King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived at Westminster Abbey to mark the start of his historic coronation ceremony just moments away.
Several senior members of the Royal family, his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew — have all taken their seats in the venue.
Queen Camilla’s family arrived at the Abbey, including her former husband Andrew Parker-Bowles and her daughter Laura Lopes and son Tom Parker-Bowles.
In a slight deviation from tradition, the couple is processed to the ceremony in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach drawn by six Windsor Grey horses. They are being accompanied on the 1.3-mile route by four divisions of the sovereign’s most trusted bodyguards, the Household Cavalry.
Each division consists of 24 horses with two divisions of the Blues and Royals at the front, and two divisions of the Life Guards following.
The procession is being led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Band – that’s 48 horses and musicians, who will play eight marches as they travel the route.
The coach’s interior is immaculately upholstered in primrose yellow silk and inlaid with materials tied to Britain and its history.
“It’s a real microcosm of British and world history. There’re woods from the royal residences, from explorations and from other countries and nations as well,” explained Sally Goodsir, the Royal Collection Trust’s curator of decorative arts ahead of today’s celebrations.
Prince Harry has arrived at the ceremony, among the first group of royals to enter the Abbey.
