Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla live updates: Everything you need to know | Watch TV coverage

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

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla are being celebrated in a weekend of festivities, highlighted by the coronation service at Westminster Abbey.

Find the developments below:

Charles, Camilla return for encore appearance on Buckingham Palace balcony

May 06, 9:40 AM EDT

The current and future generations of the monarchy stepped out on the balcony, represented by Charles, William and George — the king and first and second in line to the throne, respectively.

Joining the king and future kings on the balcony were Camilla, Kate, Charlotte and Louis, and other members of the royal family.

Also standing alongside Charles and Camilla were the young men who served as their Pages of Honour. Charles’ pages include his grandson George as well as Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay and Master Ralph Tollemache.

Camilla’s four Pages of Honour are her grandsons, Master Gus Lopes and Master Louis Lopes and Master Freddy Parker Bowles, and her great-nephew Master Arthur Elliot.

After a short pause, Charles and Camilla returned for an encore appearance, with just the two of them on the balcony, waving to the cheering crowds below.

Royal family watches military flypast

May 06, 9:30 AM EDT

Charles and Camilla as well as William, Kate, George, Charlotte and Louis have an up-close view from the Buckingham Palace balcony of a military flypast.

Aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are flying over The Mall in central London.

The flypast was shortened from the planned six minutes to just over two minutes in length due to rainy weather in London Saturday.

Charles, Camilla make 1st appearance on Buckingham Palace balcony

May 06, 9:30 AM EDT

The current and future generations of the monarchy are present on the balcony, represented by Charles, William and George — the king and first and second in line to the throne, respectively.

Joining the king and future kings on the balcony are Camilla, Kate, Charlotte and Louis, as well as the coronation service’s Pages of Honour.

May 06, 9:15 AM EDT

Sources told ABC News royal contributor Omid Scobie that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, will be heading back to the United States soon after attending his father’s coronation in London on Saturday.

“I’m here on the Duke of York steps, we’ve just seen the procession go back to Buckingham Palace and for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, that probably brings his very quick trip to London to an end,” Scobie said. “We saw him arrive on Friday evening getting ready, of course, for the big day to support his father at the coronation ceremony.”

“But, of course, he also has duties back in Montecito, California, and sources close to the duke say that it is going to be an in-and-out trip for him,” he added. “Just here to be part of that moment in Westminster Abbey, support his father and then be back at home to support his own family in Montecito.”

Charles, Camilla receive royal salute

May 06, 8:56 AM EDT

The newly-crowned king and queen received a royal salute upon their return to Buckingham Palace.

Members of the military gave three cheers and played the national anthem as Charles and Camilla, wearing their crowns and robes, looked on.

May 06, 8:27 AM EDT

Charles’ grandchildren George, Charlotte and Louis joined the Coronation Procession back to Buckingham Palace, riding in a carriage alongside their parents, William and Kate.

Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, sat by the carriage’s windows, flanking their older brother George, 9. William and Kate are sitting together across from their children.

Other members of the royal family also traveling by carriage in the procession include Charles’ brother Edward, and his wife Sophie and their two children, Louise and James.

Absent from the procession are Charles’ youngest son, Harry, and his brother, Prince Andrew.

Why Meghan, Archie and Lili did not attend the coronation

May 06, 8:30 AM EDT

Royal watchers viewing the coronation will notice three members of Charles’ family missing from today’s festivities.

Harry’s wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not attend the coronation.

Instead, they are home in California, where the family now lives full-time.

Today is Archie’s fourth birthday and Harry is expected to leave shortly after the coronation service to return home to his family.

As a non-working royal, Harry, who sat near his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie inside Westminster Abbey, did not join other members of the royal family in the procession back to Buckingham Palace.

Charles, Camilla ride off in Gold State Coach

May 06, 8:10 AM EDT

The newly-crowned king and queen departed in style from Westminster Abbey to travel back to Buckingham Palace in the Coronation Procession.

Their Majesties rode in the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since 1831.

The public last saw the Gold State Coach at the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration last year.

Princess Anne leads procession back to Buckingham Palace

May 06, 8:10 AM EDT

Charles selected his only sister, Princess Anne, to lead the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

Anne is following right behind Charles and Camilla on horseback as she leads a procession featuring 4,000 personnel, the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind since the queen’s coronation in 1953.

Charles, Camilla depart Westminster Abbey

May 06, 7:59 AM EDT

The congregation and choir join in singing the National Anthem as Charles and Camilla process out of Westminster Abbey.

The Robe of Estate worn by Charles was also worn by his grandfather King George VI in 1937. It is made of purple silk velvet and is embroidered in gold.

Camilla’s purple velvet Robe of Estate was designed and created for her by the Royal School of Needlework, of which she is patron. The design features hand-embroidered plants and insects, which were included to reflect her and Charles’ love of nature.

Protesters boo as Charles is crowned

May 06, 7:55 AM EDT

As the proclamation “long live the king” rang out in Westminster Abbey, it was a very different atmosphere in Trafalgar Square — hundreds of protesters booed loudly and chanted “not my king.”

The protesters have been there since the morning and were mixed among royals fans. Yellow banners reading “Abolish the Monarchy” waved in the air, dueling with the Union Jack flags held by people celebrating the coronation.

It’s rare to see an anti-royal demonstration in the United Kingdom. The number of people who gathered in support of the crown far outnumbered those who were protesting. However, the issues that motivate the protesters, such as the monarchy being out of date and linked to colonialism, are ones that present serious challenges that Charles will immediately face in trying to keep the crown relevant.

Among those challenges that will emerge immediately are countries in the British Commonwealth that are seeking to remove Charles as head of state. Jamaica has signaled its plans to do so soon and there are questions whether Australia could follow in the coming years.

1st look at Camilla in St. Mary’s Crown

May 06, 7:19 AM EDT

Camilla’s crowning moment is here as she is anointed on the head by the archbishop, and presented with the queen consort’s ring.

Camilla is crowned with the Queen Mary’s Crown, marking the first time a new crown was not created for a queen consort.

The Queen Mary Crown was redesigned though for Camilla, including the removal of the replica of the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Camilla’s crown features the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, a tribute to Elizabeth, who counted the diamonds as part of her personal jewelry collection.

As Camilla is enthroned, the choir is singing “Make a Joyful Noise,” a new anthem composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the coronation.

William pays homage to Charles, public invited to also

May 06, 7:17 AM EDT

William pays homage to his father on behalf of the royal family, following an homage from the Archbishop of Canterbury on behalf of the Bishops of the Church of England.

In a coronation first, members of the public are invited to pay homage to Charles too, led by the archbishop.

The public homage sparked controversy when plans for it were first revealed, with critics saying they should not have to pledge allegiance to the king. The archbishop responded to the controversy by telling the BBC the oath is “an invitation; it’s not a command.”

Charles’ younger son Harry was seen in the congregation paying homage to his father.

Charles is crowned with 400-year-old crown

May 06, 7:03 AM EDT

The moment of crowning is underway as the Archbishop of Canterbury places the St Edwards Crown on Charles’ head.

At that moment, the congregation sings out, “God save the king,” the bells of Westminster Abbey ring and gun salutes are fired across the U.K.

The St Edwards Crown weighs nearly five pounds and is made of solid gold. The coronation service is the only time the king will wear the crown.

Charles given orb, scepter and coronation glove

May 06, 7:00 AM EDT

Charles is given a series of coronation regalia including the orb, a symbol of the Christian world, and two scepters, one with a dove, a symbol of mercy, and one with a cross, a symbol of justice and power.

The regalia was last seen publicly atop the queen’s coffin at her funeral in September 2022.

Charles moves to coronation chair for most sacred part of service

May 06, 6:44 AM EDT

Charles is now sitting in the Coronation Chair for the anointing, seen as the most sacred and solemn part of his coronation service.

The anointing happens behind a three-sided anointing screen made specifically for Charles’ coronation.

As the choir sings Handel’s “Zadok the Priest,” composed for King George II’s coronation in 1727, the Archbishop of Canterbury anoints Charles’ hands, chest and head with Chrism oil.

Charles pledges the coronation oath

May 06, 6:20 AM EDT

Charles places his hand on the Holy Bible and says, “The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.”

The king signs an oath, pledging to serve the people and rule according to law.

The coronation oath marks the only time a monarch signs a written obligation to their people, according to ABC News royalty consultant Alistair Bruce.

Following the oath, Charles kneels before the High Altar and prays. Charles’ prayer is inspired by the hymn, “I vow to thee, my country.”

Charles is presented to his people

May 06, 6:17 AM EDT

During the recognition, as it is known, Charles is presented to each of the four points of the compass.

He is presented to the East by the Archbishop of Canterbury; to the West, by Christopher Finney, a holder of the George Cross; to the North by Baroness Amos, a Lady of the Order of the Garter; and to the South by Lady Eilish Angiolini, a Lady of the Order of the Thistle.

This is to affirm and acknowledge that the king is the one they recognize as head of state.

Charlotte, Louis join big brother George at coronation

May 06, 6:17 AM EDT

All three of William and Kate’s children are attending the coronation service. Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, are seated with their parents inside Westminster Abbey.

Their older brother, George, second in line to the throne, is serving as a Page of Honour for Charles in the service.

MORE: See what guests wore to the coronation

Future king Prince George joins procession

May 06, 5:55 AM EDT

Helping to carry Charles’ robe down the aisle at Westminster Abbey is his oldest grandson, 9-year-old George, the second in line to the throne.

“This is a really big moment for Prince George,” said ABC News royal contributor Victoria Murphy. “All eyes will be on him because he is there as a future king. He’s not just there supporting his grandfather. He’s there seeing before him what, unless things change, one day he could be at the center of.”

Joining George as his fellow pages of honour for Charles are Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Master Nicholas Barclay and Master Ralph Tollemache.

Harry joins royal family at Westminster Abbey

May 06, 5:42 AM EDT

Prince Harry has arrived at Westminster Abbey, marking the first time he has appeared at a royal event since last September, when he attended the queen’s funeral.

Harry, the fifth in line to the throne, is not expected to play a role in the coronation service.

He is attending alone, without his wife Meghan, or their children, Archie and Lilibet, and is expected to depart home to California shortly after the service.

As a non-working member of the royal family, Harry is dressed in a morning suit.

He entered Westminster Abbey with his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Charles, Camilla travel in Diamond Jubilee State Coach

May 06, 5:20 AM EDT

Charles and Camilla’s ride to Westminster Abbey is the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which was created for Charles’ mother in 2012.

The air-conditioned coach is led by six Windsor Grey horses as it travels down The Mall, through Admiralty Arch, down Whitehall and along Parliament Street, around Parliament Square to Westminster Abbey.

This procession, called the King’s Procession, is a scaled-down version of what we’ll see when Charles and Camilla return to Buckingham Palace after the coronation service.

Katy Perry among celeb guests at Westminster Abbey

May 06, 5:20 AM EDT

Music superstar Katy Perry is among the celebrities attending Charles’ and Camilla’s coronation.

Perry, who is performing at Sunday’s coronation concert, is wearing a purple skirt suit complemented by a purple hat.

Other celebrities in attendance at Westminster Abbey include Emma Thompson, Lionel Richie and U.S. first lady Dr. Jill Biden.

1st look at Charles, Camilla on coronation day

May 06, 5:08 AM EDT

Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, made their first appearance on their history-making day, traveling from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace.

The king and queen were photographed traveling by car to the palace.

First Lady Jill Biden joins world leaders at coronation

May 06, 4:53 AM EDT

Dr. Jill Biden has arrived at Westminster Abbey to represent the United States at the coronation. She traveled to the U.K. with her granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, who is also attending the coronation.

GUEST LIST: See who’s attending King Charles III’s coronation

The first lady, dressed in blue, is seated next to Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska. The two first ladies also saw each other Friday night at a reception at Buckingham Palace, where they posed for a photo with Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Around 100 heads of state and 20 royal families are attending today’s coronation.

The world leaders were welcomed Friday night at a private reception at Buckingham Palace.

Hundreds of protesters gather in Trafalgar Square

May 06, 4:40 AM EDT

Hundreds of anti-monarchy protesters have gathered in central London’s Trafalgar Square, just a mile away from Westminster Abbey where Charles will be crowned.

Their chants of “not my king” were met with boos from others in the crowd who are fans of the royals.

ABC News and “Good Morning America” will have special TV 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 our digital platforms, including this page, mobile apps, social platforms and over-the-top (OTT) services.

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

WATCH: Hardcore royal fans are camping out ahead of coronation of King Charles III

Why have the coronation if Charles is already king?

Charles automatically ascended to the throne when Elizabeth died Sept. 8, and he was officially proclaimed Britain’s monarch two days later in an ascension ceremony broadcast for the first time on television.

Charles said he was “deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”

There is no legal requirement for a coronation, and other European monarchies have done away with the ceremonies.

MORE: Guide to who’s who in the royal family tree

But the deeply religious and regalia-heavy event is a more formal confirmation of his role as head of state and titular head of the Church of England and was intended to show the king’s authority was derived from God.

During the service conducted by the church’s spiritual leader, the archbishop of Canterbury, Charles will be anointed with oil, receive the traditional symbols of the monarch — including the orb and scepter — and have the St. Edwards Crown placed on his head for the first time. Charles’ wife, Camilla, will be crowned as queen consort.

What will be different from the last coronation?

The coronation ceremony dates back to the medieval period, and much of it remains unchanged.

Westminster Abbey has been the setting of the ritual since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.

Elizabeth II’s coronation in June 1953 was the first to be televised live. The broadcast in black and white drew an audience of tens of millions in Britain and was later played to a worldwide audience. In the age of streaming and social media, people will be able to watch Charles’ crowning live — and in vivid reds, blues and golds — from virtually anywhere on the planet and post their hot takes with a crown emoji created for the occasion.

Charles has said he plans to slim down the monarchy. His coronation is expected to reflect that with a ceremony shorter than his mother’s three-hour extravaganza and 2,000 guests in the audience — a quarter the number who assembled to see Elizabeth crowned.

In a nod to the change in the religious makeup of the United Kingdom, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders will play a role at the coronation. That reflects Charles’ vow to be “the defender of faiths,” as opposed to the “defender of the faith.”

The procession after the ceremony also will be decidedly shorter than the 5-mile (8 kilometer) route that Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, took around London in 1953. Charles and Camilla plan to take a more modern set of horse-drawn wheels for the 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) route from Buckingham Palace to the abbey. Once crowned, they will step back in time and retrace the journey in the 260-year-old carriage — notorious for its rough ride — used in every coronation since William IV’s in 1831.

Who’s on the guest list?

A hundred heads of state are expected to attend along with royalty ranging from Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and his wife, Kiko, to Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.

The U.S. will keep alive its streak of a president never attending a British royal coronation, although first lady Jill Biden is set to attend.

William, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, is expected to kneel before his father and pledge his loyalty in what’s known as the Homage of Royal Blood.

His younger brother, Prince Harry, the disgruntled Duke of Sussex, is not expected to take part in the service. His explosive memoir “Spare,” which became a bestseller early this year, made unflattering claims about the royal family.

Until three weeks ago, there was a question of whether Harry and his wife, Meghan, would attend the crowning after leveling charges of racism and media manipulation at the royal family.

While Harry will be there, the duchess is to remain at the couple’s Southern California home with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

WATCH: Will Prince Harry’s feuds with the media overshadow King Charles’ big day

The coronation is just a few days before the first of Harry’s lawsuits against the British tabloid press goes to trial. The case could reveal more family secrets.

During a hearing in a similar case last week, Harry said in court papers that Buckingham Palace, with the approval of the queen, had an agreement with Rupert Murdoch’s English newspapers to settle phone hacking allegations without a lawsuit. Harry said he was directed by palace staff to drop his litigation because his father wanted to curry favor with the press.

The family drama doesn’t end there. Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew, is also not expected to play any role in the ceremony. Andrew gave up royal duties and was stripped of military titles and patronages after revelations of his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was forced to have sex with him when she was a teenager.

What is the importance of the coronation?

With opinion polls showing support for the monarchy has weakened in recent years, this is the chance for Charles to seek and showcase the public’s embrace.

Crowds are expected to line the streets to cheer the new king, and throngs will stand outside Buckingham Palace waiting for him to appear on the balcony after the procession.

While criticism of the crown was relatively muted in recent years out of respect for the queen and her decades of service to the country, there is likely to be much more discussion of whether Britain still needs this antiquated institution or if it should become a republic with an elected head of state.

WATCH: Beer brewed for a King

The leader of the anti-monarchist group Republic said it plans to have more than 1,000 protesters clad in yellow chanting, “Not my king” as the royal procession passes by.

For the vast majority, though, it will be an opportunity to celebrate being British — or show their support for an institution that is the subject of fascination for so many around the world.

Streets will be lined with union flags, spectators will dress in red, white and blue, and military jets will fly overhead streaming plumes of smoke in the national colors. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony itself is also a reminder of a time when Britain was the most powerful nation in the world.

Who is picking up the tab for the celebration?

The public is footing the bill for the coronation. There is no official estimate yet of what it might cost. Some reports estimate it could top 100 million pounds ($125 million).

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Tuesday that some estimates were “more fanciful than others” and that the true cost would be shared later.

The celebration comes as the U.K. weathers a bruising cost-of-living crisis that left many struggling to heat their homes this winter and put food on their tables.

But plenty of people stand to profit from the hoopla.

Officials are expecting to see a tourism boost and there is no shortage of coronation-themed events and commemorative products that could ring up additional sales taxes.

Fans looking to remember the historic event can find everything from fine china to souvenir coins or even cardboard masks of Charles and Camilla. Coronation themed biscuits, chocolates and beers are likely to be quickly forgotten.

___

Danica Kirka contributed to this report.