Thousands of Armed Forces to Star in King Charles III’s Coronation
More than 6,000 UK Armed Forces personnel will take centre stage in the historic Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla next month. It’s the biggest military ceremony the nation has seen in 70 years.
Massive Military Processions and Spectacular Flypast
Sailors, soldiers, and aviators from across the UK and the Commonwealth will join two grand processions accompanying Their Majesties to Westminster Abbey. Later, a breathtaking six-minute flypast of over 60 aircraft will soar above The Mall, showcasing the might of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
Gun salutes will ring out from military bases nationwide and His Majesty’s ships at sea, marking the exact moment the King is crowned.
Leaders Praise Armed Forces’ Role
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am incredibly proud of our brilliant military personnel who are preparing to honour centuries of military tradition by taking to the streets, skies and seas to pay tribute to our new King and Queen and mark the Coronation next month.”
“As they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Commonwealth friends and allies, I know the hard work of thousands of our servicemen and women during the past weeks and months will culminate in an incredible display that will amaze crowds at home and across the world.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “We can be enormously proud of the professionalism and precision of our Armed Forces as they honour His Majesty, their new Commander-in-Chief.”
“From the Procession on The Mall, to the flypast over London, with gun salutes at sea and across the country, it will be a spectacular and fitting tribute and a privilege to take part in for all those involved and watching from afar.”
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said: “The contribution of the Armed Forces to the Coronation symbolises unyielding service to King and Country. It reflects centuries of tradition, but is indicative of the integral role the Armed Forces play in modern Britain.”
“The soldiers, sailors and aviators participating in the Coronation are privileged to be part of this historic ceremony. Thousands more servicemen and women will be watching at home and overseas, proud to wear The King’s Uniform on this special day.”
Nearly 400 Armed Forces personnel from at least 35 Commonwealth countries will also march to mark this historic occasion.
Coronation Highlights: Flypast, Processions & Gun Salutes
The finale will be a stunning flypast featuring 60+ aircraft, including the famed Red Arrows, historic Spitfires, F-35B Lightning jets, and the new RAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane. These aircraft have supported operations worldwide — from Ukraine to the Middle East and Africa — showcasing the Armed Forces’ global reach.
Two processions will escort the King and Queen between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. The King’s Procession, smaller with around 200 troops, leads the way, followed by the Coronation Procession with nearly 4,000 personnel — the largest military ceremonial operation in a generation.
The processions will display the UK and Commonwealth’s diversity, featuring historic uniforms, Commonwealth flags, and 20 different military bands.
A Guard of Honour made up of 100 Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and affiliated Armed Forces charities will line the route at Parliament Square, honouring the day with tradition and respect.
Gun salutes will thunder across the Union at Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, and other sites, with 21 rounds fired at 13 locations and 62 rounds at the Tower of London — all to celebrate the crowning of Their Majesties.
