Coronation

 A procession through London

A procession of the royal family and guests will make its way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, where the coronation will take place. The route is shorter than in previous coronations, in part because of COVID-19 restrictions. But it's still expected to be a spectacle, with crowds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the royals.

A ceremony steeped in tradition

The coronation ceremony itself will be steeped in tradition, with elements dating back centuries. It will be held at Westminster Abbey, the site of every coronation since 1066. The ceremony will include the anointing of the king with holy oil, the presentation of the crown and other regalia, and the swearing of oaths of allegiance by the king and other participants.

Hymns and prayers

As a Christian ceremony, the coronation will include hymns and prayers. The music will be provided by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, and the service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England.

Multifaith elements

In a nod to the U.K.'s diverse population, the coronation will include elements from other faiths. The Archbishop of Canterbury will be joined by leaders from other faiths, who will offer prayers and blessings from their own traditions.

A role for all Britons

In an effort to make the coronation more inclusive, the organizers have invited ordinary Britons to take part. More than 1,000 people from across the country will be in attendance, including representatives from community groups, charities and the armed forces.

Celebrity guests

The coronation is expected to draw a number of celebrity guests, including actors, musicians and other public figures. The guest list has not been announced, but previous royal events have attracted stars such as Elton John, David Beckham and Oprah Winfrey.

Protesters

Not everyone is thrilled about the coronation. Some critics have called for the event to be canceled, citing the high cost and the country's economic struggles. Others have criticized the monarchy itself, arguing that it is outdated and undemocratic. Protesters are expected to gather outside the ceremony.

The weather

It wouldn't be a British event without some concern about the weather. While the organizers have planned for rain, there's always a chance that the weather could play a role in the day's events.

What you won't see

The Koh-i-Noor diamond

One of the most controversial items in the Crown Jewels is the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is believed to have been mined in India in the 13th century. The diamond was seized by the British in the 19th century and has been a source of tension between India and the U.K. ever since. While it's part of the Crown Jewels, it's unlikely to be on display during the coronation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at odds with the royal family in recent years, culminating in their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in 2020. They now live in the United States and are not expected to attend the coronation.