The morning of Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades has arrived, with thousands lining the streets to watch the pageantry surrounding the official coronation of King Charles.
Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth when she died last September and at 74, will become the oldest British monarch to have the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown placed on his head in London's Westminster Abbey.
His second wife Camilla, 75, will also be crowned queen during the two-hour ceremony which, while rooted in history, will attempt to present a forward-looking monarchy and nation.
"No other country could put on such a dazzling display - the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and street parties," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
"It's a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions. A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country. And a cherished ritual through which a new era is born."
Despite Sunak's enthusiasm, the coronation is taking place amid a cost of living crisis and public scepticism, particularly among the young, about the role and relevance of the monarchy and questions about its finances.
The event will feature an array of historic regalia from golden orbs and bejewelled swords to a sceptre holding the world's largest colourless cut diamond.
After the service, Charles and Camilla will depart in the four-tonne Gold State Coach, riding back to Buckingham Palace in a procession of 4,000 military personnel from 39 nations in ceremonial uniforms.
While about 100 heads of state and dignitaries will attend the ceremony, millions will watch across the globe.
Thousands camped overnight to secure the best viewing spots to see Charles and Camilla travel to the service from Buckingham Palace.
By 7 am local time, the crowds along The Mall, were more than 20 people deep in some places.
Rachel Paisley, a 45-year-old housewife travelled from her home in Switzerland with her husband and two children.
"It is a moment in history. We wanted to be here to see it and create some memories," she said next to her family.
But not all public attendees will be cheering, with a protest being mounted by republicans. More than 11,000 police will be on duty ready to stamp out any attempted disruption.
Once at the abbey, much of the ceremony will feature elements dating as far back as King Edgar in 973.
But there will be new elements, including an anthem composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, famed for his West End and Broadway theatre shows, and a gospel choir.
It is a Christian service but there will be an "unprecedented" greeting from leaders of other faiths and Charles's grandson Prince George and the grandchildren of Camilla will act as pages.
However, there will be no formal role for either Charles' younger son Prince Harry, after his high-profile falling out with his family, or his brother Prince Andrew, who was forced to quit royal duties because of his friendship with late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Charles will swear oaths to govern justly and uphold the Church of England before the most sacred part of the ceremony when he is anointed on his hands, head and breast by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby with holy oil consecrated in Jerusalem.
After Charles is presented with symbolic regalia, Welby will place the St Edward's Crown on his head and the congregation will cry "God save the King".
His eldest son and heir Prince William will then pay homage, kneeling before his father and pledging his loyalty as "your liege man of life and limb".
Welby will call for all those in the abbey and across the nation to swear allegiance to Charles - a new element of the coronation that anti-monarchist group Republic has called offensive, forcing Welby to clarify it is an invitation not a command.
After returning to Buckingham Palace, the royals will make a traditional appearance on the balcony, with a fly-past by military aircraft.
Celebrations will continue on Sunday with nationwide street parties and a concert at the king's Windsor Castle home, followed by a day encouraging volunteer work across the country.
© RAW 2023