It’s coronation day. King Charles III will be crowned today in the first British coronation in 70 years.
Here is what you need to know about the coronation, from what the ceremony will involve, to how to watch it in Australia and what time it will start:
What to expect during the coronation of King Charles
The first processions into Westminster Abbey will include faith leaders, then representatives from the Commonwealth realms who will carry flags, accompanied by their governors general and prime ministers.
This will be followed by the procession of King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, who are travelling from Buckingham Palace in an Australian-built diamond jubilee state coach.
Historically, the “king’s champion” would first ride on horseback into the coronation banquet and challenge anyone doubting the right of the sovereign to the throne. There has not been a coronation banquet since 1821, so the champion instead holds the Royal Standard. The regalia of King Charles and Queen Camilla will also be carried to the altar.
The coronation will start at 11am local time (8pm AEST), when the monarch will be crowned.
The ceremony, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will go for just over an hour.
Proceedings will start with the recognition, which is when the kingwill stand in the theatre of the abbey and address the people. Next, the king will vow to exercise justice with mercy, maintain the Church of England and rule according to the law. Next, the king will be anointed with holy oil.
This moment of anointment won’t be televised as it is considered the most sacred part of the ceremony.
After the anointment is the investiture, when the king will be dressed in sacred robes and presented with the orb, coronation ring and sceptre – symbols of the monarch.
The ceremony will end with homage, which is when St Edward’s crown will be placed on the monarch’s head and guests will greet him and pay homage.
At 2pm local time, the king and queen will travel back to Buckingham Palace. The route will move through Parliament Square, up Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, through the Admiralty Arch and up the Mall.
Then the royal family will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony and wave to spectators.
How and what time to watch the coronation in Australia
The coronation will be held at 11am London time on Saturday 6 May. That is 8pm AEST on Saturday in Australia.
The ABC and ABC News broadcast will begin at 5pm AEST. Here is the schedule:
5pm – preview
6pm – 7.30pm – arrival of guests
7.30pm – the King’s procession
8pm – coronation service
10pm – Westminster Abbey procession
10.30pm – Buckingham Palace balcony
The coronation will air live on Channel 7 and 7Plus from 7pm. Melbourne viewers will have to switch from Channel 7 to 7two from 7.30pm.
Channel 9 will broadcast from 5pm AEST in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. In New South Wales and Queensland, the broadcast will appear on 9Gem and 9 Now.
Channel 10 will broadcast from mid-afternoon with different start times in different cities, with coverage on the ground from London. Viewers will have to switch to 1o Peach from 5pm, then back to Channel 10 at 6pm. The coronation will also be live on 10Play.
