KING CHARLES EXCITEMENT III: THE CORONATION IS PALPABLE IN UK

It is now just under a week to go until King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation at Westminster Abbey. Kings and Queens have been crowned there for nearly 1000 years; 38 coronations have been performed there since 1066.

- ANTONIA FILMER

The ceremony will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby. The Abbey is now closed to visitors and worshippers in preparation for the great event. The Church of England has compiled a little book of daily prayers, themes, and reflections for Christians to pray for the King and explore the traditions and symbolism of the service and to reflect on Jesus, the servant King.

Folks in Britain are enjoying the build-up to Saturday. Over the Coronation weekend, street parties are being planned nationwide, and the Big Lunch idea has taken off, bringing neighbours and communities together to share friendship, food, and fun. Their Majesties have devised a recipe for Coronation Quiche, made with eggs, spinach, broad beans, cheese, and tarragon, which will no doubt be the centrepiece of the lunches. A chocolate bust of King Charles has been made by Celebrations Chocolates, and a new waxwork of Queen Camilla has joined King Charles at Madame Tussauds, and a plethora of souvenirs, including Coronation mugs, plates, and knitted characters, have been on sale. New stamps and coins have been unveiled.

Meanwhile, the King and Queen Consort were busy with Anzac Day commemorations and visiting Liverpool Arena ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest.