In a historic event, King Charles III and the Queen Consort are preparing for their coronation on Saturday, marking the first coronation in 70 years. Despite the forecast of rain, crowds have already gathered on the procession route in central London.
The coronation is expected to see 100 heads of state attend with 2,300 guests present to witness the ceremony, including Prince Harry, who flew in from the United States on a commercial flight.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will preside over the service, which will emphasize diversity and inclusion with more multi-faith elements than any previous coronation.
The ceremony will involve women bishops for the first time in a coronation service that goes back almost a thousand years. After the ceremony, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace in a mile-long procession, with 4,000 soldiers and 19 military bands.
Anti-monarchy groups have criticized the event, and a protest has been announced on the procession route. A massive security operation has been put in place, with 11,500 officers on duty for the day.