Newsweek's highlights of King Charles III coronation

That's it for our live coverage of the coronation. King Charles III has been crowned alongside his wife Queen Camilla in the U.K.'s first coronation ceremony in 70 years.

Despite the typical British weather leading to a rather damp occasion, huge crowds of people lined the concession route to catch a glimpse of the royal family on this momentous day.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the coronation on May 6, 2023 in London, England. Getty
The ceremony was marked by pomp and pageantry as the king traveled back and forth from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for the ceremony. Dignitaries from around the world attended the coronation, such as First Lady Jill Biden.

The day culminated in a royal flypast over the palace as the newly-crowned king and queen stood on the balcony to wave to the public. Other senior royals joined them, but Prince Harry and Prince Andrew were noticeable absentees.

Read more of Newsweek's highlights of the day:

Newsweek speaks with the coronation crowd

All day today, Newsweek's Audience Editor Rebecca Flood has been speaking with some of the people who braced the rain to attend the coronation.

Sharon Turnbull, 60, with daughter Zoe Cragg, 45, Stevenage.

"We came down to be a part of history. Not that we could get close."

Simon Davies 33, Shropshire.

"I'm on my stag do so I had no choice. However it has been great fun."

Monica Seet-Munsie: "I'm excited that we're going to have a new king. I'm a proud immigrant from the Philippines."

Angela Flannigan, 72, originally from Ireland. "We came today because King Charles is getting crowned."

Staff Sergeant James Haig, Royal Military Police. "I came today because he's my new boss."

Coronation viewers spot "grim reaper" at Westminster Abbey

A video has been widely shared from King Charles III's coronation in London that shows a shaded figure in the congregation of Westminster Abbey that has been described on social media as the "grim reaper."

A clip taken from the live broadcast of the ceremony showing a cloaked figure moving beneath the Rood Screen of the abbey was edited and uploaded to TikTok by the account, stxawbs, with the caption: "NAH IT CANT JUST BE ME THAT SAW IT HELP FULL ON SIMS DEATH PERSON OMG."

The video has been widely shared, wracking up over 3 million views in just four hours and receiving in excess of 420,000 likes and 7,000 comments.

When contacted by Newsweek for clarification, Westminster Abbey identified the figure as a verger, a member of the abbey community who assists with religious services but who is not a member of the clergy.

Prince Andrew's coronation outfit raises questions

Prince Andrew, the disgraced brother of King Charles III, attended the coronation wearing his formal Garter robes, even though he is not a working royal.

Andrew was banned by the late Queen Elizabeth II from wearing the robes in public for her last Garter Day at Windsor Castle and it was expected that this would continue. Wearing them today suggests a softening of Charles' position towards his brother.

Prince Andrew, like Prince Harry, played no formal role in the coronation ceremony.

How Queen Camilla achieved the unthinkable

Jack Royston, Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent, reflects on the remarkable transformation of Queen Camilla.

"Queen Camilla has been crowned in the final culmination of a decades long transition from King Charles III's secret mistress into his official consort before the eyes of the world.

"Charles and Camilla married in 2005 in the face of opposition from both the king's sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, according to Harry's book Spare. The couple were denied a church wedding because Camilla was a divorcee with a living former spouse, her ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles. Instead, they had a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, which Queen Elizabeth II did not attend.

"The palace told journalists Camilla would never be queen, instead taking the title Princess Consort, a move geared towards showing respect for Diana.

"Fast forward less than 20 years and Camilla's transition is complete, even in the face of a new broadside from Prince Harry, who accused her of sacrificing him on her PR altar as recently as January when his book came out."

Who's who on Buckingham Palace balcony

Okay, deep breath. From left to right we have...

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. King's brother

Lady Louise Windsor. Daughter of Prince Edward

James, Earl of Wessex. Son of Prince Edward

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Wife of Prince Edward

Princess Charlotte. Daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton

Prince Louis. Youngest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince William

Page of Honour Lord Oliver Cholmondeley

Prince George. Eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Page of Honour Nicholas Barclay

Page of Honour Ralph Tollemache

King Charles III

Camilla, Queen Consort

Page Of Honour, Freddy Parker Bowles

Page of Honour, Louis Lopes

Annabel Elliot, sister of Queen Camilla

Page of Honour, Gus Lopes

Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy. Cousin of Queen Elizabeth II

Prince Edward. Duke of Kent. Cousin of Queen Elizabeth II

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Grandson of King George V

"It's the pinnacle of our culture."

Newsweek's Audience Editor, Rebecca Flood, has been mingling with the crowds in central London who came to view the king's coronation procession.

She asked them why they wanted to attend the historic occasion:

Prince Harry's coronation view blocked by hat

One of the most viral moments on social media has been Prince Harry's view during the ceremony being obscured by his aunt Princess Anne's very large feather hat.

Harry attended the coronation ceremony without his wife, Meghan Markle, and was seated two rows behind his brother Prince William owing to the fact that he is no longer a "working member" of the royal family.

Footage from the live broadcast of the ceremony showed Harry's face obstructed by the feather which was quickly posted to social media highlighting the fact that Meghan Markle's face was obstructed during the live broadcast of Queen Elizabeth's funeral in September 2022, by a large candle.

King Charles and Queen Camilla appear on Buckingham Palace balcony

The newly-crowned King and Queen have appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to wave to the masses who have congregated outside to witness the historic occasion.

They are joined by senior royals including Prince William and Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis. Princess Anne and Prince Edward are also there, as well as some of Camilla's grandchildren.

Noticeable absences include Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.

Kate Middleton pays subtle tribute to Princess Diana

James Crawford-Smith, Newsweek's Royal Reporter, notes how Kate Middleton paid a subtle tribute to Princess Diana with her outfit today.

"The Princess of Wales attended the Westminster Abbey crowning ceremony wearing an elegant Alexander McQueen embroidered gown with a special accessory taken from Diana's jewelry box.

"The princess wore a pair of the late royal's statement diamond and pearl earrings which were first worn publicly in the early 1990s. After Diana's untimely death at the age of 36 in 1997, her expansive jewelry collection was inherited by her two sons, Princes William and Harry.

"The earrings were a favorite of Diana's and feature two stylized curves of diamonds with a pearl suspended from each. In her lifetime the earrings had attached two large south-sea pearls as pendants but when Kate first started wearing them in 2019 these were replaced with smaller diamond-topped pearl drops."

Donald Trump blasts Biden's decision not to attend coronation

Former President Donald Trump has condemned President Joe Biden's decision not to attend the coronation today, calling it a great insult to the British people.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump posted: "Joe Biden should have been at the Coronation of King Charles III. Is that really so much to ask? The people of the U.K. are greatly insulted. No wonder we are losing support all over the World."

Trump has frequently attacked Biden's decision not to attend today's event. Instead, the First Lady Jill Biden went to the ceremony instead.

Prince Louis yawns during ceremony

Not everybody seemed thrilled to be at the coronation today. Prince Louis, the youngest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, was caught yawning during the ceremony.

Jill Biden's political statement at coronation

First Lady Jill Biden attended the coronation with her granddaughter, Finnegan, and the outfits they chose made quite the political statement.

The two entered Westminster Abbey dressed in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The day before, the First Lady was photographed with Olena Zelenska, the Ukrainian First Lady, at a reception hosted by Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace.

President Joe Biden has been steadfast in his support for Ukraine during the country's war with Russia and visited Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv back in February.

Watch the coronation procession in the Gold State Coach

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are traveling back from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace in the coronation procession. Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston filmed the procession as it went past.

Celebrities at the coronation

Some of the most famous figures in the world from the movie, tv and music industries were in attendance at Westminster Abbey for the coronation. Notable names included pop star Katy Perry, actress Emma Thompson, Australian rock star Nick Cave and R&B singer Lionel Richie.

Princess Charlotte is Kate Middleton's "mini-me"

James Crawford-Smith, Newsweek's Royal Reporter, breaks down the fashion of Kate Middleton and her daughter Prince Charlotte.

"Princess Charlotte and her mother, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, have worn matching outfits for the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey, both being dressed by the design house that made Kate's wedding dress 12 years ago.

"For the grand ceremony, Kate and Charlotte were dressed in matching white dresses by the British high-fashion label of Alexander McQueen.

"A description of the coronation fashions worn by members of the royal family described Kate's elegant white silk ensemble, worn beneath her robes as a member of the Royal Victorian Order, as: 'An Alexander McQueen dress in ivory silk crepe with silver bullion and thread work embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs.'

"Similarly, it stated that Charlotte's dress was also made of ivory silk crepe and featured floral embroidery, each being a symbol of the four nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

"Both princesses also wore silver headbands comprised of delicate leaves arched in the form of a tiara. Kate's was larger in size, with Charlotte's a simple single row, echoing her mother."

Will the coronation flypast be canceled?

In typical British fashion, the coronation is turning into a very wet and dreary celebration in London as the rain lashes down.

The downpour has not stopped people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned king and queen, but there is a chance it could affect the festivities later on.

The flypast over Buckingham Palace at 2:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. ET), featuring more than 60 planes, could be canceled due to the adverse weather. Royal Air Force Chief Marshal Sir Michal Wigston said, "It's 50/50 at the moment, but we have lots of options, the decision will be made, at this stage we're hoping for the best."

A final decision to scrap the flypast could be made up until one hour before it is due to take place.

Watch the moment King Charles III is crowned

Justin Welby held the priceless headpiece aloft for several seconds before positioning it carefully, its 5-pound weight and fragility visible in his delicate movements.

Charles blinked repeatedly throughout and appeared close to tears as he was overcome by the emotion of the historic ceremony.

Joe Biden congratulates King Charles III

Joe Biden might not be at the coronation in-person, but he has sent his congratulations to the newly-crowned King Charles III.

Taking to Twitter, the president said: "Congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their Coronation. The enduring friendship between the U.S. and the U.K. is a source of strength for both our peoples.

"I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion."

First Lady Jill Biden is attending the coronation with her granddaughter, Finnegan.

Man who threw eggs at King Charles speaks to Newsweek

A man who was arrested and sentenced after he threw eggs at King Charles III has called for a "global revolution" to bring an end to "fascism" after he joined crowds of protestors demonstrating at the coronation on Saturday.

Patrick Thelwell told Newsweek: "This country deserves better. We deserve to live in a true democracy and that will never happen while we are still believing in the absolute lie that this man [Charles] was chosen by God to rule over us because his blood is better than ours. I don't believe that's true and I don't think most people do either!"

Thelwell hurled five eggs toward Charles as the monarch visited York in Northern England in November last year. He was found guilty of committing a public offense and sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

King Charles crowned in coronation 70 years in the making

Jack Royston, Newsweek's chief royal correspondent, on the crowning of King Charles III.

"King Charles III has been crowned alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, in a ceremony built on more than 900 years of British tradition.

"Charles sat in the wooden coronation chair, which survived being vandalized by schoolchildren hundreds of years ago, as the St Edward's Crown was placed on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

"The dramatic moment, steeped in history, came after Charles was anointed with holy oil brought from Jerusalem behind a screen, to give him one brief moment of privacy during a day under the spotlight."

Protesters decry "obscene" cost of coronation

Plenty of anti-monarchy protesters are still here in Trafalgar Square, less than a mile from where King Charles is being crowned in his coronation ceremony.

Steve Jackson tells Newsweek, "Wasting so much money on this nonsense given the cost of living crisis is obscene."

While Buckingham Palace has not provided an official figure for the cost of the coronation, estimates put it between £50-100 million ($63-126m). The event is funded by the British taxpayer, a contentious issue in a country gripped in a cost of living crisis where millions have seen a fall in their real incomes due to soaring inflation. 51 percent of Brits said the coronation should not be funded by the government, according to a recent YouGov poll.

Meghan Markle supporters speak out at coronation

Meghan Markle has appeared on protest posters during the coronation of King Charles III as the duchess has remained in California leaving husband, Prince Harry, to attend the ceremony alone.

A prominent poster comparing Meghan to Princess Diana, emblazoned with the slogan "People's Princess," was spotted being waved among a crowd of protesters from the anti-monarchy group, Republic, as Charles and Queen Camilla made their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on Saturday.

Rebecca Flood, Newsweek's Audience Editor, spoke with protester Eleanor Alexander, about why she made the sign:

Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte melt hearts online

Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the second and third youngest children of Prince William and Kate Middleton, have melted hearts online with their appearance at the coronation of them holding hands going viral.

More than 1,000 anti-monarchy protesters in London

Anti-monarchy protesters are out in full force, and very noisily making their voices heard in London's Trafalgar Square.

Over 1,000 protestors are expected to have gathered in London to demonstrate against Charles' coronation at Westminster Abbey, many of them holding "Not My King" signs associated with the group Republic.

Graham Smith, the head of Republic, along with five other members of the group, were earlier arrested in London and their placards were seized by police. Harry Stratton, director of the protest group, told Newsweek: "Six of our main organisers have been arrested and they won't tell us why. It's like something out of a police state."

Princess Diana fans voice fury ahead of King Charles' coronation

For many royalists, Charles and Camilla being crowned side by side as king and queen is a happy ending for a couple who always loved each other.

For others, the memory of Prince Diana looms large over today's historic ceremony.

Rebecah Boynton, a domestic violence survivor, and activist, wrote on Twitter: "This coronation feels like a celebration of another woman's betrayal trauma, and for many of us with betrayal trauma of our own, celebrating Charles and Camilla is simply impossible. If this is you, be sure to take care of yourself this weekend, and keep Diana in your thoughts."

The account is particularly cutting as Camilla works with charities who support victims of domestic violence and as recently as November spoke out in support of the United Nations' "16 days of activism against gender-based violence."

The symbolism of Prince Harry's coronation appearance

Jack Royston, Newsweek's chief royal correspondent, on the symbolism of Prince Harry's solo appearance today:

"Harry cut a lonely figure as he climbed alone out of the car that took him to Westminster Abbey.

"There was widespread speculation that he might be booed but ultimately the West Gate of Westminster Abbey, where guests arrived, was eerily silent in the middle of a police and military ring of steel with only media and those participating in the day watching on.

"That meant Harry and Andrew got a clear run with no hostility from anti-monarchy protesters or pro-monarchy critics."

Coronation ceremony begins in Westminster Abbey

King Charles III arrives in Westminster Abbey with Camilla, Queen Consort. The service is being conducted by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Prince Harry arrives at Westminster Abbey

Prince Harry has arrived at Westminster Abbey after months of speculation over his attendance.

The Duke of Sussex has traveled solo, with wife Meghan Markle and their children remaining at home in California. Walking into the abbey on his own, Harry is seated next to Jack Brooksbank, the husband of Princess Eugenie.

Crowds cheer as procession travels towards Westminster Abbey

The procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey has begun, with King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, seated in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Crowds along the route have erupted into thunderous cheers as the procession travels past.

Prince Andrew booed by crowds before coronation

Prince Andrew was booed by some of the crowd as he left Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey.

The king's brother has been embroiled in scandal in recent years where allegations of sexual abuse have been made against him connected to his long association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Police speak out over arrests in London

London's Metropolitan Police have provided further details about the anti-monarchy protesters arrested before the coronation.

In a statement released online the Met Police said:

"A significant police operation is under way in central London. We have made a number of arrests in the area of Carlton House Terrace. The individuals have been held on suspicion of breaching the peace.

"Earlier today we arrested four people in the area of St Martin's Lane. They were held on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance. We seized lock-on devices.

"A further three people were arrested in the area of Wellington Arch. They were held on suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage. There will be further updates later today."

Jill Biden arrives at Wesminster Abbey

First Lady Jill Biden has arrived at Westminster Abbey alongside her granddaughter, Finnegan.

King Charles' "horrible" coronation carriage may give a bumpy ride

While it has been confirmed that Charles and Camilla will use the traditional mode of coronation transportation, the ornate 1762 Gold State Coach, they will use it for only one leg of their journey, which will have a significantly shorter route than in previous years.

The royal couple will use the coach, which has transported every king and queen to their coronation since 1831, but only on their return journey from the abbey. For their journey from Buckingham Palace to the abbey, they will travel in the newest carriage in the collection of the Royal Mews, the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was made to commemorate Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne in 2012.

The reason for the break with the tradition of using the Gold State Coach for both journeys is not known, but it likely has to do with the fact that it is famously uncomfortable because of its underdeveloped suspension technology from 1762.

Several monarchs complained about the coach and its jarring movements, which were made additionally uncomfortable because the passengers were wearing heavy crowns during their journey. Queen Victoria complained of its "disturbing oscillations." After the death of Prince Albert, in 1861, she refused to use it again.

In 2018, Elizabeth II gave a rare interview in which described the historic coach as "horrible!"

Man who threatened King speaks out before coronation

A man who was arrested and sentenced after he threw eggs at King Charles III has called for a "global revolution" to bring an end to "fascism" after he joined crowds of protestors demonstrating at the coronation on Saturday.

Patrick Thelwell, 23, was found guilty of committing a public offense last month following a November 2022 incident where he hurled five eggs toward Charles as the monarch visited York in Northern England to unveil a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

Meeting with protestors in central London on Coronation Day, Thelwell told Newsweek: "We need a global revolution to stop the rise of fascism otherwise we're all going to die.

"This country deserves better. We deserve to live in a true democracy and that will never happen while we are still believing in the absolute lie that this man [Charles] was chosen by God to rule over us because his blood is better than ours. I don't believe that's true and I don't think most people do either!"

When asked if he planned on throwing eggs during the King's coronation procession, Thelwell responded that he wouldn't as "counter-terrorism police" were aware of his presence, and that he no longer believes it is an "effective strategy to achieve serious political change."

Music begins at Westminster Abbey

12 brand new pieces are being performed today at the coronation, from composers including Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Sir Antonio Pappano, music director at the Royal Opera House, is conducting the coronation orchestra today, and is already starting to grow a following online.

"Like something out of a police state"

Newsweek has further details about the anti-monarchy protesters who have been arrested in central London.

Harry Stratton, director of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, told Newsweek: "Six of our main organizers have been arrested they won't tell us why. It's like something out of a police state."

What do Americans make of the coronation?

King Charles III's coronation is more likely to matter to Generation Z than older Americans, according to polling for Newsweek.

Redfield & Wilton asked a representative sample of 1,500 Americans about their attitude to the coronation on April 30 on behalf of Newsweek.

Interestingly, the coronation was more important to young Americans. Fifteen percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 25- to 34-year-olds said it mattered a "significant amount," compared to 7 percent of over-65s.

Voters for President Joe Biden were also more likely to feel it mattered a significant amount, 17 percent, compared to Donald Trump voters, at 7 percent.

Half of Americans did, however, view it as a "world historic event," while 32 percent did not and 18 percent answered "don't know."

Anti-monarchy protesters arrested in London

Organizers of the 'Not My King' protest in central London have been arrested, according to anti-monarchy campaign group Republic.

Videos and photos published to social media appear to show police interfering with the demonstration and seizing placards. Republic also tweeted the message: "So much for the right to peaceful protest."

Pledge of allegiance to the king sparks controversy

People around the U.K. and abroad have been invited to swear aloud their allegiance to the new king in what is to be known as the Homage of the People.

The words, drafted by Lambeth Palace (the London headquarters of the Archbishop of Canterbury), invite members of the public to say the words: "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to your majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God"

This suggestion has sparked controversy, as detailed by Jack Royston, Newsweek's chief royal correspondent, in the most recent episode of Newsweek's 'The Royal Report'.

Jill Biden attends coronation

President Joe Biden is not attending the coronation today, but First Lady Jill Biden is in London for the ceremony.

It was announced on April 4 from the White House that President Biden had a telephone conversation with the king, congratulating him on his coronation and "informed him that First Lady Jill Biden looks forward to attending on behalf of the United States."

Biden represented the U.S. at a reception held by Kate Middleton at the palace last night. Also in attendance was Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Just how popular is the royal family?

Charles has historically been less popular than his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. But exclusive polling from Newsweek conducted with Redfield and Wilton earlier this year presents some surprising figures.

While Charles' net favorability is negative with those aged 55 and over, he is increasingly more popular with the younger generation, particularly those aged 18-24. Camilla is also viewed negatively by the older generation but positively by the younger one.

William and Kate are the only royal figures who hold a positive favorability rating across all age groups. But it's a different story for Harry and Meghan, who hold an almost completely negative favorability.

The popularity of all the royals has been negatively impacted recently as well by the publication of Prince Harry's incendiary book, Spare, which outlines various allegations by the Duke of Sussex against members of the royal family.

How to watch King Charles' coronation in the U.S. and livestream

Like his mother Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, Charles' ceremony will be fully televised. The difference for 2023 is that it will be in full color and high definition. Live streams from the coverage will also be shown on big screens across London's royal parks.

CBS, CNN, ABC and Fox will all be providing live coverage of the ceremony. If you want to see how the British are viewing it, you can watch the BBC's livestream of the coronation here:

Is Prince Harry attending the coronation?

One of the biggest questions in the build up to the ceremony was whether Prince Harry, the son of the king, would attend his coronation.

It comes after a public fallout in which Prince Harry launched a series of stinging criticisms of his family in his book Spare, which said the king did not hug him after Princess Diana died and left him alone in his bedroom for several hours after breaking the tragic news.

He also suggested Queen Camilla sacrificed him on "her personal PR altar" and that William attacked him physically during an argument about his wife, Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry will be attending the coronation today, but Meghan Markle has remained in California with their children.

A statement on behalf of the king in April read: "Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet."

King Charles III Coronation schedule

Here is the schedule for today's ceremony.

10:20 a.m. local (5:20 a.m. ET) - The procession begins from Buckingham Palace towards Westminster Abbey as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach.

11:00 a.m. local (6:00 a.m. ET) - King Charles III will arrive at Westminster Abbey, where every British king has been crowned since William the Conqueror in 1066. The ceremony will then begin, comprising five stages:

Stage one: The recognition

King Charles will stand beside the coronation chair and will turn to face all four side of the abbey, where he will be proclaimed "undoubted king."

Stage two: The oath

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the principal leader of the Church of England, will administer the Coronation Oath where he will ask the King to uphold the law during his reign.

Stage three: The anointing

King Charles will sit in the coronation chair where the archbishop will anoint the king with special oil on to his head, breast and hands.

Stage four: The investiture

The moment when Charles III is crowned as St. Edward's Crown, dating back from 1661, is placed upon his head for the first and only time in his life.

Stage five: The enthronement

The final stage will see King Charles III take the throne. Prince William, Charles' son and heir, will then kneel before the king.

1:00 p.m. local (8:00 a.m. ET) The King and Queen Consort will then proceed to travel back from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace along the same route, but this time in the 260-year-old Gold State Coach.

2:30 p.m. local (9:30 a.m. ET) King Charles III will appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds, alongside other members of the royal family. Which members of the royal family will be present alongside the monarch is the subject of frenzied speculation.

Supporters and opponents of the monarchy in central London

Both supporters and opponents of the monarchy have arrived in London for the ceremony. Rebecca Flood, Audience Editor (Trends) at Newsweek in on the Mall speaking with people.

Dawn, from Canada, told Newsweek: "I support the monarchy. Proud to be from the commonwealth. That's why we're here."

King Charles coronation procession time to start at 5:20 a.m. ET

Good morning. Today is a historic day in the United Kingdom as millions of people await the coronation of King Charles III.

Huge crowds have gathered in London ahead of the ceremony, while millions more will be watching the event on TV around the world. The procession is due to start at 10:20 a.m. local time (5:20 a.m. ET).