Coronation news – live: William and Kate spotted in Soho pub as police prepare for King Charles’ ceremony

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The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla is drawing near, and while many Britons are looking forward to the historic occasion, those wanting to watch the grand procession in person may have to prepare for wet weather.

The Met Office has predicted conditions could turn wet, with chances of thunder in parts of the UK, but London could see the warmest coronation in history, with highs of 19C in south London predicted.

On Wednesday morning (3 April), the monarch was spotted leaving Westminster Abbey after attending rehearsals, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children.

Prince George, nine, will be a Page of Honour to the King at Saturday’s ceremony, alongside Camilla’s three grandsons.

The rehearsals followed an incident at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening (2 May), where a man was arrested after throwing suspected shotgun cartridges into the palace grounds, police said.

Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan said the man spoke to a police officer on guard and “asked to speak to a soldier” before throwing the cartridges over the gates.

Adelekan said that while being arrested, the man raised officers’ suspicions about his backpack by telling them it “needed to be handled correctly”.

Coronation news – latest updates

  • Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis join William and Kate at coronation rehearsal

  • Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the coronation

  • 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

Bank holiday weekend: Met Office predicts warmest coronation in history

Wednesday 3 May 2023 15:58 , Ellie Muir

Showers and sunshine are on the cards as the UK prepares to witness the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday.

Thousands of people are expected to travel to London to catch a glimpse of the monarch for 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 could turn wet, with chances of thunder in parts of the UK, but London could see the warmest coronation in history.

Full story below:

UK weather: Met Office predicts warmest coronation in history

IN PICTURES: Prince William and Kate Middleton visit pub in Soho ahead of coronation

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.

Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales travel on London Underground's Elizabeth Line (AP)
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales travel on London Underground's Elizabeth Line (AP)
The Prince and Princess of Wales travel on London Underground's Elizabeth Line in central London (PA)
The Prince and Princess of Wales travel on London Underground's Elizabeth Line in central London (PA)
Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) arrive to visit the Dog & Duck Pub in Soho (AFP via Getty Images)
Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) arrive to visit the Dog & Duck Pub in Soho (AFP via Getty Images)
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at the Dog & Duck Pub to speak to members of staff to hear how it's preparing for the Coronation Weekend (Getty Images)
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at the Dog & Duck Pub to speak to members of staff to hear how it's preparing for the Coronation Weekend (Getty Images)
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit the The Dog and Duck Pub in Soho (REUTERS)
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit the The Dog and Duck Pub in Soho (REUTERS)

Royal photographer explains what to expect from King Charles’ coronation

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

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

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’

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

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?

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

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

10:36 , Kate Ng

Naomi Campbell wishes King Charles ‘a great reign and all the success’ ahead of coronation

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

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

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’

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

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

More than 3,000 street parties set to celebrate coronation weekend

03:00 , Ellie Muir

More than 3,000 street parties are planned across England to mark the coronation, new figures show.

Councils in England have approved 3,087 road closures for gatherings marking the royal event, according to figures from road management company One.Network shared with the PA news agency.

Full story:

More than 3,000 street parties set to celebrate coronation weekend

Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation

01:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

Full story:

Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation

King to be covered in golden robes weighing 4kg for moment of crowning

Wednesday 3 May 2023 23:30 , Ellie Muir

The King will be wearing a collection of heavy golden robes when he is crowned King at the coronation on Saturday (6 May).

Assisted by Prince William, the monarch will put on layer upon layer of glittering coronation vestments, inspired by priestly attire, in the middle of Westminster Abbey’s coronation theatre during the religious service.

Full story:

King to be covered in golden robes weighing 4kg for moment of crowning

What’s the difference between Camilla’s Queen and Queen Consort titles?

Wednesday 3 May 2023 22:30 , Ellie Muir

Queen Consort Camilla will officially be named Queen Camilla at King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday (6 May).

The invitations for the King’s forthcoming coronation revealed Camilla Parker-Bowles’ new title. She was referred to as Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year.

The decision is unprecedented since the late Queen Elizabeth II said in February last year that it was her “sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort”. Buckingham Palace confirmed last month that Camilla will be known as Queen after the coronation.

Full story:

Smiling Princess Charlotte photographed ahead of eighth birthday

Wednesday 3 May 2023 21:30 , Ellie Muir

A smiling Princess Charlotte has been photographed ahead of her eighth birthday.

The young princess was photographed grinning in a white dress with flowers on it by her mother, the Princess of Wales, in Windsor this weekend.

The family will be centre stage at the King’s coronation on May 6 – and Charlotte and her brothers are expected to watch their grandfather be crowned.

Full story:

Smiling Princess Charlotte photographed ahead of eighth birthday

Princess Anne throws doubt on ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy: ‘It doesn’t sound like a good idea’

Wednesday 3 May 2023 20:30 , Ellie Muir

The Princess Royal has defended the role of the monarchy in the modern world in a rare, candid interview.

Princess Anne sat down with Canada’s CBC News ahead of her brother King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday 6 May. She is set to take part in the coronation procession as the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting.

Asked if there were conversations about relevance within the royal family, Anne said it was “not a conversation I that I would necessarily have”.

Full story:

Princess Anne doubts idea of a ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy in candid interview

King Charles’ biographer details how the monarch is different from Queen Elizabeth

Wednesday 3 May 2023 19:30 , Ellie Muir

Jonathan Dimbleby, who presented two documentaries on King Charles III, has detailed the major differences between the new sovereign and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The broadcaster presented the 1994 ITV documentary Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role as well as the 2022 documentary Charles, The Monarch and the Man, and has come to know the King well over the past 30 years.

Ahead of the King and Queen Consort Camilla’s coronation on Saturday 6 May, Dimbleby reflected on how Charles’ personality and impact differs from his predecessor, who died last September.

Full story:

King Charles’ biographer details how the monarch is different from Queen Elizabeth

Coronation dress rehearsals featuring state coaches take place overnight in London

Wednesday 3 May 2023 19:00 , Ellie Muir

The first glimpses of the coronation have been revealed as rehearsals took place in central London in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with only three days to go until the big day.

Hundreds of soldiers, many on horseback, marched down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach were marched down the Mall as part of the preparations for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday 6 May.

Full story:

Coronation dress rehearsals featuring state coaches take place overnight in London

King Charles will have his ‘dream fulfilled’ during coronation, says Britt Ekland

Wednesday 3 May 2023 18:30 , Ellie Muir

James Bond star Britt Ekland has said that King Charles III will have his “dream fulfilled” when he is crowned at his coronation ceremony on Saturday 6 May.

The 80-year-old actress, who starred opposite Sir Roger Moore in 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun as Mary Goodnight, was a close friend of Princess Margaret, who died in 2002.

Ekland, who was speaking around the 50th anniversary of horror film The Wicker Man, recalled her first meeting with Charles, who was a big fan of the BBC radio comedy show The Goon Show, which starred her then-husband Peter Sellers.

Full story below:

King Charles will have his ‘dream fulfilled’ during coronation, says Britt Ekland

The health retreat Charles and Camilla can’t keep away from

Wednesday 3 May 2023 18:00 , Kate Ng

The King and Queen may be spending this week surrounded by coronation pomp and ceremony, but it’s the simplicity of the Soukya retreat where they’ve found a home away from home, reports Arpan Rai from Bengaluru, India.

Inside the health retreat Charles and Camilla can’t stay away from

The life of Meghan Markle: From Suits star to the Duchess of Sussex

Wednesday 3 May 2023 17:30 , Kate Ng

In the mere five years since she married into the British royal family in 2018, Meghan Markle went from the small screen to one of the most recognised women in the world.

The actor-turned-royal’s arrival on the scene proved to be explosive, in more than one sense of the word. Together with her husband, Prince Harry, Meghan has caused wave after wave both inside the royal family and outside of it.

Read all about her life here:

Everything you need to know about Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife

What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?

Wednesday 3 May 2023 17:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

Full story:

What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?

All the ways the coronation ceremony is expected to break from royal protocol

Wednesday 3 May 2023 16:30 , Ellie Muir

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.

Full story:

All the ways King Charles’ coronation is expected to break from royal protocol

Coronation: Police will not stop anti-monarchy protests unless they cause ‘serious disruption’

Wednesday 3 May 2023 16:21 , Ellie Muir

Police will not stop anti-monarchy protests during the coronation unless they cause “serious disruption” or break the law, a senior officer has said.

Republican groups are planning a series of “Not My King” demonstrations on Saturday, and officers fear some factions may attempt to cause disruption.

Several anti-monarchy demonstrators were arrested or spoken to by police during proclamation ceremonies for King Charles III that followed the Queen’s death in September.

Full story:

Police will not stop anti-monarchy protests unless they cause ‘serious disruption’

The curious culinary history of royal coronation food

Wednesday 3 May 2023 16:00 , 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

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis join William and Kate at coronation rehearsal

Wednesday 3 May 2023 15:38 , Ellie Muir

Prince William and Prince Louis arrive at rehearsals for King’s coronation ahead of Saturday’s ceremony (PA Images)
Prince William and Prince Louis arrive at rehearsals for King’s coronation ahead of Saturday’s ceremony (PA Images)

King Charles III coronation: What happens in sacred anointing ceremony?

Wednesday 3 May 2023 15:30 , Ellie Muir

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.

The last coronation that took place was that of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Since her death in September 2022, King Charles ascended the throne and the royal family has seen several role changes.

Read the full story below:

What will happen during King Charles’ anointing in coronation ceremony?

Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the coronation

Wednesday 3 May 2023 15:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

Full story:

Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the coronation

IN PICTURES: Royal mega-fans set up camp along coronation procession route

Wednesday 3 May 2023 14:42 , Kate Ng

A number of fans of the royal family have begun setting up camp along the coronation procession route, as dress rehearsals get underway for the big day.

Royal fan Ardis Ryberg from Arkansas, US, who is camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, ahead of the coronation of King Charles III (PA)
Royal fan Ardis Ryberg from Arkansas, US, who is camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London, ahead of the coronation of King Charles III (PA)
A man wearing a Union Flag suit stands with a cardboard cut-out of King Charles III as he waits on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)
A man wearing a Union Flag suit stands with a cardboard cut-out of King Charles III as he waits on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)
Royal fan Mary-Jane Willows from Cornwall, who is camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London (PA)
Royal fan Mary-Jane Willows from Cornwall, who is camping out on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace in central London (PA)
Royalist John Loughrey speaks to journalists as he sits next to his tent on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)
Royalist John Loughrey speaks to journalists as he sits next to his tent on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)
Royalists wear Union flag costumes and badges as they sit with their tents on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)
Royalists wear Union flag costumes and badges as they sit with their tents on the planned route of the Coronation procession (Getty Images)

The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation

Wednesday 3 May 2023 14:30 , Ellie Muir

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.

Full story:

The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation

Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation

Wednesday 3 May 2023 14:00 , Ellie Muir

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 the royal.

Read the full story below:

Prince George given Page of Honour role at King’s coronation

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by Meghan as he gives ‘final interview’

Wednesday 3 May 2023 13:30 , 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.

He said that he suffered a debilitating stroke last year and expressed disappointment that she did not reach out.

Read the full story below:

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan in ‘final interview’

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla arrive at coronation rehearsals ahead of Saturday’s ceremony

Wednesday 3 May 2023 13:03 , Ellie Muir

Everyone we know invited to King Charles’ coronation – from Prince Harry to Ant and Dec

Wednesday 3 May 2023 13:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

After months of speculation surrounding whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the event, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Wednesday 12 April that Prince Harry will attend. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will stay at home with their children, Archie and Lilbet.

Read the full list below:

Everyone we know who’s been invited to King Charles’s coronation

Camilla and her pages seen leaving Westminster Abbey after rehearsal

Wednesday 3 May 2023 12:31 , Ellie Muir

The Queen Consort and her grandsons have been seen leaving Westminster Abbey after a rehearsal ahead of Saturday’s event.

The children will be Pages of Honour at the ceremony.

Camilla and her pages leaving Westminster Abbey’ (REUTERS)
Camilla and her pages leaving Westminster Abbey’ (REUTERS)

Princess Anne throws doubt on ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy: ‘It doesn’t sound like a good idea’

Wednesday 3 May 2023 12:30 , Ellie Muir

The Princess Royal has defended the role of the monarchy in the modern world in a rare, candid interview.

Princess Anne sat down with Canada’s CBC News ahead of her brother King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday 6 May. She is set to take part in the coronation procession as the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting.

Asked if there were conversations about relevance within the royal family, Anne said it was “not a conversation I that I would necessarily have”.

Kate Ng reports:

Princess Anne doubts idea of a ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy in candid interview

Smiling Princess Charlotte photographed ahead of eighth birthday

Wednesday 3 May 2023 12:00 , Ellie Muir

A smiling Princess Charlotte has been photographed ahead of her eighth birthday.

The young princess was photographed grinning in a white dress with flowers on it by her mother, the Princess of Wales, in Windsor this weekend.

The family will be centre stage at the King’s coronation on May 6 – and Charlotte and her brothers are expected to watch their grandfather be crowned.

Read the full story below:

Smiling Princess Charlotte photographed ahead of eighth birthday

King Charles’ biographer details how the monarch is different from Queen Elizabeth

Wednesday 3 May 2023 11:00 , Ellie Muir

Jonathan Dimbleby, who presented two documentaries on King Charles III, has detailed the major differences between the new sovereign and his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The broadcaster presented the 1994 ITV documentary Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role as well as the 2022 documentary Charles, The Monarch and the Man, and has come to know the King well over the past 30 years.

Ahead of the King and Queen Consort Camilla’s coronation on Saturday 6 May, Dimbleby reflected on how Charles’ personality and impact differs from his predecessor, who died last September.

King Charles’ biographer details how the monarch is different from Queen Elizabeth

King Charles will have his ‘dream fulfilled’ during coronation, says Britt Ekland

Wednesday 3 May 2023 10:30 , Ellie Muir

James Bond star Britt Ekland has said that King Charles III will have his “dream fulfilled” when he is crowned at his coronation ceremony on Saturday 6 May.

The 80-year-old actress, who starred opposite Sir Roger Moore in 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun as Mary Goodnight, was a close friend of Princess Margaret, who died in 2002.

Ekland, who was speaking around the 50th anniversary of horror film The Wicker Man, recalled her first meeting with Charles, who was a big fan of the BBC radio comedy show The Goon Show, which starred her then-husband Peter Sellers.

Read the full story below:

King Charles will have his ‘dream fulfilled’ during coronation, says Britt Ekland

Coronation dress rehearsals featuring state coaches take place overnight in London

Wednesday 3 May 2023 09:52 , Ellie Muir

The first glimpses of the coronation have been revealed as rehearsals took place in central London in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with only three days to go until the big day.

Hundreds of soldiers, many on horseback, marched down from Buckingham Palace past Trafalgar Square and Downing Street to Westminster Abbey.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach were marched down the Mall as part of the preparations for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on Saturday 6 May.

Read the full story below:

Coronation dress rehearsals featuring state coaches take place overnight in London

St Edward’s Crown to be resized for King Charles III’s coronation

Tuesday 2 May 2023 05:00 , Ellie Muir

King Charles III will wear St Edward’s Crown for his coronation next year, but it will need to be resized before the significant event.

The crown has been removed from the Tower of London to allow for modification work to begin before the ceremony on 6 May 2023, Buckingham Palace has said.

Read the full story below:

St Edward’s Crown to be resized for King Charles III’s coronation

The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation

Tuesday 2 May 2023 04:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

Kate Ng reports:

The fascinating history behind the chair King Charles will sit on at his coronation

When is the coronation of King Charles III?

Tuesday 2 May 2023 01:40 , Ellie Muir

King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May, 2023.

In a statement, representatives said: “Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce that the coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6 May 2023.

“The coronation ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, London, and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Read the full story below:

King Charles coronation date, timetable and everything you need to know

Royal photographer explains what we can expect from King Charles’ coronation

Monday 1 May 2023 23:40 , Ellie Muir

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.

Kate Ng reports:

Royal photographer explains what we can expect from King Charles’ coronation

What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?

Monday 1 May 2023 23:00 , Ellie Muir

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.

Kate Ng reports:

What will Queen Consort Camilla wear to the coronation?

What happens in sacred anointing ceremony?

Monday 1 May 2023 22:00 , Ellie Muir

The King will not forego the most sacred part of the ceremony: the anointing of the sovereign. This tradition is so sacred that it was hidden from public view during Queen Elizabeth’s own anointing – and it has been revealed that Charles will do the same.

The mysterious anointing ceremony, known as the Act of Consecration, will take place before the investiture and crowning, and is carried out by the Archbishop. At Charles’s coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury will be the one to anoint the King.

Read the full story below:

What will happen during King Charles’ anointing in coronation ceremony?

What’s the difference between Camilla’s Queen and Queen Consort titles?

Monday 1 May 2023 21:30 , Ellie Muir

Queen Consort Camilla will officially be named Queen Camilla at King Charles III’s coronation on Saturday (6 May).

The invitations for the King’s forthcoming coronation revealed Camilla Parker-Bowles’ new title. She was referred to as Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year.

The decision is unprecedented since the late Queen Elizabeth II said in February last year that it was her “sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort”. Buckingham Palace confirmed last month that Camilla will be known as Queen after the coronation.

Read the full report below:

What’s the difference between Camilla’s Queen and Queen Consort titles?

Prince Harry’s waxwork at Madam Tussauds reunited with royal family for coronation

Monday 1 May 2023 20:30 , 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).

Read the full story below:

Prince Harry’s Madam Tussauds wax figure reunited with royal family for coronation

All the ways the coronation ceremony is expected to break from royal protocol

Monday 1 May 2023 19:30 , Ellie Muir

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned next month during a symbolic coronation ceremony.

Although there are many ways the coronation will be similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years ago and to her father King George VI’s coronation in 1937, there will also be a few key differences as King Charles announces departures from tradition.

Read the full story below:

All the ways King Charles’ coronation is expected to break from royal protocol

Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the coronation

Monday 1 May 2023 18:30 , Ellie Muir

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.

Meet the Pages of Honour and Ladies in Attendance at the coronation

New screen will give King Charles privacy during coronation anointing

Monday 1 May 2023 17:30 , Ellie Muir

The King will have greater privacy than afforded previous monarchs during one of the most sacred moments of the coronation.

Charles will be shielded by a new partition, featuring an embroidered design celebrating the Commonwealth, when he is anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury during his crowning on May 6.

Read the full story below:

New screen will give Charles privacy during coronation anointing

Photo of Charles at start of Cambridge studies released for first time

Monday 1 May 2023 16:30 , Ellie Muir

A photograph taken of the King for his matriculation at the University of Cambridge has been released for the first time.

Trinity College, Cambridge, where Charles studied for three years, shared the picture of the 18-year-old prince taken in October 1967, ahead of the coronation next week.

Photo of Charles at start of Cambridge studies released for first time

Camilla to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s crimson coronation robe for ceremony

Monday 1 May 2023 15:30 , 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.

Read the full story below:

Camilla to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robe for crowning ceremony

Royal expert says he’s ‘interested’ to hear what William says about King Charles at coronation tribute

Monday 1 May 2023 14:30 , Ellie Muir

A royal expert has said that he is intrigued to hear what William will say about King Charles and Queen Camilla at the coronation tribute.

Prince William is expected to make a “heartfelt and loving” tribute to his father King Charles III and step-mother Queen Camilla after the coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Thursday (7 May).

Read the full story below:

Royal expert predicts what William will say about Charles at coronation tribute

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan

Monday 1 May 2023 13:30 , 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.

Read the full story below:

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan

Everyone we know invited to King Charles’ coronation – from Prince Harry to Princess Charlene of Monaco

Monday 1 May 2023 12:30 , Ellie Muir

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be joined by 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey for their coronation on 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.

Read the full report below:

Everyone we know who’s been invited to King Charles’s coronation

Prince Harry waxwork reunited with royal family

Monday 1 May 2023 11:30 , Roisin O'Connor

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.

To reflect this, Meghan’s figure will remain in the Awards Party Zone – with US-based celebrities – where the couple’s waxworks were moved in 2020 following the Sussexes stepping back from royal duties and moving to California.

Full story:

Prince Harry’s Madam Tussauds wax figure reunited with royal family for coronation

All the foreign royals attending King Charles III’s coronation

Monday 1 May 2023 10:54 , 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.

Below is a list of all the foreign royals who have confirmed their attendance so far.

All the foreign royals attending King Charles III’s coronation

‘Long live King Charles’ acclamation to welcome monarch to Westminster Abbey

Monday 1 May 2023 10:24 , Peony Hirwani

The words “long live Queen Camilla, long live King Charles” in Latin will greet the royal couple as they enter Westminster Abbey for the coronation.

They are part of the Vivat acclamations which will be sung at the central London ceremony on May 6.

Read more:

‘Long live King Charles’ acclamation to welcome monarch to Westminster Abbey

Bank Holiday Monday: What time do supermarkets open and close today?

Monday 1 May 2023 09:54 , Peony Hirwani

Britons are being treated to two bank holiday weekends in a row, as the early May bank holiday and the coronation weekend of King Charles III arrive one after the other.

Monday 1 May is the early May bank holiday, while Buckingham Palace announced last year that Monday 8 May would also be a bank holiday to give the country an extra day to celebrate the coronation.

With warmer spring weather expected this coming weekend and Big Lunches and street parties planned for the following one, British people have plenty to look forward to in the coming fortnight.

However, it could also mean closures across some supermarkets on more days than usual.

Many people will be looking to stock up for the long weekends and ensure they have plenty of food and drink for gatherings, parties, or just to relax with.

Here are the opening times for Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrison, Lidl and more.

What are supermarket bank holiday opening times today?

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan

Monday 1 May 2023 09:18 , Roisin O'Connor

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 said that he suffered a debilitating stroke last year and expressed disappointment that she did not reach out.

“If she doesn’t turn up for a stroke, if that doesn’t move her, what would?” he said.

The Independent has contacted representatives of the Sussexes for comment.

Full story:

Thomas Markle says he refuses to be ‘buried’ by daughter Meghan

Coronation Concert stage with Windsor Castle backdrop revealed as 20,000 set to attend

Monday 1 May 2023 09:14 , Peony Hirwani

The Coronation Concert will feature a Union Flag-shaped stage, first look images show.

The stage will also have a halo-like screen surrounding the roof, which the broadcaster said will “symbolise the Crown protecting the nation”.

Read more:

Coronation Concert stage with Windsor Castle backdrop revealed

When was the Queen’s coronation?

Monday 1 May 2023 08:44 , Peony Hirwani

As the country gears up to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May 2023, many will be remembering the crowning of his late mother 71 years earlier, a defining event in 20th-century British history.

Joanna Whitehead reports.

When was the Queen’s coronation?

The curious culinary history of royal coronation food

Monday 1 May 2023 08:14 , Peony Hirwani

From coronation chicken to King Charles’s veggie quiche, The Independent’s Ben Parker unpacks how different dishes have shaped the monarchy’s image.

The curious culinary history of royal coronation food

The Windsors Coronation Special: Exceptionally witty, uproarious send-up of the royals

Monday 1 May 2023 07:34 , Peony Hirwani

“The brilliant writers once again render our reigning family into a highly amusing gallery of grotesques,” writes The Independent’s Sean O’Grady.

The Windsors Coronation Special is an exceptionally witty, uproarious send-up: review

Brian May, Kermit the Frog and Atomic Kitten… together at last!: Nothing is weirder than the royal pop concert

Monday 1 May 2023 07:04 , Peony Hirwani

As Katy Perry and Take That prepare to perform during Charles’s coronation weekend, The Independent’s Katie Rosseinsky salutes the chaotic and confusing tradition of incredibly divergent celebrities coming together to sing for royalty.

‘The Queen wore earplugs’: Royal pop concerts have always been weird

Everyone we know invited to King Charles’ coronation – from Prince Harry to Princess Charlene of Monaco

Monday 1 May 2023 06:00 , Maanya Sachdeva

King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will be joined by 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey for their coronation on 6 May.

Here are all of the royals and celebrities who have confirmed they will be attending the King’s coronation:

Everyone we know who’s been invited to King Charles’s coronation