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Coronation

Westminster Abbey opens its doors as first guests arrive for the Coronation

The doors of Westminster Abbey have opened to guests for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The great doors were opened up at 7.30am on Coronation Day with some of the 2,200 guests arriving almost immediately afterwards.

The Dean of Westminster, Dr David. Hoyle, walked through the doors as they were flung open to be on the steps to welcome the first of those who will witness the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Their Majesties are due to arrive just before 11am.

Among the congregation will be representatives of 203 countries and 100 heads of state.

Many of the foreign dignitaries attending were at a reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles, on the eve of the Coronation.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.