Largest ceremonial display of forces for 70 years

THE coronation of the King and Queen Consort will see the largest military ceremonial operation in 70 years, with more than 6,000 men and women of the UK’s armed forces taking part in the historic royal event.

Sailors, soldiers, and aviators from across the UK and the breadth of the Commonwealth will accompany Charles and Camilla to and from Westminster Abbey where the coronation service will take place on May 6.

Later in the day, military personnel will conduct a sixminute flypast of more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force - flying over The Mall.

Gun salutes will take place to herald the moment the King is crowned at firing stations in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Featuring more than 400 personnel, across 13 locations and deployed Royal Navy ships, 21 rounds will fire to mark the coronation with the exception of The Tower of London and Horse Guards Parade, where a 62-round salute and a six-gun salvo will fire respectively.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is “incredibly proud of our brilliant military personnel”, adding: “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: “From the Procession on The Mall, to the flypast over London, with gun salutes at sea and across the county, it will be a spectacular and fitting tribute and a privilege to take part in for all those involved and watching from afar.”

For the flypast through the skies of London, which will be watched by members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team the Red Arrows - will follow dozens of aircraft used by the armed forces on operations around the world.

Featured will be aircraft that have delivered support to Ukraine, policed Nato airspace, supported disaster relief, deterred drug trafficking and countered terrorism in the Middle East and Africa.

It is expected to be the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind for a generation.