What time is the Scottish coronation? When King Charles’s service starts, full schedule and how to watch on TV
King Charles III’s Scottish coronation takes place today, 5 July, two months after he was crowned in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Here’s everything you need to know about what will happen and when during the King’s second coronation day.
What will happen at King Charles’s Scottish coronation?
Hundreds of military personnel, including members of the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, will march through Edinburgh ahead of a special ceremony where the new King, accompanied by the Queen, will be formally presented with the Scottish crown jewels.
Musicians from across the Armed Forces, including personnel from the Royal Marines Band Scotland, Band SCOTS and Pipes and Drums from the Army and RAF, will also take part in the event.
Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, will escort the people’s procession alongside personnel from The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Army Cadet Force.
King Charles and Queen Camilla and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral in a Royal Procession.
Following the procession, the King will be presented with a crown, a sceptre and a sword made of gold, silver and gems – known collectively as the Honours of Scotland.
The presentation of the Honours of Scotland marks the dedication of the King and Queen in Scotland and has origins dating back to the 1800s, when they were presented to King George IV.
King Charles III will receive the honours during a service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral. The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, will be present in the cathedral during the service.
The ceremony will feature personnel from across the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.
Three pipers from Gordonstoun, King Charles’s former school, will play for him during the service.
When does the coronation service start?
- 1.15pm – People’s procession leaves Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
- 1.30pm – People’s procession arrives at West Parliament Square
- 1.40pm – The Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) leave the Castle Esplanade under military and police escort
- 1.40pm – Military bands and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiments depart from Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square
- 1.50pm – The Honours arrive at West Parliament Square
- 2.05pm – Royal procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- 2.10pm – Royal procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral
- 2.15pm – National Service of thanksgiving and dedication begins
- 3.15pm – Service ends
- 3.20pm – King and Queen exit St Giles, royal gun salute from Edinburgh Castle
- 3.40pm – RAF flypast
What is the people’s procession?
The people’s procession is one of the key events of the day. It will feature around 100 people who will make the journey from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral.
Various organisations and individuals are taking part in the procession which represents different aspects of Scottish life, including the Girls’ brigades, the NHS, bakers and tailors.
What happens after the ceremony?
At the end of the service at St Giles, a 21-Gun Salute by 12 Regiment Royal Artillery will fire from Edinburgh Castle. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows down the Royal Mile.
The royal procession will then travel back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
How to watch King Charles’s second coronation on TV
You can watch a live stream of the ceremony here on i‘s YouTube channel.
The events will also be broadcast live on TV, with coverage on BBC One starting at 1.30pm.
The national service of dedication and thanksgiving will also air on BBC Radio 3.
It will also be possible to view the people’s procession in person. Viewing opportunities are along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Anyone attending the procession is warned that public transport will be very busy and advised to plan their journey in advance, allow plenty of time to reach the route and prepare to stand for hours in changeable weather.
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, said: “Space will be limited and a number of roads in the area will be closed, so I strongly encourage anyone attending to arrive early, use public transport if possible, and come prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”
