Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in London and join in with royal London events over the bank holiday weekend.
When is King Charles III’s coronation?
The coronation of King Charles III takes place on 6 May at Westminster Abbey, where the Archbishop of Canterbury crowns the King and Camilla, the Queen Consort.Where will the coronation take place?
King Charles III’s coronation is to be held at Westminster Abbey in London. The abbey is a Unesco World Heritage Site and has been the location of all British coronations since 1066.
What will happen on the day of King Charles III’s coronation?
Before the coronation service, watch King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort make their way from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in The King’s Procession.
A larger procession takes place after the service at Westminster Abbey, where members of the Royal Family accompany the King and Queen Consort on their way back to Buckingham Palace.
The day’s ceremonial events finish with a balcony appearance by King Charles III, Camilla, the Queen Consort and members of the Royal Family.
What celebrations mark King Charles III’s coronation in London?
London hosts events across the city to celebrate the King’s coronation in May. Check out the best events across the capital, including fun activities and official events from the palace.
Official royal events
- Listen to the spectacular Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle or watch the broadcast live on the BBC, featuring The Coronation Choir, musical favourites from top orchestras and plenty of star-studded performances. 7 May
- Expect to spot some of London's most iconic locations lit up with light projections, drone displays and illuminations as part of Lighting up the Nation during the Coronation Concert. 7 May
- Celebrate the King’s official birthday with the Trooping the Colour parade, featuring soldiers, horses, musicians and an RAF flypast. 17 Jun
Fun royal-themed events and activities
- See how the Georgians influenced fashion through the ages in the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace. 5 Apr-29 Oct
- Venture back in time to the Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians exhibition at the Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace. 21 Apr-8 Oct
- Stroll through the streets of London on the Royal Coronation Walking Tour exploring historic sights and iconic regal spots alongside their surprising stories. 22 Apr, 14 May and 11 Jun
- Celebrate at Mayfair’s Coronation Garden Party as Grosvenor Square is scattered with deckchairs, cocktails and giant screens showing the ceremony and concert. Plus, enjoy immersive entertainment including an interactive throne and food stalls. 6-7 May
- Spot the new colour portrait of King Charles III at Claridge’s Talking Heads Gallery along with its exclusive Coronation Archive Windows. May
- Admire the heart of the Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London’s sacred Coronation Regalia display. 26 May
Coronation afternoon teas
- Celebrate the coronation with a quintessentially British afternoon tea. The tradition was invented in 1840 by Anna – the seventh Duchess of Bedford and close friend of Queen Victoria – to relieve her afternoon hunger.
- Explore an eclectic menu of British ingredients in a medieval setting, topped off with a glass of something sparkling, during the Coronation Afternoon Tea at The Cellarium Café & Terrace in Westminster Abbey. 21 Mar-24 Apr and 8 May-31 Jul
- Take an edible tour across the nation with a sweet and savoury selection inspired by each corner of the UK and in commemoration of the Carolean era during a Coronation Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House. 4 Apr-10 May
- Jump onboard a classic Routemaster bus for the King Charles III Coronation Bus Tour for an unforgettable afternoon tea among historic London landmarks. 24 Apr-31 May
- Embrace your inner artist with the Biscuiteers’ Coronation Afternoon Tea, including a variety of its iconic hand-iced biscuits with a royal twist, and the option to add on a DIY icing experience. 22 Mar-31 May
Historic royal locations
- Visit Kensington Palace, the more than 400-year-old central London residence of many notable royals, including Queen Victoria.
- Feel like royalty for the day at Hampton Court Palace with activities including its famous Tudor Joust, falconry displays and artisanal delights.
- Explore the Household Cavalry Museum and get to grips with British history, traditions and pageantry. See uniforms, helmets and armour worn by the senior regiment of the British Army on display.
- Catch up with famous faces at Madame Tussauds, where you can meet royal wax figures including King Charles III, the Queen Consort, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
- Immerse yourself in the incredible architecture of Westminster Abbey, where coronations have been taking place since the 11th century.
- Join a St Paul’s Cathedral and Changing the Guard half-day tour to explore the ornate beauty of the cathedral and the resting place of many remarkable figures.
- Take in the magnificence of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, the nearly 1,000-year-old fortress in the heart of the capital. Spot the ravens that guard the tower.
- Visit Greenwich and discover its rich royal legacy including the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College and Royal Observatory, as well as the Queen’s House which was resided in by Henry VIII.
- Head to Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge on a one-day coach tour, beginning at the location of many royal weddings.
- Learn about the royal family as you visit significant royal sites on a Royal Walking Tour, Changing of the Guard.
Will there be a bank holiday?
A bank holiday marks the historic occasion on 8 May along with celebrations across the capital.
London travel information for the King's coronation
London will be busier than usual over the coronation weekend. Station and road closures may be taking place across the city affecting transport routes, particularly in central London.
Please allow extra time to plan your route in advance using Transport for London's Journey Planner.
Make sure to check the Transport for London website before you travel for the latest transport information.
Discover more of royal London and find top royal attractions in the city.