Summary

  • The King has been hosting dignitaries from around the world at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Coronation tomorrow

  • Earlier Charles - joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales - met well-wishers during a walkabout on The Mall

  • Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, have attended a final rehearsal as preparations for tomorrow reach their final stages

  • A huge security operation is under way and people are gathering along the route of tomorrow's procession in central London

  • Saturday's ceremony will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury at 11:00 BST (10:00 GMT) in Westminster Abbey

  • Anti-monarchy protests are also expected, spearheaded by the group Republic - which is coordinating rallies in Trafalgar Square and around the UK

  1. Our coverage today is endingpublished at 20:59 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Jamie Whitehead
    Live reporter

    So the opening day of King Charles III's Coronation has come to an end.

    He and the queen consort have had a busy-ish day. They’ve been at the final rehearsals for tomorrow’s ceremony before Charles, joined by William and Kate, met with well-wishers on The Mall.

    Charles then met with leaders of the Commonwealth before hosting dignitries from around the world at Buckingham Palace.

    But the real action starts tomorrow. Charles’ Coronation will start at 11:00 BST at Westminster Abbey before he and Camilla, the Queen Consort, pass thousands and thousands of fans on their way back to the palace where they will get a flypast from the Red Arrows and other aircraft.

    But it’s not all celebrations here in London. The Republic anti-monarchy group are planning a demonstration in Trafalgar Square and around the country.

    Join us again in the morning, where we will be keeping you updated throughout the day.

    Alys Davies and I edited the coverage today, which was written by Andre Rhoden-Paul, Thomas Mackintosh and James Harness with contributions from correspondents around London.

  2. Thanks for joining uspublished at 20:53 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Andre Rhoden-Paul
    Live Reporter

    We are now ending our live coverage of the build-up to the Coronation.

    We will be back tomorrow with our live coverage and analysis of the big day from our team and correspondents at Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

    Until then, you can read:

  3. Biggest military operation since Churchill funeralpublished at 20:43 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Troops rehearsing for the CoronationImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Troops rehearsing for the Coronation

    King Charles III's big day is fast approaching. A lot of planning has gone into ensuring it runs smoothly.

    The Coronation will be the biggest ceremonial military operation since the state funeral of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill in 1965, the army boss in charge of logistics has said.

    Brigadier Patrick Reehal will be responsible for coordinating thousands of troops involved in the ceremony, and ensuring military transport and food provisions run smoothly throughout.

    According to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) during rehearsals so far:

    • 122,445 meals have been served
    • 81,630 eggs and 74,130 sausages cooked
    • 81,630 litres of bottled water have been issued

    The MOD has also involved 1,700 tailoring alterations, 3,000 bags of laundry, and 900 haircuts – while those in the procession will have marched a combined distance of 122,445km – or three times around the world.

    Brigadier Reehal says: “This is a genuine military and civilian combined national effort."

  4. Teenage cancer survivor shock at Coronation invitepublished at 20:31 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Sahil Usman

    A teenage cancer survivor has spoken of his shock after being invited to the Coronation.

    A-level student Sahil Usman, who received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to community in Blackburn, Lancashire, during the pandemic, said he thought his mum was lying when she told him about the invite.

    More than 450 BEM recipients have been invited to the coronation in recognition of their contributions.

    He said: "I was coming back from Sixth Form and we parked up near our house, and my mum said to me that there's an invitation for the Coronation.

    "And I didn't tend to believe it because I thought 'why I would be getting one'."

    Sahil, who was going through cancer treatment for Leukaemia at the time, organised 300 hampers with essential items for the elderly during the pandemic.

    He added: "We'll be able to see everything. So it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a very honourable moment - a moment in history."

  5. Have you heard the King's Coronation message on the Underground?published at 20:18 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Media caption,

    Did you hear the King's Coronation message on the Underground?

    Passengers on the London's Underground can hear a specially recorded message from the King and queen this weekend.

    In the recording the King says: "My wife and I wish you and your families a wonderful Coronation weekend."

    Followed by the queen consort who adds: "Wherever you are travelling, we hope you have a safe and pleasant journey."

    Finally, the King says: "And remember, please mind the gap."

  6. 'Lack of young support spells trouble for Royals'published at 20:01 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Despite the warm reception we've seen on the Mall for the Royals, not everyone will be supporting the Coronation tomorrow.

    According to a Savanta poll (formerly ComRes) commissioned by CNN published today, 48% of 2,093 UK adults said they were not interested in the Coronation, while 50% were.

    Pressure group Republic, who want to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state, claims polls show support for the monarchy is falling.

    They point to a Savanta poll, commissioned by the Sunday Express published in January, which shows more 18 to 24 year-olds and 25 to 34 year-olds (44.4% and 49.4% respectively) preferred Britain having an elected head of state than those who preferred a monarchy or didn't know.

    However, 54.7% across all age ranges of the total 2,124 respondents did prefer Britain having a monarchy.

    Republic's CEO Graham Smith said: "This Savanta poll shows that the monarchy has lost popular support from those under the age of 45. It's not just young people turning away.

    "Royalists have always said that the monarchy survives for as long as the people want it. When support falls below 50% that will spell serious trouble for the institution."

    You can read more on Coronation apathy below.

  7. UK royals host foreign dignitariespublished at 19:57 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Let’s now have a look inside Buckingham Palace, where presidents and royals have gathered for an evening reception.

    The evening is being hosted by the King and other senior members of the Royal Family for the VIPs who have flown in for the Coronation tomorrow.

    The Princess of Wales with Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark,Image source, PA
    Image caption,

    The Princess of Wales shares a joke with Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark

    The King chatting with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of SpainImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    The King chatting with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain

    The King with the First Lady and the Prime Minister of UkraineImage source, PA
    Image caption,

    The King speaks to the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal

    Princess of Wales with the first Lady of the United States and her granddaughterImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The Princess of Wales speaks with US First Lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden

    Prince Albert II of Monaco greets the KingImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Prince Albert II of Monaco greets the King

  8. In pictures: Guests arriving for Buckingham Palace receptionpublished at 19:38 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Buckingham PalaceImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The sun was shining over Buckingham Palace as the King prepared to welcome leaders and royalty from around the world ahead of the Coronation tomorrow.

    King and Queen of JordanImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The King and Queen of Jordan were on the guestlist

    King and Queen of SpainImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The King and Queen of Spain have also flown in for the Coronation

    King Hamad bin Isa Al KhalifaImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain arrives at the reception

    Princess Catherine of Serbia with  Crown Prince AlexanderImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    And Princess Catherine of Serbia came to the reception with the country's Crown Prince Alexander

  9. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:21 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    We’d love to hear how you’re spending the Coronation weekend. Share your pictures and comments by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, external.

    You can also get in touch in the following ways:

    Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy. In some cases a selection of your comments and questions will be published, displaying your name and location as you provide it unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published.

  10. An early night for King Charles?published at 18:58 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Charlotte Gallagher
    Reporting from Buckingham Palace

    This is the last event for King Charles ahead of his Coronation.

    Around a thousand VIPs were invited to Buckingham Palace for an early evening reception - the King perhaps hoping for an early night before a long day tomorrow.

    The US First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, took one of her granddaughters to the event, while the Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska was accompanied by the country’s prime minister Denys Shmyhal.

    Foreign royalty were also invited - Kings, Queens, princes and princesses from across the world walked the red carpet into Buckingham Palace.

    All the dignitaries even created a traffic jam on the Mall as they were chauffeured to the event.

    A different kind of traffic to what we will see there tomorrow, when state coaches and thousands of members of the military will be there as Charles goes to be crowned King.

  11. Foreign dignitaries arrive for reception with Kingpublished at 18:38 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Dignitaries arrivingImage source, Pool

    We are now hearing foreign dignitaries are at Buckingham Palace for a special reception with the King ahead of the Coronation tomorrow.

    About 1,000 are expected to attend.

  12. WATCH: 'Come and say hi when you're back over here'published at 18:16 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    A broken leg wasn't going to stop Debbie Hoover's aunt in Tennessee missing out on speaking with the royals.

    Media caption,

    The Princess of Wales spoke to the well-wisher who was unable to travel to London

  13. WATCH: 'It's been the best week of my life'published at 17:52 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    A 40th birthday and seeing the King? It's been quite a week for Angela.

    Media caption,

    Angela spoke to the Prince of Wales about her mother's injured arm

  14. The biggest single deployment of police in London ever - Met Policepublished at 17:31 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Daniel Sandford
    Home affairs correspondent

    Police officers ride horses at the Mall outside Buckingham PalaceImage source, Reuters

    On the eve of the Coronation the seriousness and scale of the security operation in the capital this weekend has become much more visible.

    On the roof of Buckingham Palace police spotters can be seen with high-powered binoculars.

    Convoys with motorcycle outriders are whisking the King and other members of the Royal Family between rehearsals and other events.

    The crowds gathering on The Mall are being watched by uniformed officers. Extra CCTV cameras have been installed along the route, and police are using live automated facial recognition cameras to try to spot known suspects in the crowd.

    The Met Police said it was using a layered security approach, with visible officers on the streets, and others working covertly and watching the crowd. And underlying the whole operation is the close intelligence co-operation with the security service MI5.

    The Commissioner Mark Rowley has described it as the biggest single deployment of police in London ever.

  15. 'The rain won't stop us tomorrow'published at 17:11 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Navtej Johal
    Midlands correspondent

    Priti Raichura rehearsing music
    Image caption,

    Priti Raichura rehearses music for a multi-faith service taking place on Saturday

    The Coronation of King Charles is being celebrated in a variety of ways across the country this weekend.

    In Leicester, a multi-faith service is taking place at De Montfort University featuring singing and dancing, organised by BBC Radio Leicester. Volunteers have been busy preparing food parcels for attendees today.

    Priti Raichura from the Shree Jalaram Hindu Temple has been rehearsing the music, and says: “We just want to sing for the King tomorrow, it’s going to be a lovely get-together with all faith communities”.

    She also says she’s not bothered by the forecast of rain: “We’ll have our umbrellas, we’ll have our anoraks, we’ll have our raincoats. We’re still going out tomorrow, there’s nothing stopping us.”

    Catherine Tarbuck-Jones in Ravenstone, Leicestershire is also preparing for a big event. She’s helped to arrange a street party for Sunday with around 100 people expected to attend.

    In her busy kitchen where a group of neighbours are baking scones in preparation for the festivities, she tells me she’s looking forward to “getting everybody together, having a good time, and finishing off with a gin and tonic”.

    Catherine Tarbuck-Jones (right) with her neighbours
    Image caption,

    Catherine Tarbuck-Jones (right) has been preparing baked goods ahead of Sunday's street party with her neighbours

  16. 'I feel like a little school boy'published at 16:59 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Clare Mcdonnell
    Presenter, BBC 5Live

    Nigel Addison Evans

    Our colleagues at BBC Radio 5Live have been speaking to some of the many people who were at The Mall when the King, Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance a little earlier.

    Nigel Addison Evans got to shake the King's hand, and described the experience as "brilliant".

    "I've met a few of the royals before, but never met him," Nigel said. "So, it's fantastic to actually shake his hand the day before the Coronation.

    "I felt a little bit emotional, I wasn’t expecting it, but that was great. I feel like a little school boy."

  17. In pictures: The Coronation vs the weatherpublished at 16:41 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Well it wouldn't be a bank holiday weekend without some rain, would it?

    Woman on phoneImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    A royal fan doesn't let the rain get in the way of her outfit, the poncho provides protection without compromising on style

    Woman in tentImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Another fan also came prepared, this see-through tent allowed her to keep dry without missing out on the action

    Woman in umbrella hatImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Is it a hat? Is it an umbrella? It's both

    Women under umbrellaImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    And scattered in between the showers, there has been a bit of sunshine

  18. 'We're enjoying it - despite the weather'published at 16:17 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Chi Chi Izundu
    Reporting from The Mall

    Bruce Jonoz and Christine Wofford

    Bruce Jonoz travelled all the way from Novi, Michigan with his sister Christine Wofford.

    “We didn’t believe we would get this close to King Charles”, Bruce told us, with Christine adding: “I think he only stopped here because of my flag”.

    The pair say they love the UK, are fans of the royals and wanted to soak up the atmosphere by camping along the Mall to try and get a great position to watch all the pomp and ceremony.

    They say they have felt very welcomed and enjoyed their time - despite the unpredictable British weather.

  19. What's in store weather-wise for the rest of Friday?published at 15:58 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    It could be a lively Friday afternoon for those out and about in central London, with thunderstorms and hail possible. The BBC's Sarah Keith-Lucas has the forecast.

    Media caption,

    Coronation: What's in store weather-wise on Friday?

  20. Watch: See the camp set up on The Mall by Royal fanspublished at 15:54 British Summer Time 5 May 2023

    Media caption,

    'First' Coronation spectator shows his camp setup

    Royal superfans are already staking their claim for the best viewing spots for the Coronation procession tomorrow.

    John Loughrey said he was the first royalist to arrive, having set up camp on Thursday last week.

    Watch as he gives us a tour of his makeshift camp.