King’s Procession and Coronation Procession

King’s Procession and Coronation Procession - route and where public can watch from

The countdown is on for the King's Coronation - which, for most Brits, will be the first of their lifetimes.

A whole programme of regal events have been planned in every corner of the country, with a bumper three-day weekend to mark the occasion. It all begins with the Coronation itself on Saturday, May 6.

Charles and Camilla will make their way to Westminster Abbey, taking the King's Procession route, for the special ceremony. They will be crowned King and Queen, before making their way back to Buckingham Palace to appear on the balcony via the Coronation Procession route.

The celebrations continue with Big Coronation Lunches taking place on Sunday, May 7 and a Coronation Gig at the grounds of Windsor Castle in the evening. Bank holiday Monday has been allocated by the royals as a day to volunteer in your local community.

Millions of people worldwide will tune in for the historical event, with thousands flocking to London to get a glimpse of the action in person. Here are the procession routes for the big day, and where you can watch from.

What is the King's Procession route?

Charles and Camilla will be crowned King and Queen (AP)

The King’s Procession, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, will depart Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate, and proceed down The Mall, passing through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Island, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street.

The King’s Procession will travel around the east and south sides of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary to arrive at the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation Service will begin at 11pm.

The King’s Coronation Procession stretches to just 1.3 miles, which is shorter than Queen Elizabeth II's route in 1953. Charles’s shorter route is understood to have been chosen for practical reasons, with a preference for the familiar journey used on many a royal occasion.

What is the Coronation Procession route?

The Coronation Procession will take the same route as the King's Procession in reverse. A larger-scale event, it will include Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, alongside The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen.

A newly crowned Charles and Queen Consort will make their way back from Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach via the tried and tested route of Parliament Square, along Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall back to Buckingham Palace.

Charles and Camilla will travel in the modern Diamond Jubilee Coach, which has air con and shock absorbers.

Where can I watch the procession?

Members of the public can watch the processions in person from allocated spots along the London route. Viewing areas will be available on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall and are open from 6am on Saturday.

Large crowds and queues are expected, with stewards and police monitoring crowd numbers. Capacity at the viewing areas will be limited and they will be closed once full.

After the Coronation Procession has passed down The Mall, people will be able to walk down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, to watch the balcony appearance.

If you don't fancy travelling to London, many locations are broadcasting proceedings for the public to watch on big screens. Screens in Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester Cathedral will be airing the historical event.