How to watch King Charles III's coronation and what time is it on?

Today, 6 May 2023, marks a milestone moment in history as King Charles III is due to be crowned sovereign. In a ceremony rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, the Archbishop of Canterbury will preside over the service, which is going to be broadcast live on television and streamed across the world. 

Following the service, the coronation weekend will also include a special concert that will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle on 7 May. Excited to tune in? We've got all the details on how, where, and when you can watch King Charles' upcoming coronation. Plus, click the video below to find out what will happen during the ceremony…

What time will the coronation start?

King Charles III's coronation is due to begin at 11am BST on Saturday 6 May. As royal fans will know, Queen Elizabeth II's coronation began at 11:15am on 2 June 1953, so Charles' ceremony is sticking to tradition with it's late-morning start. 

How can I watch the coronation in the UK?

Coverage of the King's coronation is being aired live on television, and millions around the world are expected to tune in to witness the historic ceremony. Between the 6th and 7th of May, the BBC is offering local community venues such as churches, townhalls and libraries a one-off TV license dispensation to mark the occasion.

READ: King Charles III's coronation: what is the schedule of the day?

This means that those who want to celebrate and watch coverage in local and community settings across Britain can do so without needing to purchase a TV license. Commercial premises such as cinemas and shops are also showing the event. Outdoor facilities will be able to screen coverage too, so if you're planning an outdoor picnic to celebrate while watching, then there will be plenty of opportunity to do so. 

© Photo: Getty Images

Explaining that the milestone event is a matter of "national importance," the broadcaster will welcome viewers across the country to tune into the live coronation ceremony and the following coronation concert at Windsor Castle. For the ceremony itself, Kirsty Young and Huw Edwards are hosting the BBC's main coronation coverage, with the former broadcasting from a Buckingham Palace-based studio and the latter providing commentary throughout the event. 

MORE: What time is the King's coronation concert, who is playing and how to watch? 

Aside from the BBC, other major channels, including ITV and Sky, will also broadcast live from the coronation. Channel 4 will be running alternative programming, however. In the case of ITV, all coronation coverage is airing on ITV1 from 8:30am and it will also stream on ITVX. 

Will the coronation be available at big screen sites across the UK?

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have invested over £1million into the creation of over 30 public big screen sites across the UK. Allowing large crowds to gather in celebration of the coronation, viewers can head to sites including London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, Bristol, Brighton, and Plymouth - so if you're looking for a place to watch, see if you can head to a screening near you soon.

MORE: King Charles III coronation memorabilia: From mugs to tea towels, ornaments & more

© Photo: iStock

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer announced the big screenings, explaining: "The coronation will be a magical moment that brings people together to celebrate the best of Britain over a special weekend in May. These big screens, in major locations in towns and cities in the four nations of the UK, will make it easier for everyone to take part and have a memorable experience to mark this exciting and historic event."

SEE: King Charles coronation: First NON-ROYAL guests revealed! 

How can I watch the coronation in the US?

In the US, viewers can watch the coronation on CBS, CNN, Fox News, ABC and NBC. Good Morning America's Michael Strahan will co-anchor for ABC News Live, alongside senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts. 

How can I watch the coronation in the rest of the world including Canada, Australia and New Zealand? 

The BBC has announced that the coronation will be available to watch worldwide via the BBC News Channel. 

© Getty Images

In Canada, Australia, South Africa, and some other countries, BritBox International has announced it will be streaming ITN News' coverage of the coronation for its subscribers to watch. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has also announced it will be providing coverage of Westminster Abbey in Australia.

DISCOVER: Will Prince Harry appear on Buckingham Palace balcony at King Charles's coronation? 

Australia has multiple time zones, but the coronation will be taking place in the evening across the country, and at 8pm exactly in Canberra, the Australian capital. In the US and Canada, those wanting to watch the coronation live will have to wake up early, as the ceremony will be taking place in the early hours of the morning ranging from 1am to 8am depending on if you're watching in locations such as Hawai'i or Newfoundland.

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