The great and the good were among the thousands of guests inside Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla as millions across the world watched the historic ceremony.
Celebrities, TV stars and political figures from across the globe – wearing a colourful array of suits, fascinators, military uniforms and medals and religious clothing –were among those seen filing into the venue on Saturday morning ahead of the big event.
A delighted looking Dame Emma Thompson was one of the first to arrive for the ceremony. Other stars seen entering the church included TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly – who grinned and waved at royal fans – actor Stephen Fry, musician Nick Cave and magician Dynamo.
Follow our live blog for all the latest updates on King’s coronation.
US singer Katy Perry, British Vogue’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, BBC director-general Tim Davie, actress Dame Joanna Lumley and singer Lionel Richie, who will perform at the coronation concert on Sunday, were also in attendance.
All eyes were on the Duke of Sussex as he arrived just before 10.40am, without his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, after flying into the UK from the US. Prince Harry, who is no longer a working royal, was seen chatting to his cousins inside the venue. The Duke of York had earlier been booed as he arrived at Westminster Abbey.
From the world of politics, prime minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Tory MPs including Andrea Leadsom, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove were at the event. They were joined by Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and First Lady Jill Biden and granddaughter Finnegan, who were representing the US while President Joe Biden stayed at home.
The King and Queen set off on the procession at 10.20am in the horse-drawn Diamond Jubilee State Coach, created in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne. The ceremony at Westminster Abbey started at 11am.
A solo Prince Harry arrived at the coronation just before 10.40am and was seen chatting with his cousins after entering the abbey. It is the first time he has faced his relatives in public since he criticised Charles, Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales in his tell-all memoir Spare.
Dame Emma Thompson, wearing regal red and her damehood medal and insignia, gave a peace sign as she arrived at Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation ceremony. She was accompanied by her husband, actor Greg Wise.
First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden, and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden, were among the international names at the event. President Joe Biden will not be attending.
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince William’s daughter, looks out of the window of the state car on her way to Westminster Abbey.
US singer-songwriter Lionel Richie met the King and Queen and other guests on Wednesday as they soaked up the sunny weather at the first traditional garden party of the King’s reign. He will perform at the coronation concert on Sunday.
TV presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly entered the abbey just before 9am, greeting other guests with waves and smiles. Wearing morning suits, the duo – who are attending in their capacity as goodwill ambassadors for the Prince’s Trust – grinned and said hello as some members of the congregation in the North Transept gave them a cheer.
Actress Joanna Lumley talks with Conservative politicians Mark Harper, Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick outside the abbey.
A slightly apprehensive-looking Duke of York travels by car to the coronation. Prince Andrew, who is no longer a working royal, was booed as he arrived at the abbey.
US popstar Katy Perry was dressed head to toe in pink ahead of the service.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau with his wife, Sophie.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy lead the British politicians at the event.
Former prime minister David Cameron with wife Samantha in Westminster Abbey.
Theresa Coffey, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs arrives wearing a red hat, white blazer and spotted dress.
Ms Coffey, who represents Suffolk Coastal, was previously secretary of state for health and social care, and deputy prime minister, between 6 September 2022 and 25 October 2022.
Nick Cave, the Australian singer, was in conversation with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams as they arrived at the abbey.
Earlier this week Mr Cave defended himself after a fan questioned his attendance at the coronation, saying he holds “an inexplicable emotional attachment to the Royals”. In the latest edition of his self-published Red Hand Files newsletter, where he answers fan-sent questions, the rocker revealed that he has received several hostile messages questioning his supposed support of the monarchy.
Former prime minister Sir John Major is among the political figures at the event.
Professor Chris Whitty is Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, the UK government’s Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession. He represents the UK on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.
Lord Sebastian Coe, the former Olympian, wore a black blazer and grey trousers as he arrived for the event.
TV presenter Jay Blades looked suave as he showed up in a suit and cap. Charles visited Blades for a special episode of The Repair Shop where his bracket clock and a piece made for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee by British ceramics maker Wemyss Ware were fixed.
Labour leader Keir Starmer, dressed in black and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, in grey, talk ahead of the ceremony.
