Illumination of the coronation day of King Charles III

Click here for a schedule of expected events during the many hours of coronation processions and ceremonies.

Coronation ceremonies arose out of a historical need to bring stability to European monarchies amid competing claims to their thrones, as well as from traditions of church-state involvement. They do not take place immediately after the death of the previous monarch to give the country time to grieve. The ceremony is largely religious and does not give King Charles any added privileges as the monarch he has been since his mother’s death.

British coronations are performed by the Church of England, otherwise known as the Church of England. The only part of the coronation ceremony required under British law is the Coronation Oath. The exact wording of which has changed over the centuries, and it was like this updated for Charles to reflect a more modern Britain.

After the oath, the king will be anointed with holy oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who will pour the oil onto a spoon and anoint Charles’ hands, head and chest. Charles will then be given the royal mantle, orb, coronation ring, scepter and scepter of his office. Finally, at the “moment of the coronation”, the crown of St. Edward will be placed on his head.

King Charles and Camilla, his queen consort, will begin their journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in procession at 5:20 a.m. ET, 10:20 a.m. local time. The route they will take is 1.3 miles, directly through central London.

The coronation ceremony will begin at Westminster Abbey at 6:00 a.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. local time and is expected to last around two hours. Afterwards, they will return in procession to Buckingham Palace.

Click here for a full schedule of coronation events and to find out how to watch the ceremony wherever you are.