ST. LOUIS — It’s set to be a historic event – the coronation of King Charles III. It will be held early Saturday morning.
This is the first coronation of a British monarch in 70 years, and only the second to be televised. For many of us, it will be the largest show of pomp and circumstance we’ve ever seen.
Though the ceremony is happening across the pond in London, you can watch it live from the comfort of your own home right here on 5 On Your Side.
Our coverage begins at 4 a.m. with the NBC News Special, Coronation of King Charles III. Due to this special coverage, our 6 a.m. newscast will be pre-empted. 5 On Your Side at 9 a.m. will air as usual.
St. Louis timings for coronation events
4:20 a.m. – The King’s Procession leaves Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor Grey horses.
5 a.m. – The Coronation begins.
6 a.m. – King Charles is crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, using the St. Edward’s Crown.
7 a.m. – The coronation service ends and King Charles and Queen Camilla return to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach, drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses. This is called The Coronation Procession.
7:30 a.m. – King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive back at Buckingham Palace and make their way to the gardens where they receive a salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces.
8:30 a.m. – King Charles, Queen Camilla, and senior members of the royal family appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony and watch the flypast by the Armed Forces over The Mall.
What is a coronation?
According to the Royal Collection Trust, a coronation formally invests a monarch with their regal powers. The ceremony is lavish, and the monarch is presented with ceremonial objects. It's when the crown is physically placed on the monarch's head. King Charles III will be crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Last week, the Church of England published the liturgy for the coronation, so you can follow along with the ceremony from home.
Facts about King Charles III
- He was born Prince Charles Philip Arthur George.
- King Charles is 74 years old.
- He became heir apparent in 1952 at the age of 3, when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II became Queen.
- The King was the first heir to see his mother crowned as Queen.
- In 2017, Prince Charles became the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history.
- He was the first heir to the throne to earn a college degree (he started as an archaeology and anthropology major, and then switched to history).
- King Charles established more than 20 charities during his time as Prince of Wales.
- He’s passionate about sustainability and has championed actions for a sustainable future for decades.
You can read more facts about King Charles on the Royal Family’s website.
The Line of Succession
- Prince William, The Prince of Wales
- Prince George
- Princess Charlotte
- Prince Louis
- Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
- Prince Archie
- Princess Lilibet
- Prince Andrew, The Duke of York
- Princess Beatrice
- Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
