Summary

  • Thousands of people have enjoyed the sun at Big Lunches across the south on the second day of events for the Coronation

  • Prince William and Kate met the crowds for a surprise walkabout on The Long Walk in Windsor

  • Members of the Royal Family attended community events during the day

  • Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Take That are among the stars who will take to the stage for the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle

  • "We'd do it all again" - the grannies who camped out in London for four nights to watch the King's Coronation have returned home

  • A Hampshire school has been celebrating the King's life by having a royal procession around its playground

  1. 'I love all the pomp and circumstance'published at 14:40 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Linzi Kinghorn
    Reporting from Christchurch

    Anne Cummings

    Anne Cummings, originally from Minnesota in America, is celebrating the Coronation weekend by having high tea with friends today.

    She's visiting Christchurch for the occasion and said she was looking forward to watching the concert later on.

    Ms Cummings said: "I think it’s great that the whole country is getting together and celebrating such a historic occasion. I love all the pomp and circumstance. I will absolutely be watching the concert.”

    Christchurch

    Our reporter Linzi Kinghorn is out in Christchurch meeting people attending a Coronation garden party today.

    She said: "The sun has finally come out for the people of Christchurch, as a garden party takes place in the grounds of the Priory.

    "People are swapping sandwiches and cakes, and the atmosphere is buoyant. There are people of all ages, and some crowns spotted adoring some of the tables. Let’s hope the sun stays out!"

  2. Community street party starts in Woodleypublished at 14:31 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Colemansmoor lane crew street party in Woodley

    This dapper looking crew have started their Street party in Colemansmoor Lane, Woodley this afternoon.

    if you're attending a Coronation event today, send over your pictures via social media, external or to south.newsonline.co.uk.

    Woodley
  3. Couple's 'once in a lifetime' chance to attend Coronation concertpublished at 14:22 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Michele Cross
    BBC News

    windsor concert

    Kevin and Anne have travelled from Redhill, Surrey to attend the Coronation concert this evening.

    They chatted with our reporter Michele Cross before joining the queues to get into Windsor Castle.

    Anne said: "We were lucky enough to get tickets in the ballot, I just applied online and couldn’t believe it."

    Kevin added: “It’s a moment in history, once in a lifetime and so pleased to be a part of it."

  4. Westbourne community gathering for big street party to celebrate Coronationpublished at 14:18 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Westbourne street partyImage source, Westbourne Parish Council

    People in Westbourne in Emsworth are getting out their best tableclothes, Union Jack bunting and filling tables to the brim with cakes and tea for a Big Lunch this afternoon.

    Westbourne Parish Council is hosting a street party for the community in Church Road and Church View until 15:00 BST.

    Residents are bringing picnics to enjoy at the many trestle tables and chairs that will line the road.

    The Stag’s Head pub will also have an outdoor bar and BBQ and singer, Tasmin Escott, who recently performed on ITV’s StarStruck will be performing from 13:00.

    A parish council spokeswoman said: "It’s very much a community event with many local village organisations and groups involved, and we hope it will be a wonderful community occasion to celebrate a unique milestone in our history."

  5. Kate and William greet delighted Windsor crowdspublished at 14:11 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Helena Wilkinson
    Reporting from the Long Walk in Windsor

    Kate and William in Windsor greeting the crowds

    We’ve just had a surprise royal visit on the Long Walk in Windsor.

    In the last few minutes, the Prince and Princess of Wales have turned up in a car, much to the delight of hundreds of people who are here celebrating the Coronation in the afternoon sunshine.

    There were cheers from the crowds when the couple emerged from the car they were brought in.

    Fortunately, given how muddy the grass is, Catherine is wearing flat shoes and not heels.

    This walkabout is in their hometown of Windsor.

    Adelaide Cottage - where they moved to last year - is just a ten minute walk from Windsor Castle.

    Kate and William in Windsor greeting the crowds
    Kate and William in Windsor
    Image caption,

    Many have their phones out taking pictures and recording the moment

  6. Kate comforts crying girl as royal couple meet crowdspublished at 14:05 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    The Prince and Princess of Wales meet crowds celebrating the Coronation at Windsor.

    Read More
  7. William and Kate appear for Windsor walkaboutpublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Imogen James
    Reporting from Windsor

    The Prince and Princess of Wales have just turned up on the Long Walk in Windsor, a royally big surprise.

    Kate and William are greeting fans and organisers, who are cheering at the couple.

    A dedicated area has been set up along the route near Windsor Castle for today's Coronation celebrations, with picnic blankets out in force for the Big Lunch event.

    Kate and Willian in WIndsor
  8. Hundreds turnout for Lymington Coronation picnicpublished at 13:42 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Jo Kent
    Reporting from Lymington

    Hundreds of people have gone to Woodside Park in Lymington for a picnic today.

    Our reporter Jo Kent is there to enjoy the event, where families have gathered to celebrate the Coronation.

  9. Coronation fun in the park for Abingdon residents todaypublished at 13:39 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Julia Wootton
    Reporting from Abingdon

    Abingdon

    People have gathered at Abbey Ground in Abingdon for a day of 'Fun in the Park'.

    Family fun, community stalls, activities, face painting and inflatables all feature in the event which will run until 15:00 BST.

    Abingdon
    Abingdon
  10. Coronation grannies return home after camping out for dayspublished at 13:31 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Maria Zaccaro
    BBC News

    The ladies on the Mall about to head home on Saturday
    Image caption,

    (L-R) Elizabeth Couzens, Shirley Messinger, Eunice Hartstone, Jessie Young and Margaret Tinsley left the Mall on Saturday afternoon

    Over the past few days we have been brining you the story of these five friends who set up camp on the Mall to try to get a prime spot to watch the King's Coronation.

    Some of them are in their 80s, others in their 70s and they all braved the rain and cold nights to show their support to the Royal Family - and they even got to meet King Charles.

    Now they have returned home and have told us how "amazing" the entire experience was.

    And yes, they said they would do it again!

    You can read more here.

  11. Coronation bake off for group in Eastleighpublished at 13:21 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Quiffys afternoon teaImage source, Hayley Moore

    Amateur bakers came together to make their tastiest Coronation cakes.

    As part of their celebrations, members of staff at Quiffys in Boyatt Wood held a royal afternoon tea party.

    Hayley Moore said she spent two days working on her crown cake for the special occasion.

    Crown cakeImage source, Hayley Moore
  12. Royals to drop in on Coronation lunch partiespublished at 13:03 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    The Royal Family will attend local community events on Sunday as the weekend of celebrations continue.

    Read More
  13. Lots of cake at Southampton street partypublished at 12:59 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Maria Zaccaro
    BBC News

    People of all ages have come together in Southampton to join a street party in the city centre.

    Nine-year-old Ludovica is one of the many who have gathered just outside St Michael's Church in Upper Bugle Street.

    Families and children are spending the day enjoying cake, tea and live music.

    "It's a great party and I have made new friends. I am really excited," said Ludovica, from Southampton.

    Ludovica Pileio with a cupcake
    Image caption,

    Ludovica is attendind the party with her family

    people at the street party in Southampton
    Image caption,

    Residents have been spending the day together enjoying a cup of tea

    Musicians playing outside St Michael's Church
    Image caption,

    There's also live music at the street party in the city centre

  14. Windsor Big Lunch beginspublished at 12:47 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Imogen James
    Reporting from Windsor

    The town crier of Windsor and Maidenhead, Chris Brown, has just opened the celebrations here.

    “On this special weekend, we affirm and celebrate the Coronation by rightful and ancient custom," he said.

    “We likewise celebrate the Coronation of the queen consort, Her Majesty Queen Camilla.”

    He wished the royal couple a happy and healthy reign.

    “God save the king,” the crowd shouted. The cheers continued as he ended by declaring the Windsor Big Lunch officially open.

    Two women wear crowns in WindsorImage source, Reuters
  15. Watch now on this page - Live stream from parties around the UKpublished at 12:45 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Our BBC correspondents are reporting from street parties and community events celebrating the Coronation around the country. We are live from locations as far apart as Bude in Cornwall to Westray in Orkney, Enniskillen in Northern Ireland to Bridgend in Wales – and many others.

    Presented by Tina Daheley in Morecambe and Jon Kay in Mortlake, south-west London, The UK Celebrates – Live will hear from school children who’ve made special royal crowns, Scouts who are helping make a difference in their town, farmers coming together and many more.

    To watch live, click on the play button at the top of this page.

  16. Streets of Windsor filled with Coronation revellers this morningpublished at 12:39 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    windsor coronationImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    A seller of souvenirs and memorabilia makes his way up the hill in Windsor

    windsor coronationImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    People queue for the concert at The Long Walk

    windsor coronationImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    People prepare for a street party at Eton

  17. Extraordinary photos from King Charles III’s coronationpublished at 12:35 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    King Charles III and Queen CamillaImage source, Getty Images

    Check out our compilation of the best images from the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

    Large crowds in London and elsewhere across the country celebrated the historic moment.

    In true British fashion, the procession was greeted by rain - which won’t have surprised anyone at the Met Office, whose data shows it has rained on every Coronation day for more than 120 years. Still, it didn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered along the route.

    The symbolic ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, with the King becoming the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned there since 1066.

    Braving the rainImage source, Getty Images
  18. People arrive en masse for Big Lunch event on The Long Walk in Windsorpublished at 12:26 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Long WalkImage source, Getty Images
    Long WalkImage source, Getty Images
    Long WalkImage source, Getty Images
    Long WalkImage source, Getty Images
  19. Watch the King's Coronation side by side with his mother'spublished at 12:26 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Media caption,

    The BBC has compiled key moments from each coronation and placed them side-by-side

  20. If you're heading to Windsor today be mindful of the queuespublished at 12:17 British Summer Time 7 May 2023

    Michele Cross
    BBC News

    Windsor queue

    Thousands of people are travelling to Windsor today to enjoy more Coronation weekend celebrations.

    Princess Beatrice and Eugenie are expected to attend a Big Lunch event in the town and there will be a sold-out concert at Windsor Castle from 20:00 BST.

    Our reporter Michelle Cross is out and about in the area today and spotted these long queues forming at Slough Train Station as she tries to make her way into Windsor herself.

    She said the queues at Slough were very long "but all very organised and straightforward".

    Windsor queue