Here's how to watch King Charles III's coronation
It's coronation season, peeps! Yep, preparations for the historic event are well underway, with King Charles III's coronation taking place on 6 May, followed by a very special concert (with loads of A-lister performances). As we all gear up for the big day, there's plenty of juicy coronation goss to sink our teeth into, like who is – and isn't – on the guestlist, as well as what roles each of the royals will play.
If, like us, you're hella excited for all of the above, then you're probably wondering how you can actually watch said celebrations. So, whether you're planning to tune in on your TV or head into London to experience the historic event in! real! life!, here's what you need to know about how to watch King Charles III's coronation...
How to watch King Charles III's coronation?
Watching on TV
Royal fans hoping to tune in to watch the coronation will be spoilt for choice, with several channels providing coverage of the event.
Channels across the BBC network (BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer) will broadcast a range of live footage and special programming during the ceremony, and there'll also be rolling radio coverage on Radio 2, Radio 4 and the BBC Sounds app. In a huge move, the BBC has announced it will suspend its usual license fee on the day, predominantly to allow for community venues (such as churches and town halls) to screen the coronation. The usual cost of the broadcaster's TV licence is £159 for a colour licence and £53.50 for a black and white licence annually.
Included in the BBC's coverage will be Kirsty Young hosting live from a studio at Buckingham Palace and channel veteran Huw Edwards, who'll provide commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey open. A fully signed version of the live coverage will be offered on BBC Two, while there'll also be accessible coverage for people who are blind or partially sighted via the Red Button.
As for the other channels airing the coronation, ITV1 will likely broadcast the coronation across all regional iterations, with rolling covering confirmed on the ITV News channel and on streaming platform ITVX. There's been no confirmation yet as to who'll head up the channel's coronation content, but Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham – who presented ITV's coverage of the late Queen's funeral – seem to be the obvious choice, as well as the broadcaster's royal editor, Chris Ship.
For Sky users, viewers should tune into the Sky News channel, where rolling coverage will be shown throughout the day. Sky regulars Kay Burley, Kamali Melbourne and Anna Botting are tipped to host the event, having presented Sky's coverage of Her Majesty's funeral.
Although most of the day's events will be televised, some elements of the coronation will not, such as King Charles' anointment. Find out why, here.
Watching IRL
If you haven't scored an invite to attend the actual King's coronation at Westminster Abbey (see who has, here), then you might be considering making your way into London anyway to get amongst the vibes. And there are plenty of places you can do just that.
Pitching up outside Westminster Abbey will mean you can watch the guests – and the King, obvi – arrive for the coronation. Alternatively, you could watch the grand processional route along The Mall, or head to Buckingham Palace to see that all-important balcony appearance. Bear in mind though, wherever you decide to mark the occasion, be sure to arrive really early to secure a spot – some fans will likely arrive throughout the night.
If it's a screening you're after, one has already been confirmed at Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, which has adopted an Alice in Wonderland theme for the whole weekend and will include food stalls and an outdoor bar. There'll likely be a big screen at Hyde Park too, following previous royal events such as Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and Her Majesty's funeral – although this is yet to be confirmed.
There'll be screenings up and down the country too, so do check with your local council about what's on and where.
Happy viewing!
Head here for everything you need to know about King Charles III's coronation.
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