King Charles's Coronation procession: Time, route map and best places to see the king
3 May 2023, 11:24 | Updated: 3 May 2023, 12:24
The route map for King Charles's procession has been confirmed which will result in closed roads and travel disruption across London. Here's how to see the procession and avoid delays in the city.
King Charles will be kick starting his coronation celebrations this weekend with his procession - which mean a number of people and vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion for a ceremony - that will no doubt be full of royal regalia and themes.
The official route map has been revealed ahead of the event this Saturday and will begin at Buckingham Palace, leaving through the central gate.
While many royal fans will be heading to London this weekend for the big event, it's important to note there will be multiple road closures and tube stations shutting, plus King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will travel a fraction of the distance covered by Queen Elizabeth II during her Coronation in 1953.
The King's route is set to stretch for 1.3 miles, starting at the gates of Buckingham Palace and ending at Westminster Abbey. Following the ceremony, they will then do it in reverse at a much grander scale.
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It contrasts the Queen's chosen route, which extended 5 miles through central London - taking in the sights of Oxford Street and stretching the length of nearby Hyde Park.
What time is the Coronation procession?
King Charles and Camilla will be arriving promptly at Westminster Abbey for the ceremony at 11am with the procession departing Buckingham Palace at 10:20am.
For the route back, where they will swap the Diamond Jubilee Coach for the much grander Gold State Coach, they will be following the same route but in reverse.
It's unknown exactly when this will start but it will be around 2pm.
What is the King's Coronation Procession route?
Starting at Buckingham Palace, the King's carriage is set to travel the length of The Mall and into Trafalgar Square, before turning right down Whitehall.
Greeting well-wishers along the way, the King is then set to continue down Whitehall past Downing Street and Westminster Bridge.
The King's carriage will then pass through Parliament Square shortly before coming to a stop outside Westminster Abbey.
The route is expected to be densely packed with supporters and closed to traffic, meaning additional gridlock and delays are expected on surrounding roads.
Everything you need to know about the King’s coronation
Where's the best places to watch the Coronation procession in London?
Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the procession can join crowds along the route.
Areas in and around Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James’s Park, The Green Park and Trafalgar Square will be very crowded.
The nearest London Underground stations to the procession route include Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Westminster, Charring Cross, Leicester Square, St James’s Park, Piccadilly.
The National Rail and London Underground stations in these areas will be busy.
However, due to the limited space along the capital's roads, giant screens have been erected at various London locations - the nearest to the procession include Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park.
There are numerous screening sites to choose from around the country and you can find a screen in your local area by visiting the government's Coronation website.
People throwing street parties and events that are open to the public have been urged to register their event.
