Guidance

How to watch the Coronation and processions (Saturday 6 May)

Updated 5 May 2023

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6 May. There will be ceremonial processions in London before and after the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey in London.

The service and processions will be broadcast on national television, radio and online, and shown on large screens at screening sites in London and around the country.

This guidance tells you how you can watch the processions in London in person, or visit the screening sites at Hyde Park, The Green Park and St James’s Park. To watch at another screening site, visit the Coronation.GOV.UK website to find events in your local area.

The accessibility section provides information for people with access requirements, including accessible viewing areas and quiet viewing spaces. It also includes a BSL (British Sign Language) video summary of the Coronation weekend.

Please be aware that large crowds are expected, and there will be road closures in place to ensure the event is delivered safely. Public transport services are likely to be very busy with some station closures and bus diversions, especially around the Westminster and Hyde Park areas.

About the Coronation

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6 May.
The first procession will begin at 10.20am. Their Majesties will travel in procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. This is known as ‘The King’s Procession’. Their Majesties will travel in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by 6 Windsor Grey horses. The Household Cavalry will provide the Sovereign’s Escort.

The King’s Procession will travel along The Mall, through Admiralty Arch, passing to the south of the King Charles Island statue in Trafalgar Square before turning onto Whitehall. The procession will continue down Whitehall and along the east and south sides of Parliament Square, arriving at Westminster Abbey.

The Coronation service at Westminster Abbey will begin at 11am and finish at 1pm.

After the Coronation service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace as part of a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. The Coronation Procession will last for around 30 minutes. Their Majesties will travel in the Gold State Coach, drawn by 8 Windsor Grey horses.

The procession will arrive at Buckingham Palace at around 1:30pm. Their Majesties will receive a salute from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces in the Buckingham Palace Gardens, and appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. At 2:30pm, there will be a Coronation flypast by the Armed Forces over The Mall and Buckingham Palace (subject to weather, serviceability, and operational commitments).

Explore the procession route with Dan Snow

Explore the procession route with Dan Snow

Learn more about the Coronation:

• The history of coronation ceremonies (official website of the British Royal Family)
• The King’s Procession and the Coronation Procession (official website of the British Royal Family)
• Coronations at the Abbey (Westminster Abbey website)

How to watch

• Both processions and the Coronation service will be broadcast live on national television, radio and online.
  
  
• You can watch the Coronation processions in person at viewing areas along the procession route in London.
  • Find out how to watch the processions in person.
  • Please note that there will not be screens along the route. If you wish to watch the broadcast of events (including the Coronation service), you should visit one of the screening sites.
    
    
• You can watch the Coronation processions and service at the London screening sites in Hyde Park, The Green Park or St James’s Park, where the day’s events will be shown on large screens.
• You can also watch the processions and service at screening sites around the country, and take part in other celebrations and events. Visit the Coronation.GOV.UK website to:
  • Find events in your local area.
  • Find other ways to get involved in the celebrations, such as hosting a Coronation Big Lunch or street party, and taking part in the Big Help Out.

Screening the Coronation at events

The BBC has confirmed a special one-off TV licence dispensation for the Coronation of HM King Charles III. If you are hosting an event, you won’t need a TV licence to screen coverage of the Coronation on 6 May 2023, or the Coronation Concert on 7 May 2023. Find out more on the BBC’s website.

Plan your journey

This guidance contains information on:

Please note that the 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 National Rail and London Underground stations in these areas will be very busy.

It may be necessary for short-term safety measures to be put in place at transport stations, such as queuing, closures, trains not stopping at certain stations, or changes to the way customers enter or exit a station. Please follow the directions of stewards and police officers.

What you should do:

• Plan your journey using the Transport for London and National Rail Enquiries websites.
• Check Transport for London status updates and National Rail Enquiries latest travel information before you travel, and allow more time than usual for your journey.
• Find up-to-date travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or downloading the TfL Go app.
• After the events, remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey. Service updates may have changed.
• If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services may be busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and into the evening.

How to get to London

The major railway stations in London include:

• London Blackfriars
• London Cannon Street
• London Charing Cross
• London Euston
• London King’s Cross
• London Liverpool Street
• London Bridge
• London Marylebone
• Farringdon
• London Paddington
• London St Pancras International
• London Victoria
• London Waterloo
• London Waterloo East

Use the Transport for London journey planner to continue your journey to the viewing areas or screening sites. Please be aware that transport services are expected to be very busy before and after the Coronation service, and it is likely there will be queues at stations.

You can plan your journey within London using the Transport for London journey planner. Check which station you should travel to if you want to:

Remember to check National Rail Enquiries latest travel information and Transport for London status updates before you travel, and allow more time than usual for your journey.

You can also keep track of the latest travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or by downloading the TfL Go app.

After the events, police and stewards will direct you to the exits and to nearby transport hubs. Remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey, as service updates may have changed.

If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services are expected to be very busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and late into the evening. If you are planning on catching a late-night train, please check in advance when your last available service departs.

London Victoria station - limited access (Hyde Park screening site only)

On Saturday 6 May, many of the roads around Victoria station will be closed. There will be limited public access to the procession route, or The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites, from Victoria station.

London Victoria station should be used for the Hyde Park screening site only. If you exit at Victoria station, you may be directed to the screening site at Hyde Park.

If you want to watch the procession or go to the screening sites in The Green Park or St James’s Park, you should travel to an alternative station. Check which station to use if you want to get to the viewing areas, or get to the screening sites, and continue your journey from Victoria on the London Underground.

Watch the processions in person

In this section:

The procession viewing areas

You can watch the Coronation processions through London in person at viewing areas along the procession route, on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall.

The viewing areas will be open from 6am on Saturday 6 May. Please do not arrive before 6am.

The King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey will take place before the Coronation service, which starts at 11am. The Coronation Procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace will take place after the Coronation service.

There is an accessible viewing area which can be used by people with access requirements, and a quiet viewing space. Read the accessibility section for more information.

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and be prepared to queue to enter the viewing areas. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and ensure everyone can enter safely and securely.

Capacity at the viewing areas will be limited and they will be closed when they are full. If you leave a viewing area at any time, readmission cannot be guaranteed.

If the viewing area you intend to visit is full when you arrive, you will be directed to one of the other viewing areas or a screening site. The screening sites will show all of the day’s events on large screens, including both processions, the Coronation service, and the balcony appearance. Entry to the screening sites is free.

After the Coronation Procession has passed down The Mall, the police will open the route to allow people to move onto the road. People will be able to walk down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, to watch the balcony appearance. The police will monitor crowd numbers and gradually open the viewing areas, to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure.

Staying safe in crowds

• Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and ensure everyone stays safe and secure.
• Take care of your belongings. Keep your phone, wallet and purse out of sight and make sure any valuables are secure.
• If you notice anything suspicious, please inform the stewards or police.

Read more about staying safe in London (Metropolitan Police website).

Procession viewing areas - map and facilities

The image below shows a map of the procession route: the King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and the Coronation Procession back to Buckingham Palace. The procession route is marked in gold.

There are viewing areas along the procession route, on both sides of The Mall and Whitehall. The public viewing areas are marked on the map in purple.

The image also shows the facilities at the viewing areas and along the route. There are first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and accessible viewing spaces. There are concession kiosks along the route where you can buy food and drinks.

The map also shows the nearby screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park, where you can watch the processions and the Coronation service on large screens.

View or download a larger version of the map, (PDF, 13.4MB).

How to get to the viewing areas

The table below tells you the recommended stations (London Underground or National Rail) to use for the viewing areas along the procession route. This may not be the station you would usually use, because of diversions and road closures.

There will be signs marking the walking routes, and stewards will direct you to the viewing areas.

Check before you travel

It may be necessary for short-term safety measures to be put in place at transport stations, such as queuing, closures, trains not stopping at certain stations, or changes to the way customers enter or exit a station.

Please note that on Saturday 6 May:

• St James’s Park station will be closed.
• Hyde Park Corner station will be exit only.
• Victoria station will have limited access to the procession route because of road closures. If you exit at Victoria, you may be directed to the Hyde Park screening site.

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and the viewing areas will close when they are full. The viewing areas have limited capacity and may close before the events begin. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help people to stay safe.

Viewing area	Recommended stations
The Mall Accessible viewing area	Waterloo (London Underground, National Rail) This station has step-free access Charing Cross (London Underground, National Rail) Piccadilly Circus (London Underground) Green Park (London Underground) This station has step-free access
Whitehall	Embankment (London Underground, National Rail) Westminster (London Underground) This station has step-free access Charing Cross (London Underground, National Rail)

After the events, police and stewards will direct you to the exits and to nearby transport hubs. Remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey, as service updates may have changed. You can find up-to-date travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or downloading the TfL Go app.

If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services will be very busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and late into the evening.

Watch all events at the screening sites

In this section:

You can watch the Coronation at the Hyde Park screening site, which will show the processions and the Coronation service on large screens. There are also smaller screening sites at The Green Park and St James’s Park, but these are likely to reach capacity very quickly.

Access to all screening sites is free. There will be first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and concession kiosks where you can buy food and drinks. Read more about facilities at the Hyde Park screening site, and The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites.

There are accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces at each of the screening sites. Read the accessibility section for more information.

Please note that large crowds are expected. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help everyone to stay safe and secure. If you choose to leave a screening site during the events, you may lose your viewing position.

Hyde Park screening site

The Hyde Park screening site is located in the south-east corner of the park, covering the area around the Serpentine lake.

You can access the Hyde Park screening site from 5am on Saturday 6 May. However, please note that the broadcast will begin later in the morning, ahead of the first procession.

If you arrive at 5am, the screens may not be turned on and some facilities (such as food and drink kiosks) may not be open. Please do not arrive before 5am.

There are 4 screens at the Hyde Park screening site:

1. Screen 1: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing west.

2. Screen 2: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing east.

3. Screen 3: The Cockpit (north side of the Serpentine, near the Norwegian War Memorial).

4. Screen 4: Boathouse Lawn (north side of the Serpentine, next to the boathouse).

Map and facilities - Hyde Park screening site

The image below shows a map of the Hyde Park screening site. Each of the 4 screens is marked on the map with a letter ‘S’ icon. An orange area next to the icon shows the direction the screen will be facing.

The map also shows the facilities at the site, including first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, accessible viewing spaces and quiet spaces.

There are concession kiosks near each of the screens where you can buy food and drinks.

View or download a larger version of the map, (PDF, 13.4MB).

The Green Park and St James’s Park screening sites

There are also screening sites at The Green Park and St James’s Park. Please note that these sites are smaller than Hyde Park, and are likely to reach capacity very quickly.

More information on the site opening times will be added shortly.

• The Green Park: 1 large screen at the Broad Walk.
• St James’s Park: 1 large screen, near the Marlborough Gate.

There are accessible viewing spaces and quiet viewing spaces at the screening sites. Read the accessibility section for more information.

Map and facilities - The Green Park and St James’s Park

The image below shows a map of the screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park.

The screen at each site is marked on the map with a letter ‘S’ icon. An orange area next to the icon shows the direction the screen will be facing.

The map also shows the facilities at the site, including first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, accessible viewing spaces and quiet spaces.

There are concession kiosks near each screen where you can buy food and drinks.

View or download a larger version of the map, (PDF, 13.4MB).

How to get to the screening sites

The table below tells you the recommended stations (London Underground or National Rail) to use for each screening site. This may not be the station you would usually use, because of diversions and road closures.

There will be signs marking the walking routes, and stewards will direct you to the viewing areas.

Check before you travel

It may be necessary for short-term safety measures to be put in place at transport stations, such as queuing, closures, trains not stopping at certain stations, or changes to the way customers enter or exit a station.

Please note that on Saturday 6 May:

• St James’s Park station will be closed.
• Hyde Park Corner station will be exit only.
• Victoria station will have limited access to The Green Park and St James’s Park because of road closures. If you exit at Victoria, you may be directed to the Hyde Park screening site.

You should be aware that large crowds are expected, and the screening sites may reach capacity before the events begin. Follow the directions given by stewards and the police, who will monitor crowd numbers and help people to stay safe.

Screening site	Recommended stations
Hyde Park Accessible viewing area	Victoria (London Underground, National Rail) This station has step-free access Paddington (London Underground, National Rail). This station has step-free access Hyde Park Corner (London Underground) Marble Arch (London Underground) Knightsbridge (London Underground)
The Green Park Accessible viewing area	Piccadilly Circus (London Underground) Charing Cross (London Underground, National Rail) Green Park (London Underground) This station has step-free access If you arrive at Green Park station and intend to visit The Green Park screening site, please exit the station using the ramp exit into The Green Park.
St James’s Park Accessible viewing area	Piccadilly Circus (London Underground) Charing Cross (London Underground, National Rail) Please enter this site from the north side of the Mall, ​​using Marlborough Road or Duke of York Steps.

After the events, police and stewards will direct you to the exits and to nearby transport hubs. Remember to check the latest travel information before your onward journey, as service updates may have changed. You can find up-to-date travel information by following National Rail Enquiries on Twitter or downloading the TfL Go app.

If possible, please avoid travelling immediately after the events, as services will be very busy. There will be plenty of trains running during the day and late into the evening.

Accessibility

In this section:

Accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces

Accessible viewing areas are available for people with access requirements. These areas have limited capacity, and people will be admitted in order of arrival time.

People using the accessible viewing areas can be accompanied by carers or companions. Please note that space will be limited.

The accessible viewing areas will have:

• stewards managing the areas
• accessible viewing areas at ground level, providing dedicated locations for wheelchair users, and people with mobility impairments and other access requirements
• a British Sign Language interpreter
• a hearing loop for people using hearing aids
• welfare points to provide assistance, if needed
• disabled people’s toilets and Changing Places toilets
• assistance dog facilities

All accessible locations at viewing areas and screening sites are at ground level. The accessible viewing areas will have hard-floored areas and grassed areas. The grassed areas are intended for picnicking, and you will be able to bring your own picnic chairs for use in these areas.

The screening sites also have quiet spaces which people can use if they feel overwhelmed, or require time out in a calm environment. The quiet spaces will have soft seating, and ear defenders will be available.

Anyone can use the quiet spaces at any time. However, these areas have limited capacity and people will be admitted in order or arrival time.

BSL (British Sign Language) summary - the Coronation weekend

The video below is a BSL (British Sign Language) summary of the Coronation weekend.

The Coronation weekend - BSL (British Sign Language) summary

Where to find the accessible and quiet viewing areas

Procession route, The Green Park, St James’s Park

The image below shows a map of the procession route (marked in gold), and the accessible viewing areas along the Mall and Whitehall (marked in purple). The map also shows the screening sites in The Green Park and St James’s Park.

The accessible viewing areas are marked on the map with a letter ‘A’ icon. The quiet spaces are marked on the map with an icon of a crossed-out microphone. The map also shows which of the nearby stations have step-free access.

Procession route viewing areas:

• Accessible viewing area: north side of the Mall, close to Trafalgar Square.

The Green Park screening site:

• The accessible viewing area and quiet space are close to the main screen (near the Broad Walk).

St James’s Park screening site:

• The accessible viewing area and quiet space are close to the main screen (near the Marlborough Gate).

View or download a larger version of the map, (PDF, 13.6MB).

Hyde Park

The image below shows a map of the Hyde Park screening site.

The accessible viewing areas are marked on the map with a letter ‘A’ icon. The quiet spaces are marked on the map with an icon of a crossed-out microphone. The map also shows which of the nearby stations have step-free access.

There are accessible viewing areas and quiet spaces near each of the 4 screens:

1. Screen 1: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing west.

2. Screen 2: Old Football Pitches (south of the Serpentine, close to South Carriage Drive) - facing east.

3. Screen 3: The Cockpit (north side of the Serpentine, near the Norwegian War Memorial).

4. Screen 4: Boathouse Lawn (north side of the Serpentine, next to the boathouse).

View or download a larger version of the map, (PDF, 13.7MB).

Accessible transport

There are more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network. Visit Transport for London’s accessibility page for more information on accessible public transport information in London. You can find out how accessible each station is, and there is also a step-free journey planner.

Step-free stations

The following stations have step-free access, however please check before you travel as there may be short-notice changes. You can find up-to-date travel information by following TfLAccess on Twitter.

• Green Park (London Underground)
• Bond Street (London Underground)
• Tottenham Court Road (London Underground, Elizabeth Line)
• Victoria (London Underground)
• Waterloo (London Underground, National Rail)
• Westminster (London Underground)

The section on where to find the accessible and quiet viewing areas shows the location of the step-free stations close to accessible and quiet viewing areas.

Transport for London offers a ‘turn up and go’ service to help passengers who require additional assistance, such as people with visual impairments, mobility impairments, and large groups travelling together. This could include providing boarding ramps, help to move you through the station or interchange between trains and suggesting alternative or step-free routes.

The turn up and go service is provided on the London Underground and London Overground, and most stations on the Elizabeth Line. You do not need to pre-book this service, just ask staff for assistance at the station.

Transport for London also provides:

• Accessible maps of London transport facilities. You can download or order tube, bus and other transport maps in alternative formats (such as audio maps, large print, black and white) and maps of toilet and baby-changing facilities.
• Maps of London transport facilities in other languages. You can download the London Underground map in languages other than English.

For help with lost property, please visit the TLC Welfare website.

What to expect if you attend

To keep everyone safe, security measures are in place at all sites. You or your bag may be searched before you can enter.

At the viewing areas and the screening sites, there will be first aid points, water refill stations, toilets and accessible toilets, welfare points, and concession kiosks where you can buy food and drinks. You can bring your own food and drinks, but please avoid bringing glass items (such as drinking glasses) into the sites. Broken glass is a hazard to other visitors and wildlife and can be difficult to remove, particularly from parkland areas.

The Green Park, Hyde Park, and St James’s Park are managed by The Royal Parks. You can visit The Royal Parks website for more information on visiting these parks, including guidance on the parks’ rules and facilities.

Conduct and behaviour

There will be stewards and police officers at the screening sites, helping to keep everyone safe and secure. Antisocial or inappropriate behaviour (including excessive consumption of alcohol or drunken behaviour) will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave.

You should:

• Follow the instructions of stewards, event staff and police at all times.
• Dispose of litter using the litter and recycling bins provided.
• Respect your surroundings. The Royal Parks are historic sites, and provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. Please stick to footpaths, do not damage or remove plants, and do not attempt to climb or attach anything to trees.
• Remember not to leave any of your property unattended, and report unattended bags or luggage to stewards or police.
• Leave the viewing areas or screening sites quietly so you do not disturb people who live nearby.

What you should and shouldn’t bring

Remember to bring:

• Suitable clothing for the weather conditions. You may want to bring warm, protective clothing or an umbrella in cold or wet weather, or sunscreen and a hat if it is likely to be sunny.
• A water bottle. There will be water refill stations at the viewing areas and screening sites where you can refill bottles. There will also be concession kiosks available where you can buy food and drinks, but you may want to bring your own refreshments (particularly if you have specific dietary requirements).
• Appropriate footwear. You will be required to stand outdoors for long periods, so you are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
• If you are visiting the screening sites at Hyde Park, St James’s Park or The Green Park, you may want to bring a blanket, stool or folding chair to sit on as the viewing screens are located in grassy areas (but please note there may not be space to use or store them). Do not bring stools or folding chairs to the procession route viewing areas.

You should not bring:

• Barbecues and equipment for fires.
• Drones. The use of drones is not permitted across any of the ceremonial sites, including the viewing areas and screening sites. You should not attempt to operate a drone in these areas, for photography or any other reasons. You may be fined, and your drone may be confiscated.
• Glass items. Broken glass is a hazard to other visitors and wildlife and can be difficult to remove. If you bring your own refreshments, please use paper or plastic cups for your drinks.
• If you are visiting the procession route viewing areas, do not bring stools or folding chairs.