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...withoutleavingyoursofa.yourcompleteguideto all the Coronation celebrations on the BBC, ITV and Sky – including tomorrow’s Windsor Castle concert

As gun salutes ring out across the land to mark the Coronation of the King, the broadcasting big guns will be doing battle on the box as the BBC, ITV and Sky go toe to toe in the ratings war…

saturday6may THE CORONATION OF HM THE KING 7.30AM-3PM, BBC1 AND IPLAYER

As befits one of the most significant days in recent British history, the BBC has assembled a crack team of expert presenters to guide us through the proceedings. After her sterling work over the Platinum Jubilee weekend, Kirsty Young will anchor the early coverage from a studio at Buckingham Palace, where she’ll be joined by guests and experts including the Mail’s Robert Hardman.

Anita Rani will be mingling with the crowds and eliciting royal stories from them (see panel, far right). Former Marine JJ Chalmers will also be on hand, speaking to members of the military as they prepare for the King and Queen’s processional return to the palace and Sophie Raworth will collar some of the famous faces among the 2,000 or so guests as they arrive at the abbey.

At 10.15am events begin in earnest, with Clare Balding providing commentary for the King’s Procession as it makes the journey to the abbey, and Huw Edwards will talk us through the ceremony itself, which starts at 11am. From 1pm coverage will follow King Charles and Queen Camilla’s journey back to the palace.

There will be a signed version of the event on BBC2 for deaf viewers.

‘I’m very happy to be part of the BBC’S coronation coverage as our cameras capture history in the making,’ says Kirsty Young.

GOOD MORNING BRITAIN 6AM-8.30AM, ITV1 AND ITVX

ITV’S coverage kicks off early as Susanna Reid launches the big day with a special edition of GMB live from Westminster Abbey alongside Ben Shephard. Guests will be dropping in to share their thoughts, including former Spice Girl Mel B, who’s worked with Camilla, and Jonathan Dimbleby, a man with considerable knowledge of the King having written and presented two acclaimed documentaries about him.

Ranvir Singh will be outside the abbey speaking to guests as they arrive while Kate Garraway will be at Buckingham Palace ahead of the procession. Charlotte Hawkins will be with the Armed Forces as they prepare to play their part.

KING CHARLES III: THE CORONATION 8.30AM-3PM, ITV1 AND ITVX

News At Ten presenters Tom Bradby, a man with close royal connections, and Julie Etchingham take over from GMB from a studio outside Buckingham Palace where they’ll anchor six and a half hours of output including the ceremony itself from 10.45am, and the return procession from 1pm.

Mary Nightingale provides commentary as events unfold outside the abbey, and Nina Hossain will be chatting to the gathering crowds on The Mall. Charlene White will be reporting from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where the Red Arrows will be preparing for their flypast as the Royal Family appear on the palace balcony. At the abbey, James Mates is tasked with explaining some of the traditions and rituals associated with the service, including the anointing of the king’s hands, head and breast with holy oil.

‘It’s a significant moment in our country’s history and one that will take place in a special building,’ says Julie Etchingham. ‘The sacred centrepiece at Westminster Abbey stretches back through the centuries. It’ll be the setting for a day to remember.’ Julie’s also confident that ITV can triumph as the three main broadcasters do battle. ‘We’ll bring you all the best pictures and we’ll be joined by unrivalled experts providing all you need to know. From the build-up in the morning to the balcony moment and the flypast – you won’t miss a thing.’

Julie, who’s covered all the major state occasions of the last decade for ITV, believes the Coronation will provide a moment for the nation to reflect on its past – and look ahead with confidence to its future. ‘It will be a time of contemplation,’ she says, ‘A chance to consider the past but also to think about life in the future, in our country, under our new king.’

An hour-long highlights show will be available to view on ITVX on Saturday evening and there’s live signing of the coronation ceremony on ITV3 for deaf viewers.

THE CORONATION 6AM-5PM, SKY NEWS

While the BBC has long been considered the nation’s broadcaster of choice for major state occasions, Sky reckons it can more than match its rival for insight and expert analysis. Its impressive line-up of special guests during a marathon 11-hour broadcast includes Dame Joanna Lumley – who will join the Sky