london travel king's coronation

15 things to see and do in London around King Charles’ coronation

On May 6, the coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, will take place at London's Westminster Abbey.

No doubt millions will watch on TV at home, with countless people descending on the United Kingdom capital for the rare event. A coronation hasn't taken place in the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.

However, London is no stranger to royal pomp. You can expect to see a whole host of regal celebrations over the coronation weekend, as evidenced by the Platinum Jubilee festivities in June 2022. The late Queen's 70-year reign was celebrated over a long weekend with street parties, Royal Air Force flyovers, a major concert at Buckingham Palace and an extra day off work for the masses.

If you're traveling to London for the king's coronation, you're probably looking forward to experiencing the tradition, excitement and sense of occasion of it all. But what other royal family-related things can you do or see?

Here are a few suggestions to keep your itinerary packed.

Admire the coronation venue: Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the epicenter of the coronation tradition. Constructed as a Benedictine monastery more than a thousand years ago, the awe-inspiring church has served as the backdrop for crowning reigning monarchs for hundreds of years.

In 1066, William the Conqueror was the first monarch to be coronated there. King Charles' coronation ceremony is the 40th to grace its nave, so the abbey has big plans on Saturday, May 6.

There doesn't appear to be any information out yet about gathering outside the abbey or the surrounding area during the day, so keep your eyes peeled, particularly on the royal family's website .

The abbey will be closed to visitors and worshippers from April 25 (it will reopen on May 8). However, you can admire its architecture from the outside during your visit. Outside of these dates, the abbey is typically open to the public. So, if you're keen to visit on a different date, check out the latest visitor information on opening hours, tickets and prices on Westminster Abbey's website .

Line The Mall for the procession

The Mall is a wide, tree-lined procession route in St. James's Park that leads to Buckingham Palace. It was the brainchild of Charles II back in 1660 and will once again be a focal point during King Charles III's coronation on May 6.

King Charles and queen consort Camilla are expected to travel along The Mall through Admiralty Arch to the abbey, with a larger coronation procession featuring other members of the royal family on the way back. Well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the king — and perhaps the ornate Gold State Coach, too — will likely gather along The Mall.

It's hard to state just how busy it can be. Royal super fans often camp out for hours, if not a whole night, before a royal event to secure a prime vantage point. Plan ahead and keep an eye out for official signs or guidance if you're hoping to join the crowds. If that all sounds too hectic, you can enjoy a picturesque stroll down The Mall toward the palace at another time during your London visit.

Attempt to see Buckingham Palace balcony

Another major moment during the coronation will be when King Charles steps out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Royal occasions have been marked here for decades — with the royal family stepping out to celebrate weddings, wartime victories, coronations and annual Trooping the Colour birthday parades.

Again, you must be seriously dedicated to secure a spot close enough to see it in person. However, on a typical day (i.e., not May 6), it's possible to view Buckingham Palace's exterior through bars for free, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (daily at 11 a.m. in summer) for free and take a guided tour of parts of the palace — featuring the Throne Room, the 19 State Rooms, the Grand Staircase and the Palace Gardens.

For the tour, you must pay and pre-book your tickets, and you'll receive a timed slot. Check opening times and prices, or book via Buckingham Palace's website .

Attend the Royal Albert Hall Coronation Prom

If you're into classical music and Christian worship, the evening of the coronation will be marked at the Royal Albert Hall with a concert by the 100-member All Souls Orchestra and The Coronation Prom Massed Choir, alongside performers from across the Commonwealth.

Expect to hear "royal anthems and overtures by Elgar, Holst, Handel and John Williams," according to the official description of the event. At the time of writing, tickets were still available. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the Royal Albert Hall website . The event will also be broadcast online, so you could watch from the comfort of your hotel.

Look out for 'Lighting up the Nation'

On Sunday, May 7, celebrations are set to shift from London to nearby Windsor, Berkshire, for the Coronation Concert — though there may yet be a role for London.

"The centerpiece of the Coronation Concert, 'Lighting up the Nation,' will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations," the royal family's website says.

There are plenty of iconic London locations that spring to mind, such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Big Ben. However, it'd be a total guess to say where to go to witness any illuminations or when to arrive, as additional details about "Lighting up the Nation" have not been revealed yet. A useful source for checking updates is, naturally, the royal family website .

Meet the king himself … in wax form at Madame Tussauds London

A travel tale for the ages: I went to London for the coronation and wound up meeting the king. Alas, Charles will presumably be pretty busy. So, if you want a guaranteed audience with His Majesty, your best bet is to meet the wax version of him at the iconic tourist attraction Madame Tussauds London.

You'll meet a slightly younger version of the king, admittedly. Also, the life-size wax figure won't be able to shake your hand (that would truly be terrifying).

On the plus side, you'll get to snap a selfie with the wax versions of the queen consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Additionally, you can head to the Awards Party section for a look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were shuffled out of the regal section in 2021 .

Tour the Tower of London

A trip to the Tower of London hundreds of years ago may have meant imprisonment — or a grisly execution. Thankfully, in 2023, a visit is far less grim. You can see inside its buildings, the battlements and grounds outside, watch the famous black ravens in action and, of course, marvel at the priceless crown jewels. The latter have been housed in the tower since the 1660s.

The tower is closed May 6 for the coronation, as the crown jewels play a starring role. The coronation regalia, the sacred objects used during the coronation ceremony, includes the solid gold St. Edward's Crown (weighing a hefty 4.8 pounds), with which the king will be crowned, plus the bejeweled orb and sceptre. The Imperial State Crown is also worn by the monarch while departing Westminster Abbey.

That said, it does appear the tower is open on dates around the coronation. If you'd like to visit, check out the official Tower of London website for more information.

Go statue-spotting between St. James's Park and Palace

A visit to St. James's Park, away from the coronation chaos, should also be on your London to-do list. It's known for its vibrant flower beds, a lake (usually home to a group of free-roaming pelicans) and the Duck Island nature reserve.

The area is also worth exploring if you're interested in the British royal family, as there are several statues of note in the vicinity. Bronze depictions of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth — who were Charles' grandparents — are on the north side of The Mall.

A short walk away on Marlborough Road is a unique memorial in the art nouveau and Gothic styles that pays homage to Queen Alexandra – Charles' great-great-grandmother. It's opposite lesser-known St. James's Palace.

Though the palace is closed to the public, you can have a peek at the exterior and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony here. Green Park is also nearby.

Visit Kensington Palace's new exhibit: 'Crown to Couture'

Love royalty? Celebrity? And crucially: fashion? Consider checking out Kensington Palace's largest-ever exhibition: "Crown to Couture."

The exhibit is open from April 5 to Oct. 29, 2023. It will feature a range of iconic outfits, from a Lizzo look worn at the Met Gala in 2022 to the silver tissue gown rocked at court back in the days of Charles II — sometime in the mid- to late 1600s.

Kensington Palace — which has been home to many royals over the years, including the Prince and Princess of Wales — does have other exhibits. They include one devoted to Queen Victoria's childhood, as well as tours of various state apartments, galleries and gardens. But remember, the palace is closed on May 6 for the coronation. For visitor information, see the official website .

See the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park

The king and queen consort are the focus of the coronation. However, some royal fans may also want to remember the late Diana, Princess of Wales, while visiting London. The Diana Memorial Fountain in leafy Hyde Park is perhaps one of the best places to do that.

Notably, it's free, unlike Kensington Palace, where a Diana statue resides in the Sunken Garden and can be viewed from a distance via Cradle Walk.

Hyde Park's oval-shaped fountain, which is more of a flowing stream, symbolizes the late princess' openness. It was unveiled in 2004 by the late queen, who called it a "highly original memorial which captures something of the essence of a remarkable human being."

Visitors are invited to sit on the fountain's edge and even dip their toes in the water .

Catch a movie at the Prince Charles Cinema

This iconic independent cinema in London's West End, a stone's throw away from Leicester Square, has nothing to do with royalty — except for its name. Originally opened as the Prince Charles Theatre in 1962, the name stuck by the time it became a cinema in 1991.

Perhaps it would seem a bit odd to go to the cinema on your holiday, but who doesn't love a night at the movies? The program at the Prince Charles is always eclectic, featuring old classics, cult favorites and select new releases. The venue even puts on singalong events for musicals such as "Grease." If nothing else, you might want to snap a quick photo of its marquee to mark your visit.

There aren't many places in London specifically named after the king. However, there are plenty of pubs named "The Prince of Wales," his former title, if you like the novelty. You can find them in Highgate, Brixton and Kensington.

Take a daytrip to regal Windsor

Windsor isn't technically in London. However, it's easily accessible.

The Berkshire town is roughly 50 minutes away from London Paddington Railway Station by train. It has long been connected to the royal family, as the 900-year-old Windsor Castle is in the town center. It'll certainly be bouncing on May 7, as 10,000 ticket holders (selected by ballot) will descend on the grounds for the Coronation Concert.

If travel dates allow, a regal daytrip here is a must. Windsor Castle typically allows visitors, and among its highlights are the historic and ceremonial State Rooms, its extensive art collection, the Moat Room (home to a model of the castle as it was in the year 1377) and St George's Chapel, the burial place of 11 former monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII. You can find out opening days and ticket information on its official website .

Travelers can also explore Windsor Great Park, accessing The Long Walk, The Savill Garden (featuring a gorgeous rose garden) and Virginia Water Lake, plus an equestrian statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II on horseback. Want kitschy royal souvenirs to remember the day? Windsor's numerous gift shops will have you covered.

Learn at the Guards Museum and Household Cavalry Museum

If what draws you to the British royal family is the pageantry, you'll probably be intrigued by the Guards Museum near Buckingham Palace and the Household Cavalry Museum on the edge of St James's Park in Whitehall.

The former is a small venue that encapsulates the history of the five regiments of Foot Guards (in other words, those who guard the palace and wear those red tunics and tall bearskin caps).

The latter is a "living museum" that documents the jobs done by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, who protect the king during ceremonial events. Here, you can see troops tending the horses they ride, as well as an 11 a.m. weekday Changing of the King's Life Guard outside on Horse Guards Parade.

All of these guards form part of the Household Division of the British Army. For information on opening times and how to visit, check out the Guards Museum and Household Cavalry Museum websites .

Visit St Paul's Cathedral

At least four different churches have been built on this site. The original church dedicated to St. Paul was constructed in A.D. 604, while the current version was constructed between 1675 and 1711. The cathedral also has historic tethers to royalty — from Elizabeth I's visit and George III's Jubilee celebrations to the reigning king, who wed Princess Diana here in 1981.

Services take place at St Paul's every day and are free to attend. Sightseers can opt for a ticket, which grants access to the cathedral floor, the crypt and the two galleries in the dome. If you tour the dome, prepare yourself for a truly jaw-dropping view of central London.

For more information on the free services, opening times for sightseeing and tickets, visit the St Paul's Cathedral website .

Step back in time at Kew Palace

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Richmond is a nature lover's dream destination. There's a nice surprise for royal fans, too. The bright orange Kew Palace opens on April 3 (it's currently closed for winter).

Formerly known as the Dutch House, it became the countryside summer home of George III, who reigned mostly in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Also in the gardens is Queen Charlotte's cottage, his wife's idyllic getaway pad. It's believed that the family kept many exotic animals here in a nearby paddock — including the now-extinct quagga (similar to a zebra) and England's first kangaroos.

For opening hours and ticket information, visit the Kew Gardens website .

Bottom line

Royal points of interest are plentiful in London, so it's time to plan.

For the coronation, make sure to keep an eye out for official information on the timings of the coronation and how to gather safely in central London. Be on the lookout for other unofficial events — at local pubs and official street parties — that spring up closer to the time.

As for attractions, visit the abovementioned websites for up-to-date information on opening times and tickets. Keep in mind that Monday, May 8, is a bank holiday all over the U.K., too.

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• Where to Stay, Play and Celebrate King Charles’s Coronation in London and Beyond

From central London to Windsor, the best hotels in Britain are tempting with suite deals during the crowning ceremony.

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Unlike 2022’s platinum jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II, a coronation is a bit more of a solemn affair, since it’s also a religious occasion involving incantations and the anointing with oil from Jerusalem, elevating King Charles to supreme head of the Church of England and defender of the faith.

Here’s where to find them.

 Where to Celebrate in London

The Lanesborough

In tony Knightsbridge, The Lanesborough hotel, built in 1719, was once the stately home of Viscount Lanesborough. In 1991, after substantial sympathetic historic renovations, it was reinvented as a lavish hotel, complete with a club and spa. One of its many claims to fame: Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were filmed in The Royal Suite in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. 

The jolly includes a couple of cocktails, but if you’re simply in the neighborhood, drop into the Library Bar to sample the King’s Coronation cocktail (English vodka with sherry, citrus cordial, single malt whisky and a gold leaf garnish.)  And don’t forget to pet the resident cat, Lilibet, who shares a name with Harry and Meghan’s daughter. (So, was the cat the inspiration for that, we wonder, rather than the Queen’s nickname?) Package rate starts at roughly $2,000 and runs from May 2 to May 20.

The Beaumont

Over at   The Beaumont  in Mayfair, guests can enjoy “gently refurbished” rooms and suites courtesy of New York designer Thierry Despont, who has added bespoke luxury touches to the classy Art Deco hotel, which features a giant sculpture on one side by Antony Gormely. The structure is actually an extension of the hotel, housing ROOM — an esoteric, cave-like suite. Guests staying at the hotel on May 5 can partake in the celebrations courtesy of a coronation-themed amenity pack, featuring a commemorative mug, a map of the weekend events, flags ready for waving and even a jolly Union Jack hat. And, yes, there’s a special afternoon tea in the Gatsby room ($77). Room rates start at about $1,200.

The Londoner

Four Seasons Hotel London

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is aiming to spoil and pamper, as their Live Like A Royal package celebrates the dusting off of the crown jewels from the nearby Tower of London . Set in a Grade II listed building from the 1920s that was once the HQ of the London Port Authority, the hotel boasts some regal amenities.

With the coronation package, guests can recharge with a relaxing Rose Crown ritual at the hotel’s spa, followed by a night’s stay in one of their luxe residences with stunning river views over Tower Bridge. Afterwards, take the Crown Jewels afternoon tea in the Rotunda Lounge and enjoy exquisitely iced regal-themed cakes. Rates from about $7,500. Tea only , from $80. Available until August 31. 

Hotel Cafe Royal

Speaking of the Tower of London, the Hotel Cafe Royal is offering guests staying in the Royal Suite the chance to get up close and personal with the Cullinan diamond  (it’s 3,106 carats in case you were wondering) in The Crown Jewels Experience . Take a chauffeur-driven limo to the Tower, site of many a royal execution, followed by a tour of the 1,000-year-old site with a Yeoman Warden, otherwise known as a Beefeater. Finish up with champagne and a private viewing of the jewels, including St Edward’s crown used in the coronation. (The collection is officially priceless, but conservative estimates put it at around $6 billion.) The Crown Jewels Experience cost is $1,600. Also on offer: the King Charles III Experience , with a night’s stay, champagne afternoon tea, and a chauffeur driven tour of London’s royal attractions with expert guide, from about $3,200. Both are available until October 1.

Grosvenor Square

Where to celebrate in windsor.

Just 25 miles outside London and overlooking the Thames, Windsor will be a lynchpin of the celebrations, and offers visitors a wealth of attractions. Although closed over the coronation weekend, when it will be in use by the royals, Windsor Castle is a historic treasure towering over the surrounding countryside. With 1,000 years of history in its turreted walls, it’s worth a visit, and for the little uns, the castle is also hosting special coronation activities for kids . You can also see the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II there, at St George’s Chapel . Take a stroll along the Long Walk away from the castle and head into Windsor Great Park (where you can also ride, or walk the corgis) which stretches for 5,000 acres. You might catch a glimpse of the queen’s beloved pony, Emma, grazing in the private Home Park paddocks near the castle, as well as peeks of Frogmore cottage, once home to Harry and Meghan, and more recently offered to Prince Andrew as a downsize from nearby Royal Lodge. For a genteel way to see the sites, go by horse drawn carriage with Windsor Carriages . Rates start at $250.

If raising a pint is on your mind, take a tour of Windsor & Eton Brewery, which has announced a new beer to celebrate the coronation. The craft brewery, which opened in 2010, boasts beers, lagers, stouts and IPAs with regal names like Knight of the Garter and Treason. The coronation special, The Return of the King ($45 for a 12-pack) features Charles in full regalia on the bottle. This will be their first 100% organic beer, utilizing organic barley from the local royal farm as well as organic English hops.Enjoy a pint in the Tap Room, which also boasts a full bar and food and, on occasion, a comedy show.

Fairmont Windsor Park

Royal Windsor racecourse

Fancy a flutter? Use the holiday Monday for a day at the races. As the name suggests, the Royal Windsor racecourse is an upscale track much patronized by the royals, most notably the Queen Mother, and in honor of the occasion, the Thames-facing venue is offering a free race night on May 8. Register online, and expect coronation themed vittals and some fast thoroughbreds. Want to travel in style? Take the French Brothers Thames riverboat shuttle from Windsor Promenade, near all three of the overground train stations (you can thank Queen Victoria for that)—namely Windsor & Eton Central (best bet from London), Windsor Royal and Windsor & Eton Riverside. There’s even a bar on board to get the party started.

Cliveden House

Just 10 minutes from Windsor, Cliveden House is a hotel with a storied past. Dating from 1666, it’s been visited by every royal monarch since George I. Queen Victoria liked to pop in for tea, and it’s also seen gilded age parties with its 20th century owners, the Astors. In the 60s, it was the site where the political scandal, the Profumo Affair, ignited, and in 2018 Meghan spent the night there before her Windsor wedding.

Nowadays, the 376-acre country pile offers vintage rooms as well as cozy cottages on the river. Known for their afternoon teas, the Great Royal Gardens tea (from $62) celebrates the coronation. Inspired by flowers from the King’s royal gardens, it features produce from Sandringham , the royal bolt hole in Norfolk. Also available is a coronation brunch in the equestrian-themed Astor Grill (from $56), where the bar stools are styled as saddles. The property is owned by the National Trust , so the estate is also open to the public, for a $20 fee.

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King Charles's Coronation procession: Time, route map and best places to see the king

3 May 2023, 11:24 | Updated: 3 May 2023, 12:24

By Danielle DeWolfe

The route map for King Charles's procession has been confirmed which will result in closed roads and travel disruption across London. Here's how to see the procession and avoid delays in the city.

King Charles will be kick starting his coronation celebrations this weekend with his procession - which mean a number of people and vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion for a ceremony - that will no doubt be full of royal regalia and themes.

The official route map has been revealed ahead of the event this Saturday and will begin at Buckingham Palace, leaving through the central gate.

While many royal fans will be heading to London this weekend for the big event, it's important to note there will be multiple road closures and tube stations shutting , plus King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will travel a fraction of the distance covered by Queen Elizabeth II during her Coronation in 1953.

The King's route is set to stretch for 1.3 miles, starting at the gates of Buckingham Palace and ending at Westminster Abbey. Following the ceremony, they will then do it in reverse at a much grander scale.

Read more: Royal traditions King Charles will break on Coronation day

Read more: Prince Harry's coronation day role revealed as expert claims there's 'little room for sentiment'

It contrasts the Queen's chosen route, which extended 5 miles through central London - taking in the sights of Oxford Street and stretching the length of nearby Hyde Park.

What time is the Coronation procession?

King Charles and Camilla will be arriving promptly at Westminster Abbey for the ceremony at 11am with the procession departing Buckingham Palace at 10:20am.

For the route back, where they will swap the Diamond Jubilee Coach for the much grander Gold State Coach, they will be following the same route but in reverse.

It's unknown exactly when this will start but it will be around 2pm.

What is the King's Coronation Procession route?

Starting at Buckingham Palace, the King's carriage is set to travel the length of The Mall and into Trafalgar Square, before turning right down Whitehall.

Greeting well-wishers along the way, the King is then set to continue down Whitehall past Downing Street and Westminster Bridge.

The King's carriage will then pass through Parliament Square shortly before coming to a stop outside Westminster Abbey.

The route is expected to be densely packed with supporters and closed to traffic, meaning additional gridlock and delays are expected on surrounding roads.

Everything you need to know about the King’s coronation

Where's the best places to watch the Coronation procession in London?

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the procession can join crowds along the route.

Areas in and around Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James’s Park, The Green Park and Trafalgar Square will be very crowded.

The nearest London Underground stations to the procession route include Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Westminster, Charring Cross, Leicester Square, St James’s Park, Piccadilly.

The National Rail and London Underground stations in these areas will be busy.

However, due to the limited space along the capital's roads, giant screens have been erected at various London locations - the nearest to the procession include Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park.

There are numerous screening sites to choose from around the country and you can find a screen in your local area by visiting the government's Coronation website .

People throwing street parties and events that are open to the public have been urged to register their event.

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King's Coronation itinerary: Events, timings and locations of three day programme for bank holiday

The Coronation weekend includes a flypast, concert and procession

• 21:59, 22 APR 2023
• Updated 17:30, 3 MAY 2023

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King Charles’ Coronation is edging nearer, and as London gets ready to welcome an influx of visitors to the capital to mark the occasion, there’s plenty you can see and do from the comfort of your own home. You might already be preparing what you’re going to make for your street party, whose screen you’re going to watch the service on, and what good deed you might take up.

But if you haven't got a clue what the three-day bank holiday weekend to mark the King's Coronation looks like, MyLondon is bringing you the locations and latest updates on timings. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming weeks for further updates on programmes and timings.

So far, we know all the big event timings and when they’ll be livestreamed on TV. There’s also been initial details released about events like the Red Arrows flypast, but no definitive times have been released yet.

READ MORE: King's Coronation procession route, timings and best places to watch parade

Saturday, May 6

The king's procession.

As we all know by now, the Coronation itself is due to take place at 11am on Saturday, following on from the procession through Central London. The journey will begin at Buckingham Palace , as King Charles and Queen Camilla make their way down a 1.3 mile route to Westminster Abbey. In comparison, the late Queen Elizabeth’s journey travelled five miles and took around two hours to complete.

Appearing before thousands of adoring fans, locals and visitors who’ve flocked to London for the occasion, the pair will be riding in the Diamond Jubilee Stage Coach. According the official Royal website , it's the coach for Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Her late Majesty’s reign in 2012. The coach has only ever conveyed the Sovereign, occasionally accompanied by the consort or a visiting Head of State.

The King’s Procession, accompanied by The Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, will depart Buckingham Palace through the Centre Gate, and proceed down The Mall, passing through Admiralty Arch and south of King Charles I Island, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street.

It will travel around the east and south sides of Parliament Square to Broad Sanctuary to arrive at the Sanctuary of Westminster Abbey, where the Coronation Service will begin at 11am.

The Coronation Service

Taking place at 11am, the Coronation itself will be a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry. It’s set to be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future. It is not yet known how long the service itself will take.

The Coronation Procession

After the service, the Coronation Procession will take place on route from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. It’s the same route as the one before the service, however it will be on a much larger scale.

This procession will include Armed Forces from across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and all Services of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, alongside The Sovereign’s Bodyguard and Royal Watermen. Their Majesties will also be swapping transportation for the Gold State Coach. As they return to Buckingham Palace following, Their Majesties will receive a Royal Salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces who have been on parade.

The Royal Salute will be followed by three cheers from the assembled service personnel, as a tribute from the Armed Forces on parade to The King and The Queen Consort on the day of Their Majesties’ Coronation.

Coronation Red Arrows flypast

Having congregated on Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony, Their Majesties, joined by other members of the Royal family , will watch the Red Arrows fly over.

The s ix-minute flypast will include over 60 military aircraft, featuring the Red Arrows, 16 helicopters, the historic Spitfires of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF's brand-new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, Joint RAF and RN crewed state-of-the art F-35B Lightning II jets and transport aircraft from the RAF's Air Mobility Force. It will also feature the first flypast involvement of the RAF's new Envoy IV CC1 aircraft.

Rehearsals for the big day are set to take place over the next week, making sure that the final show runs smoothly. Although final and precise time for the flypast have not been released, to the Military Airshows website, that planes involved in the flypast will leave their base any time from 1.15pm. It’s thought the planes will be expected over London between 2.20pm and 3pm, but wait for an official announcement nearer the time.

Sunday, May 7

The coronation concert at windsor castle & lighting up the nation.

So the programme for Sunday looks a little different to the previous day. This is when the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle is due to take place.

Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together to one massive show, kicking off at 8pm. Acts announced for the show so far include Katy Perry, Take That, Freya Ridings, Lionel Ritchie, Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli, Welsh star Bryn Terfel, and a special Coronation Choir made up of singing groups, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs, from all around the UK.

Tickets were released in a ballot back in February via Ticketmaster , with 10,000 available free of charge through the BBC . No further timing information has been given on the Ticketmaster website.

The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations.

If you didn’t get tickets to the Coronation Concert and you don’t want to watch it from home, there will be a public screening in St James’s Park, where Londoners can get comfy from 4pm. There will also be music, dance and spoken word performances. The screen will be located near Marlborough Gate. Access is free and there will be a range of concession kiosks at the site.

Coronation Big Lunches

Also taking place on Sunday, May 7, the public up and down the country are invited to take part in Coronation Big Lunches, seen as a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. Whether it’s having a cuppa and a catch up with a neighbour, or taking part in a full blown street party, everyone’s invited. The Big Lunch was an idea thought up by those at the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, aiming to bring millions of people together annually to boost community spirit, reduce loneliness and support charities and good causes.

Monday, May 8

The big help out.

Organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the country, The Big Help Out is an initiative that hopes to highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities. As a tribute to the King’s public service, the event hopes to inspire people to try volunteering for themselves. This is an all-day event.

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Coronation Dispatches From an American Interloper

By Rachel Chang

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As I arrived at London Heathrow last Thursday, “God Save the King” echoed throughout the terminal. Just as I was chuckling at the soundtrack choice, resounding applause broke out. Turns out, this wasn’t some piped-in elevator music. There was an actual band playing on the departure level high above me—and that’s when I realized just how much  King Charles III ’s coronation meant to British people. This wasn’t just some ceremonial crowning of a 74-year-old monarch—this was a celebration of patriotism and pride for the entire nation.

Like so many fellow Americans, I grew up fascinated by the  British royals . As a teen, I fangirled over  Prince William , and in my entertainment editor days, I hyper-analyzed every photo, from how  Queen Elizabeth II held her umbrellas—brollies in Brit speak—to Charles’ penchant for literally sticking his nose in everything. (I once rounded up two dozen photos of him sniffing items from cheese to his mother’s hand.) 

Just 11 months prior, I had been in the capital for the  Queen’s Platinum Jubilee , so I knew the kind of no-holds-barred festivities the UK was capable of. But with the sudden shift in Charles' role from royal sidekick to actual monarch, I was curious how the British attitude would transform. When I found myself in Ireland just days before the  Coronation Weekend , I couldn’t help but change my plane ticket and hop the Irish Sea to make sure I was in London for the historic occasion. 

The Milestone Hotel, with views of the Kensington Palace

The Royal buzz

To really soak in the royal lifestyle, I based myself at  The Milestone Hotel & Residences , where I could see  Kensington Palace from my window. Here, in the Victorian mansion, sightings of the famous neighbors are just an everyday part of life. One of the doormen, Steven, famously has the ability to identify traffic patterns before royal drive-bys, and has been known to gather guests on the steps before they pass. In fact, good ol’ Wills knows him by sight so well, he always gives a wave. 

While I anticipated being pulled to the front door of the hotel at any moment, I started by indulging in the Coronation Afternoon Tea . On my three-tiered platter were clever odes to the the king—a fruit cake made with his favorite recipe; a sandwich with coronation chicken  originating from Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 coronation luncheon ; and a honey, milk, and Earl Grey macaroon–the three key components of Charles's tea.

Already feeling posher than when I landed, I chatted with another doorman, Tim, on procession-viewing strategy. Thoughtfully outlining a packing list (including a folding chair, advice which saved me!), I learned that despite the 6 a.m. opening time for the gates to the viewing area, at least one other guest in the hotel was going to leave at 4:30 a.m. My competitive nature struck, as I programmed my alarm for a 4 a.m. departure. After all, unlike  Queen Elizabeth’s five-mile route back in 1953, Charles’ would only be 1.3-miles long. Every minute could make a difference!

But to really get a lay of the day, I ventured over to  The Mall —the 2,650-foot-long processional route between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square’s Admiralty Arch—that the king would travel down before turning in to Westminster Abbey. With more than  29,000 police officers from all over the UK staffing up for the weekend, security was already ramped up, with officers spaced out about every 100 feet or so. Despite the wall of cops, there was a jovial overtone, so I decided to try to pump them for info.

“So, if I was crazy enough to come tomorrow morning to wait for the procession,” I started, when the first officer cut me off. “I’ll stop you there,” he said, indicating it would indeed be a “crazy” thing to do. But, he offered me the hint to enter from the north side of the park, and said they’d be arriving at 3 a.m. 

Useful information, but a journalist always gets a secondary source, so I asked another if I could come this way tomorrow. “Maybe,” he said with a shrug and a wink. The next one told me it would be “trial and error,” and the one after that simply offered, “All I can say is good luck.” Finally, one said, “If you have battery on your phone, go sit under a tree and work it out, but don’t listen to anything I’ve said.” With a complete lack of actual information, but a heightened love for the British sensibility, I ventured on.

When I got to The Mall, both sides were already lined with tents about five people deep. Panicking, I wondered if I should ditch my immersive theater tickets for  Phantom Peak that night and pitch a tent. I approached one final officer who looked like he was in charge. “Those people camping out don’t know they’ll be moved,” he told me. “So go have yourself a lie-in.” (Brit speak for sleeping in.) Now that was a plan I could get on board with.

Coronation morning 

With my decision made, I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m. on Coronation Day. It didn't go off. By the time I was rushing to the viewing area, it was just past 5 a.m. Despite the anxiety, I was taken by the colorful sunrise ahead of me in shades of soft red and blue—dare I say, Mother Nature’s own tribute to the Union Jack on the momentous day.

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Surprisingly, by about 5:30 a.m. I found myself a pretty decent spot, strategically located across from St. James’s Palace near a walkway opening, and set up my seat about eight people deep. Considering the women just two rows in front of me got there at 1 a.m., I was satisfied with my sleep-to-spot ratio.  

The procession wouldn’t start for five hours, at 10:20 a.m., but as it turns out, nothing brings strangers closer than waiting for royalty. Since I had my chair, I offered two women from Sussex next to me my ground cover—in return, they gave me a flag and offered me sushi. Soon I was chatting with college kids from California and Colorado, a gentleman from Melbourne, a couple just a few towns over from me in New Jersey, a Scottish mom with her six-month-old baby, and 8- and 13-year-old cousins from Liverpool. As a self-professed royal watcher, the older one told me he loved the family because of “their history.” When I asked how people feel about Charles, he put it bluntly saying that people didn't like him when he was prince, but they’ve accepted him as king. This sure is a whole lot of pomp and circumstance for mere acceptance.  

Despite some rain, bottles of Moët and Chandon were popped, cans of Pimm’s consumed, and countless strangers bonded, sharing laughter over a man who refused to put his umbrella down and the announcer asking us not to wave flags at the horses since "the horses would really appreciate it.” 

Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Queen Camilla travel in the Gold State Coach 

The King’s Procession 

Before we knew it, the  Diamond Jubilee State Coach , the newest coach first used in 2014, was traveling down The Mall with a waving king inside. Our entire section erupted with cheers as the 8-year-old shouted, “We saw him! That was amazing!” 

While our young friends left, the rest of us sat down for another three hours as the coronation ceremony took place and we awaited his return trip. In between, a continuous stream of bands marched down to prepare for the much grander procession back. That morning, we were all cheering at the sight of one security guard walking down the center of The Mall. Now, we were jaded–we didn’t even bother getting up to see hundreds of soldiers marching to Westminster, knowing the real show would be upon the return. 

Getting hungry and feeling extremely British, I pulled out a pack of crumpets. I tried to offer them to people around me, but kept getting turned down. After half a dozen rejections, one woman finally said, “Did you bring a toaster as well?” I didn’t know what crumpets had to be toasted. Such an American!

After the ceremony wrapped up around 1 p.m., excitement started brewing again as the military processions led the way. Then we felt it—a radiating aura as the 260-year-old  Gold State Coach , used at every coronation since William IV, approached. With an open sightline of both King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as their purple crowns, I suddenly found myself feeling the weight of the occasion—and the crown jewels. 

Not far behind, I peered into a second coach and spotted Princess Kate and Prince William with their three kids, George, Charlotte, and Louis. Even through the glass windows, Charlotte’s charm shone the brightest, as she enthusiastically waved in both directions, working the crowd like a pro.  

Not long after, the barriers were dismantled and we were allowed onto The Mall and in front of the palace. I grabbed a place a step up on the fountain with a clear view of the balcony. Then it happened. As if in slow motion, the doors opened, and that moment I had seen so many photos of, with the family gathered on the balcony, lay before my very eyes.

From the crowds, flags waved. From the balcony, hands waved back. And then everyone’s attention was turned upwards as—despite the streaming rain at this point—a scaled-back flypast created a show in the sky, with the Red Arrows leaving streaks of blue, white, and red behind in a true unity of spirit. 

Dancing King and Queen—and Princes and Princesses!

Still on a high from the Coronation Day excitement, I headed to Windsor Castle the next day with a special ticket to the  BBC’s Coronation Concert . I bought a cappuccino at  Heidi  bakery serving up Charlesccinos, with his picture in the foam. The shop owner told me he had served up 300 with Charles’ face on it, 150 with the coronation logo, and only about 20 of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that day. 

Partying on castle grounds—the first time the public had been allowed onto the area in history—seemed like it might be a refined affair. But after winding through a long queue and pathway, it opened up to completely relaxed Castle-Edition Coachella. Food stands lined the perimeter behind the stage as concertgoers picnicked in the grass, many of who were dressed up in patriotic colors. I followed suit, putting on a plastic Union Jack bowler hat and tying a flag around my neck.

Once inside, I planted myself at the mid-way point between the royal box and the stage. After all, I was here to see the royals as much as the star-studded line-up. The biggest names to me were familiar American stars: Nicole Scherzinger, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry (whose performance kicked off with a drone-lit lion roaring in the sky!) as well as Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, but the Brits went crazy for their own superstars like Paloma Faith and, in what was their first performance since 2019, the '90s British boy band Take That .

As a lifelong teeny-bopper, I tried imagining the American version of this concert with the Backstreet Boys as the finale—and all the jeers that would follow. But here, the entire stadium was on their feet, King, Queen, Princes and Princesses included, waving their flags and dancing to a trio of certifiable hits in a show of national camaraderie. As colorful lights lit up the castle, it was hard not to feel British for a moment. 

After the show, those lined-up guards showed off their trademark British suaveness, each one thanking us for coming out and wishing us a safe journey onward. One shouted, “It’s really hard to say goodbye!” while another said, “Same time, same place, next year?”

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How London Is Preparing for the Coronation

With three weeks to go until the coronation of King Charles, here's how the city is getting ready. (One word: Bleachers.)

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Locals wanting to avoid the crowds are right to head out of the city; London is expecting an influx of tourists to witness history. "As the first royal coronation in 70 years, it’s a momentous occasion for London, and it’s really exciting to see the city coming together to celebrate," Laura Citron, CEO of Visit London, told Town & Country. "Since it’s such a one-of-its-kind event, we’re expecting lots of visitors to travel into London to be a part of the moment and experience the city's extensive royal history and attractions."

Traversing the coronation procession route—which runs from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey down the Mall then following Parliament Street, and back again after the ceremony—it's clear that preparations are well-underway to ensure the city is coronation-ready. There are construction workers everywhere, repaving streets, building bleachers for viewers, and power-washing statues.

"London is set to spring to life in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III," Citron says. "We'll start to see the Union Jack flags take over London’s West End and across the city as we begin to prepare for the big weekend. We expect the atmosphere and buzz to continue with plenty of street parties, community lunches, and celebrations set to take place."

Carnaby Street, in one of the city's most popular shopping districts, has already debuted its decorations, displaying a large Union Jack flag and crown suspended above the street:

The decorations are not just on the streets, but inside stores, too. Mayfair's Burlington Arcade is decorating with the national flowers of Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, and British brands, like Emma Bridgewater , Fortnum & Mason , and many, many, more are rolling out their special coronation-themed commemorative items right now. London's Heathrow Airport is ready to welcome travelers the minute they arrive; the Harrods store in Terminal 2 features a display of their King Charles coronation commemorative items front and center.

"We must never underestimate the soft power influence of the royals and their role as ambassadors for this country," Helen Brocklebank, the CEO of Walpole, an umbrella organization for more than 250 British brands, tells T&C. "It’s a crucial part of what has made the UK the world’s number one luxury destination, and Britain’s finest brands are ready to make the flurry of domestic and international tourists expected in London for this uniquely British but globally important event a truly unforgettable moment they’ll treasure their whole lives."

Designers are getting ready to style the coronation's attendees, too. Only around 2,000 people will be lucky enough to attend the service —and with peers being advised to dress down , the institutions on Savile Row are all rushing to finish ensembles for the historic event. " The Savile Row tailors are all very busy finishing off tail coats, etc., for the customers from around the globe who will be attending," Geoff Wheeler, also known as "Mayor of Savile Row," tells T&C . (He oversees the London Office at Huddersfield Fine Worsteds , which holds a royal warrant.) "Those tailors with military departments, like Henry Poole , are also working on many uniforms to be used on the day. All the shops will be dressing their windows and have made bunting using British wool."

On coronation day, all eyes will be on the British royal family—but the procession of King Charles and Queen Camilla will be much shorter than the journey Queen Elizabeth II took 70 years ago, which means there are just a few public businesses that sit on the route. The Red Lion (on the corner of Parliament Street and Derby Gate), is already advertising to patrons to join them for the coronation. As one of just seven pubs on the route, the small seating area outside will be hotly coveted viewing area for those hoping to watch the royals ride past.

And for the site of the coronation itself? Westminster Abbey is still open to the public. One Abbey volunteer told T&C that she's seen a surge in visitors in recent weeks, similar to the increases around the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton over a decade ago. And the church, too, got in on the merch craze ; its store features a whole display of Charles III totes, keychains, mugs, and commemorative coins, among other items.

The Abbey is set to close on April 25 to undergo final preparations for the event. Thirty-nine reigning monarchs have been crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066—and Charles is preparing to become the 40th. On coronation day, one thing's for sure: London will be ready to celebrate him.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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London’s Coronation Countdown: Travelers Arrive, Others Flee

While hundreds of thousands are expected to arrive in London ahead of the crowning of King Charles III, others are making plans to get out of town.

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By Isabella Kwai

• Published April 29, 2023 Updated May 6, 2023

Robin Higgins Horwitz knew she wanted to be in London for the coronation of King Charles III, even before the event was announced for May 6. An avid British history buff, she said her interest in the royal family sparked as a teenager watching the 1981 wedding of then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

“How many times does it happen in one’s lifetime that you get to see a coronation?” said Ms. Higgins Horwitz, 58, who will travel from her home in Skokie, Ill., next week for an organized tour that covers palaces, castles and towers linked to the royal family. “It’s history in the making.”

Flags and royal emblems are already adorning the streets of London as it prepares to celebrate Britain’s first coronation in 70 years with great pomp and spectacle.

The three-day affair will include a royal procession through central London, a celebrity-studded concert at Windsor Castle, and a national holiday on May 8, as well as street parties across the country.

Areas around Buckingham Palace and the central route known as the Mall are already “crammed with people,” said Patricia Yates, the chief executive of VisitBritain, the national tourism agency. “There’s a real interest,” she added.

U.S. travelers — Britain’s biggest inbound market — are expected to lead next week’s swell of arrivals. Flight bookings from the United States to Britain are about 10 percent higher in May compared with May 2019, before the pandemic, according to VisitBritain. According to Hopper, the booking app, they are also more expensive — round-trip airfares from the United States to London over coronation weekend averaged $733 in mid-April, 21 percent higher than a year earlier.

After the coronation dates were announced, searches for Airbnb rentals in London during the coronation weekend surged , according to the company, which reported U.S. travelers among the top guests in London around the coronation dates, along with travelers from Britain, France, Australia and Germany (the company declined to share booking numbers).

By late March, hotel bookings in London on the booking platform Expedia were 60 percent higher for the coronation weekend compared with the same time last year. By mid-April, rooms were averaging about $350 per night, according to Hopper.

Lana Bennett, the chief executive of Tours International, a British company that runs special interest tours, said U.S. visitors showed high interest in their six-night coronation tour , which Ms. Higgins Horwitz is joining and was sold out by February. “It shines a light on the country, and it gives people an opportunity to come.”

But not all travelers headed to London over coronation weekend are thrilled.

Laura Aveidi, a youth fitness instructor living in Houston, was disappointed to find out that her family vacation to London, which she booked last July, coincided with the festivities. “The city is going to be packed and it’s not ideal,” Ms. Aveidi said. “It really doesn’t interest us.”

Despite booking early, two separate Airbnb hosts canceled Ms. Aveidi’s reservations in central London, leaving her scrambling. She paid almost double her budget for a third Airbnb at the last minute. Though the company reimbursed her for some of her unexpected costs, Ms. Aveidi said planning the trip was a nightmare. “One hundred percent we would have changed the dates,” she said. (On coronation day, she and her family are taking a day trip to Liverpool to watch a soccer game instead.)

Even some royal fans who attended the Platinum Jubilee are staying home, in what may be a reflection of Charles historically being less popular than his mother, Queen Elizabeth. “They just don’t have the interest this year,” said Ralph Iantosca, a Texas-based travel adviser , who only has one client visiting London that weekend. “The ones that did have the interest don’t want crowds.”

For people making a longer journey to attend the coronation, the event is not only a celebration of Charles’s coronation, but a way of connecting to their heritage.

Paul Dabrowa, a biotech company founder who lives in Melbourne, Australia, said that being in London for the coronation is a way for him to honor his own family history. Mr. Dabrowa said his family members were displaced from Poland during World War II and resettled by British law in Australia after the war.

“I have a lot of respect for the monarchy,” he said, adding that he had also attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last September. He has not yet made up his mind about her son, Charles, but will be watching the royal procession on May 6 in central London. “It’s worth giving him a chance and seeing what he’s going to do,” he said.

Pranay Manocha, a London-based software engineer, will not be with the crowds cheering.

Mr. Manocha, 43, said that the fanfare is poorly timed, considering the rising cost of living in Britain, which has left many people struggling to afford their grocery bills. Additionally, his grandparents were displaced by the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, a legacy of colonialism: Celebrating an institution that had left lasting pain did not seem right, he said.

“It’s going to be insufferable, almost, to see everybody celebrating the very thing that still hurts,” he said, adding that he would be going hiking in Cornwall on May 6 instead. “I hope that the weather will be nice.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

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Coronation road closures start TODAY: Streets across London and around Tube and rail stations begin to shut down in preparation for King Charles' procession as commuters and drivers are warned to check before they travel this week

• For all the latest Royal news, pictures and video click here 
• Road closures in London begin today from 4pm & 7pm until 9am tomorrow
• Second raft of wider closures from 7pm this Friday until 9pm on Saturday 

By Mark Duell for MailOnline

Published: 07:29 EDT, 2 May 2023 | Updated: 08:10 EDT, 2 May 2023

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Major road closures in Central London will begin this afternoon as preparations intensify and rehearsals continue ahead of King Charles III 's Coronation.

Westminster Bridge, the Victoria Embankment into Upper Thames Street and an area around Waterloo station will all be shut from 4pm today until 9am tomorrow.

This area will widen to cover roads around St James's Park, Westminster, Waterloo and Charing Cross Tube stations from 7pm this evening - again until 9am tomorrow.

There will then be a further raft of 'significant' closures across a wider area from 7pm this Friday which will run until 9pm on Saturday, the day of the ceremony.

With millions of people set to be in London, Network Rail has warned passengers to 'allow extra time and check live updates', while the RAC has urged all drivers to 'check tyres, oil and coolant levels as matters of priority before they hit the road'. 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport sent letters on April 21 to all residents and businesses who will be affected by road closures over the coming days.

Localised traffic restrictions in the Westminster area have been in force since April 3

Road closures in the Westminster area will be in place for Coronation preparations between today at 4pm (in blue) and today at 7pm (in red) until tomorrow at 9pm (for both)

Road closures in Central London for this Friday from 7pm until late on Saturday - the day before the Coronation and the day itself - cover a much wider area of the capital across 85 roads

Vehicles including cars, buses, coaches, vans, trucks, motorbike and bicycles will not be allowed into the restricted event areas once closures are in place.

Saturday's timings for the King's Coronation

Here is a rundown of all the timings so far for the Coronation this Saturday:

• 5am  - Pedestrian restrictions in Central London come into effect
• 6am - Viewing areas open along the procession route.
• 7.15-8.30am - Guests for Westminster Abbey begin to arrive at security check points in Victoria Tower Gardens.
• 9am - Congregation to be seated inside the Abbey.
• 9.30-10.45am - Heads of state, overseas government representatives, Government ministers, First Ministers, former PMs, foreign royals and members of the royal family arrive.
• 9.45am - The Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry begin to gather ready for the procession from Buckingham Palace.
• 10.20am - The King and Queen Consort's procession sets off from the Palace.
• 10.53am - The King and Queen Consort arrive at Westminster Abbey.
• 11am - Charles and Camilla enter the Abbey through the Great West Door and the service begins.
• 12pm - The King is crowned. The Archbishop of Canterbury places the St Edward's Crown on Charles's head. Trumpets will sound and gun salutes will be fired across the UK.
• 1pm - The service ends and the newly crowned King and Queen begin their coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.
• 1.33pm - Charles and Camilla are expected to enter Buckingham Palace through the Centre Arch.
• 1.45pm - The King and Queen Consort receive a royal salute from the military in the Palace gardens
• Around 2.15pm - The King, Queen Consort and members of the royal family appear on the Palace balcony to watch the flypast.

The letter sent by DCMS said the restrictions from today until tomorrow 'will be implemented to support with essential preparations for the event'.

It added that pedestrian paths will not be affected, but some crossing points may be closed temporarily and cycle paths will be restricted while the closures are in place.

The letter also said that 'works and activities including the playing of military music may be audible at various times, including overnight' but added: 'Every effort will be taken to minimise any disturbance to you.'

The hugely-anticipated ceremony itself is on Saturday, with viewing areas along the procession route opening from 6am before Charles and Camilla set off from Buckingham Palace at 10.20am for the service at Westminster Abbey at 11am.

Localised restrictions have been in force since April 3 but the majority of closures will be from Friday as London tries to cope with the huge influx of visitors.

The event restrictions for the ceremony itself will begin at 7pm this Friday, which DCMS said 'will be implemented to support with the safe delivery of the event'.

These road closures will be wider than those for today and tomorrow, covering areas around Green Park and Piccadilly Circus stations.

Cycleway 3 will be closed between Wellington Arch and Birdcage Walk, while pedestrian restrictions within the event footprint will come into effect from as early as 5am on Saturday until no later than 5pm that day.

Plans for the event have been organised by Transport for London, whose chairman is Sadiq Khan, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; City of London; Westminster City Council; London Borough of Lambeth; Metropolitan Police; British Transport Police; London Ambulance Service; and London Fire Brigade.

Westminster Abbey shut its doors to visitors following the Anzac Day ceremony attended by Prince William last Tuesday, and is being prepared for the Coronation.

Westminster City Council officials have insisted that access to homes and workplaces will be maintained throughout the road closures.

They said: 'If challenged, please support the police and stewarding teams on the ground by providing clear information about the property you are trying to access.

'To assist with this, you and your guests or staff are advised to travel with proof of address, a staff pass or an official invite to your property.'

The council also said: 'The roads and parks around central London will be affected by significant road closures and parking suspensions on May 5 and 6.'

Preparations for Saturday's event began in November - with roughly one month of planning going into every hour the military will be on parade.

Westminster Abbey will take centre stage when the King is crowned at midday during the coronation ceremony.

The service will begin at 11am and will continue until 1pm when the newly crowned King and Queen embark on their coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.

Union flags along The Mall outside Buckingham Palace yesterday ahead of the Coronation

The view from the media platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in London yesterday

The view of seating from the media platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial yesterday

Royal fans can tune into the entire spectacle, which will be shown live by the BBC.

Viewers can look out for heads of state, overseas government representatives, Government ministers, first ministers, former prime ministers, foreign royals and members of the royal family among the congregation.

After arriving back at the palace, Charles and Camilla will receive a royal salute from the military in the palace gardens.

This will be followed by a balcony moment when Charles and Camilla will be joined by other members of the royal family to watch a flypast.

Full list: Which roads will be shut in Westminster for King's Coronation? 

Westminster City Council said parking restrictions will be in place on these roads in preparation for and during the Coronation, on Friday and Saturday. 

Residents with parking permits should by now have received a letter with instructions to make temporary arrangements for their vehicles. The council said any vehicles parked on these roads after 7pm on Friday will be removed.

Abbey Orchard Street

Adam Street

Ambrosden Avenue

Arneway Street

Artillery Row

Ashley Place

Belgrave Square

Berkeley Square

Buckingham Gate

Bury Street

Carlisle Place

Carlton Gardens

Carlton House Terrace

Causton Street

Caxton Street

Chadwick Street

Chapel Street

Charles II Street

Cleveland Row

Curzon Street

Dean Bradley Street

Dean Stanley Street

Dean Trench Street

Duke of York Street

Duke Street St James's

Duncannon Street

Eaton Square

Emery Hill Street

Francis Street

Gayfere Street

Great College Street

Great Peter Street

Great Scotland Yard

Great Smith Street

Greencoat Place

Greencoat Row

Greycoat Place

Grosvenor Crescent

Half Moon Street

Halkin Street

Horseferry Road

Howick Place

John Adam Street

Little College Street

Little Smith Street

Lord North Street

Marsham Street

Matthew Parker Street

Medway Street

Monck Street

Morpeth Terrace

Northumberland Avenue

Old Pye Street

Palace Street

Perkin's Rents

Queen Anne's Gate

Rochester Row

Romney Street

Ryder Street

Smith Square

South Audley Street

Spencer Place

Spring Gardens

St Ann's Street

St James's Square

St James's Street

Stafford Place

Stanhope Gate

Stillington Street

Thirleby Road

Tothill Street

Trafalgar Square

Tufton Street

Upper Belgrave Street

Victoria Embankment

Victoria Square

Waterloo Place

Whitcomb Street

Whitehall Court

Whitehall Place

Willow Place

York Street

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Strikes, soaring airfares and yo-yoing hotel fees: A traveler’s guide to the coronation

So you’ve navigated spiraling air fares, hotel price hikes and you’re off to London for the coronation of King Charles III.

You’re not alone. According to Expedia, searches for London hotels rocketed by 4,285% after the coronation date was announced, with Americans making the most searches, followed by Brits, Canadians, Germans, French and Australians.

The coronation itself takes places on May 6, but there are plenty of related activities to keep royal fans busy on the ground. Here’s what to expect.

When to arrive

Be prepared for potential delays if you’re arriving at Heathrow Terminal 5 in the run up to the coronation, or leaving a couple of days afterward.

Security staff at the terminal – which is used exclusively by British Airways, which codeshares with American Airlines – are due to go on strike protesting against low wages on May 4-6, as well as May 9-10 and May 25-27 .

Technically that should affect outgoing flights, rather than incoming ones, as the staff striking are those on the security lanes for departing flights. However, in a worst case scenario it could have a knock-on effect, delaying flights as a result. Strikers have predicted “ disruption ” for passengers. When industrial action took place over Easter, British Airways canceled 300 flights.

The airline has not yet said whether it will cancel May flights and didn’t respond to a request for comment, but a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport told CNN in a statement, “We will not let [strikes] disrupt the flow of visitors to the UK during such an important period for the country.”

So if you’re leaving London on strike days, leave a little extra time at the airport, and if you’re flying in on BA, check your itinerary carefully – and ensure there’s leeway for any potential cancelations.

Where to stay

Hotel rates are, predictably, up for the coronation dates, particularly for properties near the action. Yet they’re not out of control.

Take the Conrad London St. James, for example, which sits between the Mall and Westminster Abbey. A two night stay is still available from May 6-8 for an average of £822 (about $1,026) per night. Stay May 5-7, checking out the day after the coronation, however, and it’s £575 ($718) per night. That contrasts with a lowest price of £330 ($412) per night in May, though other stays this month cost up to £817 ($1,020). Nearby, the Hub by Premier Inn St. James’s Park, a usually budget hotel, has availability on May 6 for £299 ($373).

Mind you, staying close to the action may not improve your chances of getting a prime view – although you’ll definitely be within hearing distance. Most of the roads around Westminster Abbey and St. James’s Park Underground station will be blocked off. The closest entry to the procession point is Westminster Tube station. Local hotels have been told that there will be “blockades” so it seems there will be little chance of sneaking a view of Westminster Abbey from the street outside.

Check your hotel booking again

Did you already book accommodation? Check if it’s refundable, as you might want to look into rebooking. Those initial coronation price hikes are already coming down, according to booking website HotelPlanner.

The website predicts 90-95% occupancy for the coronation weekend, but says that some prices are already lowering. Co-founder and CEO Tim Hentschel said in a statement:

“Prices are incredibly fluid. Hotels yield their rates through algorithms similar to online day traders. If their systems see sudden spikes in demand they yield up, which has been reflected by reports of high nightly rates for the Coronation weekend in recent weeks.

“However, with news of Heathrow security strikes threatening to derail appetite for overseas visitors, coupled with the plateau of the supply and demand curve, the public may now find that it’s the best time to book accommodation to land a late deal.

“Hotels will usually start their prices high in anticipation for heightened demand, but it’s not uncommon for prices to lower as the date for an event approaches.”

It’s found rooms at the Marriott County Hall, just across the river from Westminster, for £561 per night – down from £673 in mid-April – and rooms at the Crowne Plaza Albert Embankment for £350, down from £504. Even the chi-chi Savoy has knocked its rates down from £1,285 to £1,151.

If you’re still looking, look fast. Hentschel predicts that UK and European tourists may make last-minute bookings this week, which would send prices up again. So look again – and it might be worth keeping bookings refundable, just in case there’s a day-of-travel drop.

How to see the coronation

The coronation itself will take place on the morning of Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey. The service itself is for VIPs only, but the public can watch the procession along a 1.3-mile route from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey.

The couple will travel to the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. They’ll go down the long, straight Mall leading from the palace, through Admiralty Arch, turn right to travel down Whitehall and around Parliament Square to finish at the Abbey at 11 a.m..

On the way back, they’ll take the same route in reverse, but the procession will be much bigger, slower and grander – not least because they’ll be traveling in the 18th-century Gold State Coach. Other members of the royal family will also join this procession, as well as around 4,000 servicemen and women.

If you love the pomp and circumstance of the royals, you’ll want to see it. And if watching it on TV isn’t good enough, you’ll have to add a quintessential British activity to your trip: queuing.

There will be viewing areas for the public along the Mall and Whitehall. They’ll open at 6 a.m. on the day and will be closed once full – which will probably be fast. An accessible area is also first come first served.

The best place to see it? The Mall is the ideal spot – its length is best for visibility, and the fly-past (see below) will go straight over it. Depending on where you’re standing, you might be able to snatch a photo with Buckingham Palace in the background, too.

If the viewing sites are already full, you’ll be directed to one of three screening sites in nearby parks: Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park, though they’re also expected to reach capacity fast. There will be toilets, water refilling points and food and drinks stalls here.

For more details, see the government website here .

How to see King Charles on the balcony

Didn’t make it into the viewing areas for the processions? Once the family is back in the palace, there’ll be a fly-past over the Mall and Buckingham Palace involving more than 60 aircraft flying overhead, as the new king and queen – accompanied by other royals – appear on the balcony.

You might still be able to join in the occasion. The Mall will be (gradually) opened up after the procession goes by, allowing more people in to get near the palace.

Have a ‘big lunch’ with locals

Sunday is your chance to join a British “knees-up,” or party. Local communities will be encouraged to have “Coronation Big Lunches” across the UK, from street parties to sit-down meals or even a cup of tea with neighbors. The UK Government’s dedicated coronation website allows you to search for events by postcode – and has a map showing what’s been registered so far across London.

Big screens for the coronation concert

Later that evening, on May 7, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli will be amongst the performers at a concert in the grounds of Windsor Castle. There will also be a performance from the Coronation Choir – a megachoir of amateur singers and community choirs, including refugee and LGBTQ+ groups, from across the country. The ticket ballot has now closed, so you can’t watch it there – or in Windsor at all, unless you try the Fairmont (see below) – but a large screen will be set up in St James’s Park, back in London. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and entry is from 4 p.m.. It’s free to access, and there will be food and drinks stalls, toilets and water refilling stations.

As well as those famous names, the concert will feature “music, dance and spoken word performances,” featuring “contemporary stars of stage and screen” as well as those musicians. See here for more details, including accessibility options.

If you’re desperate to be in Windsor for the concert, you have one option. The Fairmont Windsor Park hotel is screening it in the hotel grounds as part of a garden party. Tickets cost £150 (or £50 for children), including a picnic hamper with sparkling wine. Overnight packages, including tickets, start from £829 for two people.

There will be plenty of events going on across the country, too, from street parties to lunches and volunteering opportunities.

The UK Government’s dedicated coronation website allows you to search for events by postcode – and has a map showing what’s been registered so far across London.

After the celebrations – volunteering

On the Monday — a Bank Holiday in the UK – it’s time to give something back. “The Big Help Out” is a volunteering initiative in which people are asked to give something back to their community. Again, you can look for opportunities on the government website .

Soak up the atmosphere

There’ll be plenty to do to keep you in the coronation mood 24/7. City Cruises – which operates sightseeing tours along the River Thames – will be decking out their interiors with bunting, cardboard cutouts of the royals, and cloaks and crowns for visitors to dress up in, during the first week of May.

And if you pop into Hilton London Bankside for a whisky-based “King’s Cocktail” at the bar, you can also see an 88-pound chocolate replica of the coronation carriage in the lobby. Complete with chocolate horses drawing it, the “Chocolate Coronation Carriage” took 25 days to build and is taking pride of place in the lobby.

If you’re planning a trip to Windsor to gawk at the castle, make it Monday May 8. Royal Windsor Racecourse, near Windsor Castle, and on the bank of the River Thames, is having a race night to celebrate the day’s public holiday. The Queen Mother used to come here on Mondays when she stayed at the castle, and other royals have attended races – though don’t get your hopes up for this one. Free advance tickets have all been snapped up, but you can still buy packages from £25, which includes two drinks vouchers and a return trip by boat from Windsor town center.

Are your pockets as deep as a king’s? Then the “Royal Morning” experience – £8,200 for up to four people from Untold Story Travel – might be one for you. You’ll get private entrance to Kensington Palace, with the whole palace just open for the likes of Will, Kate, the kids… and you. A royal curator will take you around the State Apartments, show you Queen Victoria’s jewelry, and whisk you through the current Crown to Couture exhibition. Your ride to and from the palace? A Daimler once owned by the Queen Mother. You might want to practice your royal wave.

Souvenir shopping

Buckingham Palace Road, which runs along the side of the palace towards Victoria Station, is the place for souvenirs and all things memorabilia. Prices range from cheap(ish) and cheerful to high end. To go all out, the royals have an official gift shop, the Buckingham Palace Shop, at number 7 Buckingham Palace Road, near the Queen’s Gallery.

If you want to come fully primed, Heathrow is already selling bunting and flags at its duty free stores in arrivals.

Meanwhile Premier Inn, a comfortable budget UK chain, is selling limited edition “king”-style bathrobes, complete with fake ermine trim. So if you’re staying at the property by Westminster Abbey, you can at least wander around in your room in style, even if you can’t get near the service. Robes cost £50 and are made by The Sewing Rooms , a social enterprise in the UK. All proceeds go to Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. They’ll be on sale online from May 4, when the page will go live.

Royal themed stays

If you’re not up for braving the crowds, guests of Bulgari Hotel London can enjoy a live screening of the coronation in the hotel’s private cinema. It’ll screen the entire event, from the procession to the crowning, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Can’t afford a room? Guests of the hotel restaurant, Sette by Scarpetta, can also join. The restaurant will also have a special Coronation Brunch on May 6, with live music and coronation-themed kids’ entertainment, and the hotel offers a privately guided Royal Coronation Tour of London.

And if you’re keen to look the part, Dukes London has a “Royal Connoisseur Experience” for stays in 2023. You’ll get by-appointment-only access to five of the top level designers and boutiques around the posh St James’s neighborhood, including Lock & Co. Hatters, Anderson & Sheppard Savile Row tailors, and traditional barber Truefitt & Hill, who’ll give you a haircut or a hot towel wet shave. Rates start at £2,345 for two nights accommodation, including breakfast and one dinner.

Similarly, Brown’s Hotel is offering a two-night “Royal Warrant Journey” package, during which guests can visit local business which hold royal warrants (i.e. they’re official suppliers to the royals). Stops include a Savile Row tailor and a visit to the rare book room in iconic London bookshop Hatchards.

The Goring, just round the corner from Buckingham Palace, has long been a favorite of the royals – the then Kate Middleton stayed here before her marriage to Prince William, and the Queen Mother used to be a regular in the restaurant. In fact, this is the only London hotel with a royal warrant.

It’s also part of the PoB Hotels’ Coronation Concierge service, which will design individual royal-themed itineraries depending on your preferences. If you can’t stretch to the minimum £960 per night its rooms cost over the coronation, its restaurant is offering a six-course “Coronation Tasting Menu” based on Welsh products and foraged ingredients as a tribute to the king, who has always espoused environmental philosophies.

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Coronation Concert: Star-studded line-up announced for Windsor Castle event

The event, to celebrate the crowning of King Charles and Queen Camilla, will take place on 7 May in the grounds of Windsor Castle in front of an audience of 20,000 members of the public.

By Siba Jackson, news reporter

Saturday 15 April 2023 02:26, UK

Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are among musical acts on the "world class" line-up for the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, it has been announced.

Take That 's performance will feature three of the original members - Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen.

However Robbie Williams and Jason Orange have been given the opportunity to re-join for a one-off reunion.

The event, hosted by the BBC, will also include performances by Italian opera star, Andrea Bocelli; Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel; singer-songwriter Freya Ridings and classical-soul composer, Alexis Ffrench.

Read more: The ultimate guide to the King's coronation

More Coronation Concert acts are expected to be announced soon.

In a joint statement, Barlow, Donald and Owen said they "couldn't wait" for the show, scheduled for Sunday 7 May - the day after the King Charles III and Queen Camilla are officially crowned at Westminster Abbey.

"This will be our first live show since the Odyssey Tour, four years ago in 2019, and what a stage to come back on.

"A huge live band and orchestra, a choir, military drummers, the backdrop of Windsor Castle and the celebration of a new King."

Meanwhile, Perry said she was "excited" to perform as well as "shine a light further" on The British Asian Trust, a charity founded by the King when he was the Prince of Wales, which works to tackle widespread poverty and hardship in South Asia.

The American singer-songwriter is an ambassador for the charity and has highlighted its work to raise funds to find solutions to child trafficking.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Richie said it was an "honour" to be part of the event.

"To share the stage with other performers at the Coronation Concert is a once-in-a-lifetime event and it will be an honour and a celebration," he said.

Bocelli - who has previously had the "great honour" of singing for the late Queen on several occasions - and Sir Bryn will perform a duet of an "iconic song of love and collective solidarity".

Ridings, from north London, will take to the stage with Ffrench, also a producer and pianist.

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Read more on the King's Coronation : Prince Harry to attend Coronation without Meghan and children Analysis: Who blinked first - how was Harry persuaded to attend Coronation? Coronation guest ignored invitation mistaking it for spam

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The show will also include a performance from the Coronation Choir, made up of community groups and amateur singers from across the nation.

Different locations will be illuminated using projections, lasers, and drone displays as part of the Lighting Up The Nation, described as the centrepiece of the concert.

Related Topics

• King's Coronation

Inside Queen Camilla's love life before King Charles

The queen had romanced others before walking down the aisle with the then prince of wales.

Queen Camilla is now happily married to King Charles , but before their wedding day on 9 April 2005, the duo had previously been in relationships with others .

We've covered the King's love life here , so today we're going to be focusing on the former partners of Camilla. The royal famously had a high-profile marriage to Andrew Parker-Bowles , which even had royalty in attendance, but before Andrew, the Queen also captured the attentions of another suitor.

Read on to find out all you need to know about Camilla's former partners, from her first boyfriend to her now husband, the King…

Kevin Burke

The first person to grab the attention of the then future Queen was Kevin Burke, who met Camilla in 1965 when she was a debutante . Camilla, who was aged 17 at the time of their first meeting, had her coming out party, otherwise known as a debutante ball, in Knightsbridge when she and Kevin first crossed paths.

Kevin and Camilla dated for a year and speaking about their relationship in a biography of the royal, Kevin shared: "Every night we had two or three cocktail parties to go to and a dance, and a couple of dances to choose from at weekends in the country.

More on Camilla

"It was the best fun, and I had the best and most fun partner you could possibly wish for. It was the best fun, and I had the best and most fun partner you could possibly wish for.  Camilla was immensely popular and although she wasn’t a beauty, she was attractive and sexy."

Although Camilla and Kevin didn't go the distance, he later married advertising executive Peta Baker. They separated in 2001 after being married for over 14 years. Kevin then settled down with Luisa Fairey, with the pair welcoming a son, Max. Kevin was with Luisa until his death in August 2023.

Andrew Parker Bowles

Before Camilla tied the knot with the then Prince Charles, she was previously married to Andrew Parker Bowles , who was a member of the Queen's Guards. Andrew had royal links from a young age and he reportedly served as a page at the late Queen's coronation.

Andrew and Camilla were introduced by Andrew's younger brother, Simon, and they enjoyed an on-off relationship throughout the 1960s. The couple eventually got engaged in 1973 and walked down the aisle on 4 July later that year. Members of the royal family like Princess Anne , the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were among the guests at the lavish wedding.

Following their marriage, the couple moved into Middlewick House in Wiltshire and they would go on to welcome two children: Tom Parker Bowles in 1974 and daughter Laura Lopes in 1978. However, the pair would eventually go their separate ways, divorcing in 1995.

Andrew moved on with Rosemary Pitman, marrying her a year after his divorce from Camilla. They remained together until Rosemary's death in 2010 from cancer. In 2023, it emerged that Andrew was now in a relationship with former Countdown host Anne Robinson.

King Charles

Camilla's most famous relationship is with the current monarch , and it first started over 50 years ago, when the pair crossed paths at a polo match . Camilla was in an 'off' period with Andrew, and she dated Charles for a short while before things cooled off due to his naval career that separated them.

The couple, however, remained in each other's lives, and Charles even became a godfather to Camilla's first child, Tom. Meanwhile, Charles found love with Princess Diana, marrying her in 1981.

Diana's explosive interviews following the ending of her marriage to the then Prince of Wales revealed that Charles and Camilla had been seeing each other during their respective marriages.

The pair only started publicly revealing their love for one another in 1999 when they were photographed at a party at the Ritz Hotel. The couple became more public with their love and moved in together in August 2003, with Charles popping the question in 2005.

The lovebirds married on 9 April 2005 in a civil ceremony . Since their marriage, Camilla has taken on an increasingly prominent public role and is a constant presence on royal tours and trips abroad.

PHOTOS:  Queen Camilla is a regal vision in sheer leopard print

READ:  Queen Camilla's immediate change following 'surprise' engagement to King Charles

The Queen has been at the side of Charles for several devastating moments including the deaths of his parents, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh . She has also been supporting the monarch through his cancer diagnosis , stepping in for him at official engagements as he continues to recover.

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Britain’s Prince Harry formally confirms he…

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Britain’s prince harry formally confirms he is now a us resident.

By DANICA KIRKA (Associated Press)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.

Four years after Harry and his American wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, decamped to a villa in Southern California, a travel company he controls filed paperwork this week informing British authorities that he has moved and is now “usually resident” in the United States.

The formal acknowledgment underscores the prince’s increasing estrangement from Britain, after he and Meghan walked away from royal duties to pursue lucrative media deals in America. Since then, Harry has repeatedly criticized the royal family, including allegations of unconscious racism that were included in a Netflix series and the prince’s autobiography, “Spare.”

The paperwork was filed by Travalyst Ltd, a company at least 75% owned by Harry and which was founded in 2020 to “to promote global awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism.” The documentation was received Monday by Companies House, the government agency that oversees the incorporation of U.K. companies.

The filing further separates Harry from his role as one of the king’s counselors of state — members of the royal family who can be deputized to carry out the duties of the monarch if he is unwell or out of the country.

While Harry formally remains a counselor of state, the crown informed Parliament in 2022 that “in practice” only working members of the royal family would be called upon to fill in for the monarch.

Although Harry and Meghan, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have put down roots in the wealthy enclave of Montecito, where they are raising their young son and daughter, Harry is also facing scrutiny about his U.S. residency.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has questioned the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to grant Harry a U.S. visa following admissions of drug use that were included in “Spare.”

The foundation, which has asked a judge to force the department to release Harry’s immigration file, argues that the prince either lied on his visa application or was given special treatment because a history of drug use would normally disqualify an applicant from being granted a visa.

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London Marathon 2024: Freebies and discounts for runners, from food to travel

Running a marathon can be painful, therapeutic and, as you’re about to find out, a great way to get things for free. 

The 2024 TCS London Marathon is being held on Sunday with more than 40,000 set to attempt to run the 26.2 miles to the Mall finishing line. 

There is no shame in quitting , but a finisher’s medal can give you a sense of pride – as well as some more benefits, such as many freebies. 

Below are some of the things you can enjoy for nothing more than your sweat and tears. 

Lush stores in Oxford Street, Paddington Station, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station are each giving away Wiccy Magic Muscles solid massage oil bars (worth £8).

All London Marathon runners have to do to redeem their free running aftercare goodies is head to a participating Lush shop between April 21-28 and show their medals. 

Live Yoga Teachers

Eleanor Stowe, of website Live Yoga Teachers, will be offering three free yoga sessions on April 22, 24, and 26 – all at midday. 

The website states: “To join the classes for free, send us a picture of you at the finish line with your medal after the marathon, and you'll receive a voucher to book the livestream classes for the following days.” 

Visit: https://liveyogateachers.com/news/london-marathon-2024-yoga

Franco Manca

You can get any pizza from the main menu or specials board for free when you show your London Marathon 2024 finisher medal to a member of staff. 

The offer is valid for dining in any Franco Manca in the UK on Sunday or Monday. 

LUMI Therapy is offering free ice baths at Gymshark in their Regent Street base on April 21. 

Deliveroo has put together a kit of Boots products which will include bath salts, protein bars, and mini massagers. 

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Ahead of the marathon, Deliveroo is giving away 1,981 codes worth £10 to help runners plan their recovery. Use code ROOCOVERY10. 

Transport for London

London Marathon runners can take advantage of free travel across the London Underground and Overground services, and on the DLR and London buses.

The free service will run until 6.30pm on Sunday. London Marathon runners and officials simply show their runners number, medal or officials pass to travel for free.

Greene King

Greene King is offering London Marathon runners a free drink this weekend across its London pubs.

All finishers need to do is show their medal, along with their TSC finishing score, to enjoy a post-marathon Guinness, Guinness 0.0%, Beefeater Gin & Tonic or soft drink.

The offer is available in more than 115 pubs in London from April 21-23.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Emmerdale confirms Tom King ‘cheating scandal’ as legend is ‘replaced’ in new spoilers

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Secrets and exciting opportunities are rife in Emmerdale next week as some villagers spin new lies, while others find ways to ensure their truths remain buried .

The aftermath of Vinny Dingle ’s ( Bradley Johnson ) attack sends shockwaves through the village , with Tom King ( James Chase ) swiftly trying to cover his tracks.

In fact, he comes up with an alternative plan altogether as he plots to become Vinny’s bestie in a bid to set him up with another villager, hoping this will put a stop to his ever growing connection with Belle Dingle ( Eden Taylor-Draper ).

Belle, however, starts to suspect that her husband is up to something.

Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) starts to develop feelings for Billy Fletcher ( Jay Kontzle ), while Will Taylor (Dean Andrews) receives a blast from the past.

It’s not all drama though, as some residents find happiness on the horizon when they start some new ventures.

Metro.co.uk always love to bring you the latest soap gossip and today is no different. Take a seat as I delve into next week’s Emmerdale and everything you can expect.

Trust me, it’s not a week to be missed!

Monday, April 22

Belle is shocked to see Vinny so battered and decides to care for him. But with Tom jealous of how close Belle and Vinny are, he searches for a way to belittle his new enemy.

Elsewhere, Billy starts up his PT and fitness business again but feels a little apprehensive given how much he and Dawn have on their plates with two young children and a little baby.

At the garage, Cain realises he could do with extra help and decides Sarah is the person for the job. She wastes no time in expressing her fury towards Cain’s decision and relucantly starts the shift.

Tuesday, April 23

Marlon and Mary are shocked when Gus pays them a visit. He assures Marlon and Mary they’ll still be a part of Ivy’s life if he gets a lighter sentence, which leaves Marlon struggling to believe all of the promises.

When Rhona returns home, she discusses Gus’ sentencing with Marlon. Later, Rhona hands Ivy back to Gus and they agree their daughter comes first from now on.

Elsewhere in the village, as Billy’s PT business continues, Belle is suspicious to find Tom and Vinny bonding, and Sarah’s work at the garage appears to be going well when a customer shows an interest in her.

Later, in the pub, when Sarah agrees to help out further, Cain is thrilled.

Wednesday, April 24

It’s the day of Gus’s sentencing and Marlon tries to settle Rhona’s nerves. In court, a worried Rhona begins to read through her statement.

Tom’s plan to take Vinny from Belle’s life continues as he decides to find him a girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Charity is proud of Sarah and her new job, but Mackenzie can’t help feel a little jealous and concerned when Sarah suggests she’s replacing him at the garage!

When Manpreet attends one of Billy’s classes, they get talking and soon enough, she realises she has a crush on him.

Thursday, April 25

Struggling with childcare, Billy leaves Will and Kim at Home Farm to help out with babysitting. However, after a phone call Will slips away and is later seen at the hospital.

He is drawn into a room by hearing a familiar voice, who is regaling the nurses. When Will arrives, he faces a lady called Rose – someone from his past.

At Billy’s next class, he remains too preoccupied with his own relationship to notice attention from Manpreet.

Afterwards, Manpreet feels dejected by Charles’ lack of interest but, following a comment from Billy, she wonders if a dinner date could be the answer to her relationship problems.

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In the pub, Tom picks out Gabby (Rosie Bentham) as a partner for Vinny. He isn’t entirely keen and is mortified when Tom later calls her over. But how will Belle react should she walk in?

Friday April 26

A suspicious Kim confronts Will about his lies, there’s trouble at Smithy Cottage, Manpreet feels disheartened, and Belle is still feeling insecure about Tom’s regaling about his glory days.

Will Tom reassure her?

Emmerdale airs these scenes w/c Monday April 22 on ITV1 and ITVX. 

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us  [email protected]  – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and  stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage .

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