“Bathing the city’s iconic landmarks in red, white and blue is a highly visible way of celebrating the crowning of our new King and demonstrating the city’s long-standing support for, and loyalty to the monarchy.”
PA
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’ ahead of coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 17:00 , Kate Ng
Naomi Campbell has shared words of encouragement for King Charles III as he prepares for his coronation on Saturday 6 May.
The supermodel, 52, first met the monarch when he was the Prince of Wales at Donatella Versace’s 2001 charity fashion gala.
Read more:
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’
Angela Hartnett: Mutton curry should be the new coronation chicken
Thursday 4 May 2023 16:30 , Kate Ng
Mutton curry encapsulates the King’s attitude towards sustainability and the melting pot of cultures across the Commonwealth, the chef tells Prudence Wade.
Read what the Michelin-starred chef has to say about the curry:
Angela Hartnett: Mutton curry should be the new coronation chicken
WATCH: Royal superfans camp out for King Charles’s coronation on the Mall
Thursday 4 May 2023 16:00 , Kate Ng
Coronation flypast could be scaled back or cancelled in bad weather
Thursday 4 May 2023 15:48 , Ellie Muir
A flypast to celebrate the coronation could be scaled back and even cancelled in poor weather, the Ministry of Dance (MoD) said.
Forecasters expect conditions in London to be cloudy and wet on Saturday, which could hamper the ability of pilots to fly safely.
More than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force - including the Red Arrows - are scheduled to fly over The Mall and Buckingham Palace at around 2.15pm.
Asked about the potential for the flypast to be disrupted by the weather, an MoD spokesman told the PA news agency: "There are certain weather limits in terms of cloud base and visibility for a flypast involving a large number of aircraft which will need to be met.
"The latest weather information will be obtained from both the Met Office and from our helicopters performing weather checks in advance of the main flypast on Saturday.
"If suitable, the flypast will continue as planned. If not, then there are options available to reduce the number of aircraft, with cancellation being the last resort.
"Clearly there are many things the MoD does control, but the weather is not one of them.
"Safety will always be our primary concern."
Full story:
Coronation flypast could be scaled back or cancelled in bad weather, according to MOD
How did a rare US Senate book bearing King Charles’ name land in a used bookshop?
Thursday 4 May 2023 15:30 , Kate Ng
A leather-bound copy of a US Senate rules book, one of 450 printed for the nation’s 91st Congress in 1969, was discovered on sale for a mere $9.39. The name stamped in gilt letters on its front could offer a unique view into King Charles III’s relationship with America.
Io Dodds reports:
How did a rare US Senate book bearing King Charles’ name land in a used bookshop?
Coronation pie recipe: Discover Mary Berry’s chosen dish by Adam Handling
Thursday 4 May 2023 15:02 , Kate Ng
Adam Handling’s chicken pie has been crowned the winner of a coronation dish competition on The One Show.
The BBC programme teamed up with The Big Coronation Lunch to find a recipe perfect for street parties and celebrations across the country this Saturday.
Find out how to make it:
Discover Mary Berry’s chosen coronation pie recipe
King Charles is ‘relaxed’ as coronation draws closer, Dean says
Thursday 4 May 2023 14:38 , Kate Ng
The King’s coronation will be “jaw-dropping” but the monarch remains “relaxed and very gracious” despite the “huge burden” ahead of him, the Dean of Westminster has said.
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle said rehearsals for the big day have gone well and King Charles III was not at all anxious about the momentous occasion.
Replica crowns have been used for the dry runs, and the children, which includes Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, attending were “watching with huge interest”, the dean revealed.
The dean, speaking at Westminster Abbey ahead of the May 6 ceremony, told Sky News: “The King was relaxed and very gracious.
“He took time to thank all the people around him who are making this happen.
“So whilst he has a huge burden on him, there’s a lot for him to do, he doesn’t give the sense of being a man who’s really anxious about this, not at all.”
The dean, who will take part in the ceremony conducted by the Archbishop Canterbury, said: “I’m the Dean of Westminster. I’m used to ceremony on a national level. Even I think this is pretty jaw-dropping.”
PA
IN PICTURES: Prince William and Kate Middleton visit pub in Soho ahead of coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 13:36 , Kate Ng
The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid a visit to a pub in Soho this afternoon, after taking a ride on the Elizabeth line.
The couple went to the Dog and Duck Pub for a pint in London’s West End, to the delight of a crowd of fans who cheered when they appeared.
They travelled from Acton to Tottenham Court Road on the Elizabeth line for the visit and spoke to passengers during the journey.
Royal photographer explains what to expect from King Charles’ coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 13:30 , Kate Ng
A royal photographer has revealed what the British public can expect to see as the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla unfolds on Saturday 6 May.
Tim Rooke, who has photographed the royal family for Shutterstock for the past 30 years, tells The Independent that he believes the coronation will have “all the pomp and significance you’d expect of a royal event” despite being significantly smaller than the 1953 coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Read what he has to say:
Royal photographer explains what we can expect from King Charles’ coronation
King Charles’s dating history – from Camilla Parker Bowles to Princess Diana’s sister
Thursday 4 May 2023 13:00 , Kate Ng
Read up on the new King’s dating history:
The women King Charles dated before marrying Diana
Joan Collins shares King Charles’s skill that impressed her
Thursday 4 May 2023 12:30 , Kate Ng
Joan Collins has praised King Charles III for his skills on the dancefloor in a tribute to the monarch ahead of his coronation.
The Dynasty star recalled a fond memory about meeting the King for the first time in the Eighties, when he was the Prince of Wales and, at the time, married to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
Read more:
Joan Collins shares King Charles’s skill that impressed her
Queen Camilla’s grandson who will be Page of Honour at coronation has ‘broken arm’
Thursday 4 May 2023 12:06 , Ellie Muir
Queen Camilla’s grandson, who is set to be one of the Pages of Honour at the coronation, has been injured ahead of the royal event.
The 13-year-old, named Gus Lopes, has reportedly broken his arm in a bike accident.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Richard Eden cites an unnamed family friend as revealing that “Gus broke his arm in a bike accident while on holiday.”
While the cast has reportedly now been removed, “he must have it in a sling on the big day”.
Gus is the son of Camilla’s daughter Laura Lopes, who has children Eliza, 15, and 13-year-old twins, Louis and Gus.
Model Munroe Bergdorf criticises ‘obscene display’ of wealth ahead of coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 12:00 , Kate Ng
Munroe Bergdorf has criticised what she has deemed the “sickening” timing of the King’s coronation this weekend, amid the cost of living crisis in the UK.
Bergdorf, a model, activist and contributing editor at British Vogue, posted a statement to Instagram on Wednesday (3 May), just two days before the King’s coronation, to express her distaste for the “opulence” of the event amid economic turmoil.
Ellie Muir reports:
Model Munroe Bergdorf criticises ‘obscene display’ of wealth ahead of coronation
What makes Queen Camilla tick, from crafty ciggies to the Archers?
Thursday 4 May 2023 11:30 , Kate Ng
When she is crowned alongside Charles this weekend, the former Duchess of Cornwall will begin a vital role in shaping the modern monarchy.
Lucy Pavia gets the inside track on our new queen:
What makes Queen Camilla tick, from crafty ciggies to the Archers?
Lord Great Chamberlain ‘nervous’ about role in coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 11:00 , Kate Ng
The Lord Great Chamberlain said he is “rather nervous” about presenting King Charles with part of the Coronation Regalia.
Speaking on Times Radio, Lord Carrington admitted his trepidation about Saturday’s coronation ceremony.
He added: “I am part of the procession which goes into Westminster and I will be leading part of the procession that includes the King and the Queen.
“I will be presenting him with part of the Royal Regalia - specifically the Golden Spurs which date back to the time of Richard I.
“They, as I understand it, signify knighthood, chivalry, bravery, etcetera.
“And then I will be disappearing, then standing behind the King and receiving another part of the Royal Regalia - I think it’s the glove - and then hopefully I will be sitting down and enjoying the service.”
PA
WATCH: Rain expected to fall on King's coronation parade with showers forecast on Saturday
Thursday 4 May 2023 10:36 , Kate Ng
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’ ahead of coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 10:00 , Ellie Muir
Naomi Campbell has shared words of encouragement for King Charles III as he prepares for his coronation on Saturday 6 May.
The supermodel, 52, first met the monarch when he was the Prince of Wales at Donatella Versace’s 2001 charity fashion gala.
She recalled meeting him several times since then, but her “highlight” was when they attended a reception at the Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos in 2018.
Full story:
Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’
Joan Collins shares King Charles’s skill that impressed her
Thursday 4 May 2023 09:17 , Ellie Muir
Joan Collins has praised King Charles III for his skills on the dancefloor in a tribute to the monarch ahead of his coronation.
The Dynasty star recalled a fond memory about meeting the King for the first time in the Eighties, when he was the Prince of Wales and, at the time, married to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
She met him at a charity ball held by Armand Hammer in Palm Beach, Miami, where they “had a little dance together” that Collins described as “very nice”.
Full story:
Camilla to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s crimson coronation robe for ceremony
Thursday 4 May 2023 06:00 , Ellie Muir
Camilla will wear the coronation robes made for Queen Elizabeth II when she is crowned Queen Consort next Saturday 6 May.
Buckingham Palace has released new photographs and details about the coronation robes the King and Queen Consort will wear at the ceremony next weekend.
In keeping with tradition, Charles and Camilla will wear two different robes each – crimson Robes of State on arrival and purple Robes of Estate as they leave at the end of the service.
Full story:
Camilla to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robe for crowning ceremony
Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by Meghan as he gives ‘final interview’
Thursday 4 May 2023 05:20 , Ellie Muir
Thomas Markle Sr has said he will not allow his daughter, Meghan Markle, to “bury” him while he is still alive.
The Duchess of Sussex’s father, 78, claimed in the Australian news programme 7News Spotlight that his daughter had not called him in four years. He has said that his appearance on the programme would be his “final ever” interview.
Full story:
Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan in ‘final interview’
Prince Harry’s waxwork at Madam Tussauds reunited with royal family for coronation
Thursday 4 May 2023 04:20 , Ellie Muir
A wax figure of the Duke of Sussex has been reunited with the rest of the royal family figurines at Madame Tussauds London as Harry returns to the UK for the coronation.
The 38-year-old announced, along with the palace, in April that he would be attending the crowning of his father, the King, and his stepmother, the Queen Consort, at Westminster Abbey on Saturday (6 May).
The Duchess of Sussex, 41, has decided to remain at home in Los Angeles to be with the couple’s son Prince Archie on his fourth birthday.
Full story:
Prince Harry’s Madam Tussauds wax figure reunited with royal family for coronation
