The world will watch on today (Saturday May 6) as Britain crowns its first monarch in 70 years.
King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He and Camilla will officially be crowned monarchs during the historic Coronation ceremony, conducted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
The service will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. Charles and Camilla will travel to the Abbey from Buckingham Palace in a King's Procession. After the ceremony, they will return to the Palace in a Coronation Procession and will continue the tradition of appearing on the balcony.
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Thousands of people expected to line the streets in celebration, and to watch the Procession go by. Some 2,200 people have been invited to the Abbey for the Coronation, including US First Lady Jill Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Most of the royal family will also make an appearance.
Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066. It has also hosted a variety other high-profile occasions, including sixteen royal weddings. Prince William and Catherine wed at the Abbey in April 2011, with 2,200 guests invited to the ceremony. The late Queen Elizabeth II married her husband, Prince Philip at the venue in 1947.
But it will be a bittersweet day for Charles, as his Coronation takes place at the same location as his mother's funeral. Queen Elizabeth's funeral service was held at the Abbey in September 2022, but she was buried at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside Prince Philip.
The Abbey, however, is also the burial site of more than 3,300 notable people from British history, including 17 British monarchs.
The church, officially named the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, is a Royal Peculiar under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, which means it is subject only to the Sovereign and not to any archbishop or bishop.
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