King Charles III coronation recap: The biggest moments

Charles’ coronation was the first in the U.K. in 70 years.

Last Updated: May 8, 2023, 1:42 PM EDT

King Charles III had his crowning moment Saturday as the United Kingdom celebrated its first coronation in 70 years.

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla were celebrated in a weekend of festivities, highlighted by Saturday's coronation service at Westminster Abbey.

Key moments:

Here is how the coronation events unfolded. All times Eastern.
May 05, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT

How to watch the coronation in the U.S.

Just as with royal weddings and funerals, Charles’ coronation is expected to be viewed by millions of people around the world.

Cameras are allowed inside Westminster Abbey, so everyone at home will get a chance to see the biggest moments of the day.

People wait to watch Britain's King Charles' procession to his coronation ceremony from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, at The Mall in London, May 6, 2023.
Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

ABC News, "Good Morning America" and ABC News Live will have special coverage of the coronation on Saturday, May 6, from 5 to 10 a.m. ET.

The five hours of special coverage will also be available to stream on ABC News' digital platforms, including ABCNews.com and GoodMorningAmerica.com, mobile apps, social platforms and over-the-top (OTT) services.

ABC News Live will also immediately re-air the five hours of coverage from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 6.

May 05, 2023, 3:41 PM EDT

Security high amid coronation protest threats

Anti-monarchists are expected to stage large-scale protests in London on Saturday, despite warnings from authorities and a controversial new law.

More than a thousand people will be protesting in Trafalgar Square, according to Republic, a London-based campaign group advocating to replace the British monarchy with an elected head of state.

Police patrol near the route of the coronation in London, May 5, 2023.
Petr Josek/AP

Meanwhile, London's Metropolitan Police Service said it will have more than 11,500 officers on duty Saturday, making it "one of the most significant and largest security operations" that the agency has led.

Police officers are seen on The Mall near Buckingham Palace in central London, May 5, 2023, ahead of the coronation weekend.
Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images

Under a new law that went into effect this week, protesters who block roads and railways could face up to 12 months behind bars and a fine, and police will be empowered to stop and search protesters suspected of having intent to commit an offense.

May 05, 2023, 2:54 PM EDT

World leaders join royals at Buckingham Palace

The coronation festivities kicked off Friday with a welcome reception for foreign guests hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

U.S. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska were both spotted entering the palace for the reception.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, arrive for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles, for overseas guests attending his coronation at Buckingham Palace in London, May 5, 2023.
Jacob King/Pool via Reuters

First lady Jill Biden and her grand daughter Finnegan Biden, left, arrive at Buckingham Palace in London, May 5, 2023, for a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III, for overseas guests attending his coronation.
Jacob King/Pool via AP

Inside the palace, Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden were photographed speaking with Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with the first lady of the United States, Jill Biden and her grand daughter Finnegan Biden, during a reception at Buckingham Palace for overseas guests attending the coronation, May 5, 2023 in London.
Jacob King/Pool via Getty Images

Charles was photographed in conversation with Zelenska.

Britain's King Charles III speaks with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska and Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a reception for overseas guests attending his coronation, at Buckingham Palace in central London, May 5, 2023.
Jacob King/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Around 100 heads of state and 20 royal families will attend Saturday’s coronation service.

In addition to Charles and Kate, other royals at Friday's reception included Prince William; Princess Anne; and Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

May 05, 2023, 1:25 PM EDT

Charles, William and Kate surprise royal fans

Royal fans camped out on The Mall ahead of Saturday’s coronation got a royal surprise Friday when they were greeted by King Charles III, Prince William and Kate, the Princess of Wales.

PHOTO: Britain's King Charles reacts as he meets well-wishers during a walkabout on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace ahead of his and Camilla, Queen Consort's coronation, in London, May 5, 2023.
Britain's King Charles reacts as he meets well-wishers during a walkabout on the Mall outside Buckingham Palace ahead of his and Camilla, Queen Consort's coronation, in London, Britain, May 5, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool
Toby Melville/Pool via Reuters

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, meets well-wishers during a walkabout outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, in London, May 5, 2023.
Toby Melville/Pool via Reuters

The trio stepped out of their cars and did a walkabout, taking selfies with and shaking the hands of fans who lined the path one day ahead of the coronation service.

Britain's Prince William meets well-wishers during a walkabout outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, in London, May 5, 2023.
Toby Melville/Pool via Reuters

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, meets well-wishers during a walkabout o outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, in London, May 5, 2023.
Toby Melville/Pool via Reuters

Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will travel the same path tomorrow in a procession that will take them to and from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Illustration
Coronation Procession Route
ABC News Illustration / Google Earth