Millions of people in the UK and beyond are eagerly anticipating the coronation of King Charles III, a momentous occasion that combines religious service and pageantry.

Scheduled to take place on May 6th at Westminster Abbey, this symbolic ceremony will mark the crowning of the 40th reigning monarch since 1066, alongside Queen Camilla.

With customs dating back over 1,000 years, this day promises to be filled with splendor and formality.

Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect.

The formal celebration will commence with a grand procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Starting at 10:20 am, the procession will make its way along the Mall, through Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Street, and finally arrive at the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey via Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary.

In a departure from tradition, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel in the diamond Jubilee State Coach, a more modern and comfortable option compared to the older Gold State Coach.

This change is much welcomed, considering the discomfort Queen Elizabeth II experienced during her journey in the Gold State Coach at the age of 25.

The diamond Jubilee State Coach, built in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign, boasts an aluminum frame and even comes equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a smoother and more pleasant ride for the royal couple.

Upon their arrival at Westminster Abbey, expected shortly before 11 am, King Charles is anticipated to wear military uniform instead of the traditional breeches and silk stockings worn by previous kings.

As he enters through the Great West Door and proceeds through the nave, the ceremony will officially begin at 11 am.

The king has personally selected a collection of music for the occasion, including 12 newly commissioned pieces, one of which is composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Additionally, Greek Orthodox music will be performed in memory of the king’s late father, Prince Philip.

Among those participating in the procession inside the Abbey are Prince George, the king’s grandson, and Camilla’s grandchildren Lola, Eliza, Gus, Louis, and Freddie.

Some individuals involved in the procession will carry the regalia, which are symbols of royalty, including the crown, orb, and scepters used in coronations.

These objects hold great significance, representing various aspects of the monarch’s duties and responsibilities.

The regalia will be presented to King Charles at key moments throughout the ceremony.

The Sovereign’s Orb, the Sovereign’s Scepter with a cross, and the Sovereign’s Scepter with a dove, along with other items, will be handed to the king.

The Sovereign’s Orb, adorned with precious gems and pearls, symbolizes the Christian world.

The Sovereign’s Scepter with a cross represents kingly power and justice, featuring gold and gem decorations, including the renowned Cullinan I, also known as the Star of Africa.

Lastly, the Sovereign’s Scepter with a dove, referred to as the Rod of Equity and Mercy, represents the king’s spiritual role.

Queen Camilla will also receive her own set of scepters mirroring the king’s.

These regalia hold immense historical and symbolic value, and their presence during the ceremony is a testament to the enduring traditions of the British monarchy.

Following the presentation of the regalia, King Charles will be presented to the people, a tradition that has been observed since Anglo-Saxon times.

Standing beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the king will face the congregation and be proclaimed the Undoubted King.

At this moment, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will make the first declaration.

However, in a departure from tradition, subsequent declarations will be made by the Lady of the Garter, the Lady of the Thistle, and a George Cross holder from the armed forces.

This change signifies a new and significant moment in the coronation tradition.

The congregation will then shout, “God Save the King,” and trumpets will sound in recognition of the king’s proclamation.

St. Edward’s Chair, also known as the Coronation Chair, will play a vital role in the ceremony.

Dating back to the 1300s, this iconic chair holds historical and cultural significance.

Carved graffiti, attributed to choirboys, adds a touch of character to this revered piece of furniture.

The chair will be placed inside St. Edward’s Chapel, and the archbishop will administer the coronation oath, a legal requirement.

King Charles will confirm his commitment to upholding the law and the Church of England during his reign, placing his hand on the Holy Gospel as a solemn pledge.

Another oath, the accession declaration oath, will affirm the king’s Protestant faith.

Following these oaths, the king’s ceremonial robe will be removed, and he will sit in the coronation chair to be anointed.

Emphasizing the sovereign’s spiritual status as the head of the Church of England, the archbishop will anoint King Charles using special oil from the ampulla, a gold flask.

The anointing will take the form of a cross on the king’s head, breast, and hands.

The ampulla, made for Charles II’s coronation, bears a resemblance to an earlier version and is surrounded by legend.

According to one tale, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Thomas A. Beckett in the 12th century and presented him with a golden eagle, which would be used to anoint future kings of England.

The coronation spoon, an ancient artifact that survived the regalia’s destruction during the English Civil War, will be used in conjunction with the ampulla during the anointing process.

The crowning moment will arrive when King Charles dons St. Edward’s crown, a magnificent piece of regalia named after the Anglo-Saxon king and St. Edward the Confessor.

This crown, made specifically for King Charles II, is worn solely during the coronation and never again.

Before the crowning, the king will be presented with the supertunica, a shimmering golden coat, as well as other items such as the Sovereign’s Orb, the Coronation Ring, and the Sovereign’s Scepters.

The archbishop will then place St. Edward’s crown on the king’s head, signifying the culmination of the coronation ceremony.

Bells will ring across the abbey, trumpets will sound, and gun salutes will be fired throughout the UK to mark this momentous occasion.

The Tower of London will fire a 62-round salute, while Hirsgaard’s Parade will feature a six-gun salvo.

Additionally, 21 rounds will be fired at various locations across the UK, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, and deployed Royal Navy ships.

In the final part of the ceremony, King Charles will take his seat on the throne.

To emphasize the significance of this moment, the archbishop, bishops, and other peers of the kingdom may even lift the king into the throne.