King's coronation day key timings and full schedule for Saturday
05.05.2023 - 16:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It's almost time for King Charles III's Coronation at Westminster Abbey. Alongside wife Camilla, he will officially be crowned monarch this Saturday, May 6.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will carry out the ceremony, as Charles becomes the nation's oldest king to be crowned at the age of 73. The coronation is Britain's first in seven decades, since Queen Elizabeth II's crowning in 1953.
A full programme of events have been planned for the bumper weekend, which includes a bank holiday Monday on May 8. Proceedings will begin with the Coronation on the Saturday, while Coronation Big Lunches and a special gig at Windsor Castle are scheduled for Sunday.
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On the Monday, people are encouraged to help out and volunteer in their local communities.
Here is a run-down of everything happening on Saturday, May 6 - from when the Coronation procession begins, to when the royals are expected to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
6am – Viewing areas open along the procession route. Thousands of spectators are expected to line up along the route to catch a glimpse of the King and Queen as they make their way through central London.
7.15 to 8.30am – Guests for Westminster Abbey begin to arrive at security check points in Victoria Tower Gardens.
More than 850 community and charity representatives from across the UK have been invited to the King’s coronation. Invitations to the service itself have been extended to more than 450 British Empire Medal recipients in recognition of their contributions.
9am – Congregation to be seated inside the Abbey.
9.30 to 10.45am – Heads of state, overseas government representatives, Government ministers, First Ministers, former PMs,