King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have left Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach as the historic first Coronation in 70 years began.

The national anthem played and crowds shouted God Save the King as he started on his 1.3mile journey to Westminster Abbey through streets lined with 2million people and 7,000 British troops.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six Windsor grey horses, arrived at Buckingham Palace for the King and Queen at 10am. Members of the Mounted Division of the Household Cavalry have lined up at the entrance to The Mall ahead of the King’s Procession to Westminster Abbey.

The monarch smiled to huge crowds who cheered wildly and waved flags as he was swept into his central London home at 9am. On the short journey from St James’ Palace, the King, 74, looked solemn and thoughtful at times, in what is undoubtedly the biggest day of his life. Senior members of the Royal Family arrived around 20 minutes later, including Prince Andrew, who was booed by some in the grandstand.

A mile away from the Palace, Westminster Abbey is rammed with the great and good from Britain and around the world as Charles III‘s day of destiny finally arrived and he will be crowned King today.

More than 100million people around the world are about to watch the historic first coronation of a British monarch in 70 years – with an estimated 2million people on the streets of London to watch history unfold.

Stars seen taking their seats in the Abbey included Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Fry, Nick Cave and magician Dynamo, while Dame Emma Thompson gave a thumbs up in excitement. First lady Jill Biden was among the last to enter before the service, sitting with First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. President Joe Biden has stayed at home.