1683358604 LIVE Coronation of Charles III Westminster Abbey doors open to

LIVE Coronation of Charles III: Westminster Abbey doors open to first guests

9:18

‘Today is the day!’: William and Kate share one last video ahead of Charles III’s coronation

The Prince of Wales’s Twitter account, William, heir apparent to the British Crown, shared a final video ahead of the ceremony that is due to crown his father this Saturday from 12pm.

9:08

Final preparations are underway

During the coronation ceremony of Charles III. scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. French time, final preparations are in full swing in front of Westminster Abbey.

Workers cover the road in front of Westminster Abbey with sand on May 6, 2023.Workers cover the road in front of Westminster Abbey with sand on May 6, 2023. © PAUL ELLIS / AFP

Workers have the special task of covering the road in front of the abbey with sand. Palace staff were also seen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where the King is due to appear after his coronation this afternoon.

Buckingham Palace staff make final preparations on the balcony where Charles III.  to be released on May 6, 2023.Buckingham Palace staff make final preparations on the balcony where Charles III. to be released on May 6, 2023. © OLI SCARFF / AFP

9:00 am

The first guests arrive at Westminster Abbey

As the BBC reports, the first guests arrive at Westminster Abbey to attend the coronation of Charles III. to attend

The first guests meet on May 6, 2023 for the coronation of Charles III.  at Westminster Abbey in London.The first guests meet at the coronation of Charles III. on May 6, 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. © PAUL ELLIS / AFP

So far, members of the House of Lords have been spotted in their traditional red robes in front of the abbey.

8:49

“It’s a historic moment”: The area surrounding the route of the royal procession is already filled with spectators

The area surrounding the route King Charles III. is starting to fill up and some admirers of the British monarchy have been camping there since last night.

A few Brazilians residing in the United Kingdom have been present in the White Hall, the street of the ministries, since 9 p.m. last night.

“I’m very fond of traditions, I’ve lived here for 20 years and I feel part of British culture,” this woman told BFMTV.

“It’s a historic moment for this country and for everyone else I think it will be a very happy day for us, an important political moment,” his wife continued.

8:35

The doors of Westminster Abbey open to the first guests

The doors of Westminster Abbey, where Charles III’s coronation will take place in a few hours. will take place have just opened to welcome the first guests.

More than 2,300 guests are expected, including many heads of state and royalty from all over the world.

Charles III will be officially crowned at 1 p.m. Paris time.

8:25

Anti-monarchy protesters already in Trafalgar Square

During the final preparations before the coronation of Charles III. coming to an end, anti-monarchy protesters have already gathered in Trafalgar Square this Saturday, a Guardian reporter said on Twitter.

The British monarchy remains a popular institution among Britons, with 58% having a positive opinion of it, according to a Yougov poll.

The demonstrators wear conspicuous clothing with the inscription NotMyKing (PasMonRoi, editor’s note).

7:38

Over 5,000 British soldiers arrive in London by train to attend the coronation

As Sky News reports, more than 5,000 British soldiers are coming this Saturday as part of the coronation of Charles III. by train in London, for which they will march.

A total of nine trains are expected at London’s Waterloo station. They will then proceed to Westminster Bridge and wait for the ceremony to begin.

British soldiers on Westminster Bridge in London on Saturday 6th May 2023.British soldiers on Westminster Bridge in London on Saturday 6 May 2023. © BFMTV Screenshot

It is the largest rail movement of British military personnel since Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965.

7:28

Crown, sceptre, lightbulb… The very symbolic objects of the coronation

This Saturday’s ceremony will highlight several “insignia,” crowning objects, each symbolizing a stage of the Lord’s Supper.

First there is the Crown. It is that of Saint-Edouard, the heart of the crown jewels with which Charles III. is crowned. But also the spoon and pear for the anointing that will serve at the “holiest moment” of the ceremony.

The Orb and the Scepter is also given to Charles III to symbolize his spiritual role, as well as a ceremonial sword And golden spurs.

More information in our article.

7:08

Princes Harry and Andrew are stripped of their official roles at the coronation

Harry, the younger son of Charles III, who is at odds with the royal family, and Andrew, the king’s brother, who is already bereft of public engagement, will have no official roles during the coronation, the palace confirmed on Saturday.

If they attended the funeral procession behind Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin at Westminster Abbey following her death last September, this time Harry and Andrew will not walk behind the royal couple in the procession, who will accompany them back to Buckingham Palace afterwards will the ceremony.

They are also unlikely to appear on the balcony for the traditional salute of members of the royal family, even though the palace has not revealed who will be surrounding Charles and Camilla for the occasion.

More information here.

6:59

In the absence of the coronation, Joe Biden says he will see Charles III in July

Joe Biden, who did not attend the coronation of Charles III on Saturday. Will attend, represented by his wife Jill, indicated on Friday that he would see the monarch in July to speak specifically about the environment.

“We’re going to a NATO conference in Europe and we told him that I’ll stop either on the way there or back to talk about the topic that interests him most, the environment,” the US President said in an interview with MSNBC.

The annual NATO summit is scheduled for July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

6:45

What is the King of England for? “The Info Question” answers you

70 years after the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, this is a historic day for the UK. While the eyes of the world will be on Westminster Abbey, opinions among the British public are divided as to the usefulness of the monarch. What is the King of England for?

BFM Radio put the question to Thomas Durand, head of the Gotha service at Gala magazine. Find his answer below in the latest episode of our daily podcast.

6:40

The ceremony should last about two hours

The ceremony itself is therefore scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. Paris local time and last around two hours, presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church.

Featuring works from the classical repertoire as well as new compositions, it is designed “to reflect the role of the monarch today and look to the future, while being rooted in historical traditions and pageantry,” according to the palace.

6:35

Procession, ceremony, coronation… key moments to remember

Everything is regulated to the millimeter for this ritual, which is anchored in almost 1,000 years of history, with diamond-studded crowns, velvet outfits and golden scepters, but which few Britons have seen in her lifetime, that of Elizabeth II in 1953.

Here are the schedules of the most anticipated moments:

  • 11:20 a.m. Paris time: Departure of King Charles III’s procession from Buckingham Palace
  • 12.00: Celebrations begin at Westminster Abbey
  • 1:00 pm.: Charles III will be crowned.
  • 14 o’clock: end of the ceremony.
  • 3:15 p.m.: The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

>> The complete, up-to-the-minute guide to Coronation Day

6:30

D-Day for Charles III: The coronation time has come

Hello everyone and welcome to this directorate dedicated to the coronation of King Charles III. is dedicated. Eight months after assuming the throne after the death of Elizabeth II, the 74-year-old Sovereign, followed by Queen Camilla, 75, will receive the crown and anointing from the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey in front of 2,300 guests.

A historic event that you can watch live on BFMTV and BFMTV.com. Jean-Baptiste Boursier brings you the event from 8.30am from our relocated set in London, with our journalists and our experts by his side.