Much of the two-hour Anglican service, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, will be recognizable to the 39 other monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066.
But while many of the complex rituals and ceremonies in recognition of Charles as the “undoubted king” of his people remain, the king has sought to update other aspects of the service.
There are female bishops for the first time, while leaders of Britain’s non-Christian religions and its Celtic languages will play prominent roles.
As king, Charles is supreme governor of the Church of England, but leads a more religiously and ethnically diverse country than the one his mother inherited in the shadow of World War II.
He has also sought to make the 2,300-strong congregation more reflective of British society, inviting ordinary members of the public to sit alongside heads of state and global royalty.
In another variation, the coronation themes reflect his lifelong interest in biodiversity and sustainability.
Seasonal flowers and foliage will fill the abbey, from the wind-battered Isle of Skye in northwest Scotland to Cornwall at the tip of England’s southwest coast.
Single-use plastic and floral foam have been banned and all flowers will be donated to charities helping the elderly and vulnerable.
Ceremonial robes from previous coronations would be reused, and the anointing oil would be vegetarian.
