Follow the latest news from the coronation of King Charles here
Millions of people across the UK and beyond are preparing to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.
The event will take place at Westminster Abbey in central London in a grand and elaborate ceremony.
The king will be crowned with St Edward's Crown, a jewelled relic that has been used for coronations since the 11th century.
He will also be anointed with holy oil and given the symbols of his office, including the Orb, the Sceptre and the Sword of State.
Here is a more detailed look at what to expect on the day of the coronation and on the days following.
Saturday, May 6
6am: Viewing areas open
Viewing areas along the procession route will be open to the public. These will provide spectators with prime points from which to witness the event and catch a glimpse of the British royal family.
Access to sites on Pall Mall and Whitehall will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with official locations available from which to watch on large screens in Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park.
Invited guests, including veterans and NHS and social care staff, will have access to stands outside Buckingham Palace.
On Saturday morning, slightly fewer than 200 members of the armed forces, mostly from the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry, will gather to take part in the procession to Westminster Abbey.
While 1,000 service personnel will line the route, the overall procession will be much smaller than the one in 1953, which included other royal families and Commonwealth prime ministers.
7.15am-8.30am: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey
Doors open to the general congregation at Westminster Abbey. Guests will begin to arrive at security checkpoints in Victoria Tower Gardens for the ceremony.
They will include close friends, family and various people who have contributed to the nation in diverse ways such as charity work and volunteering.
9.00am: Music begins in the Abbey for the congregation
9.30am-9.55am: Distinguished guests arrive
Heads of state and overseas government representatives, government ministers, first ministers and former prime ministers will arrive.
Notable attendees include US first lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, Sinn Fein’s leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Their presence is a testament to the significance of this event and underscores the close relationships and partnerships that exist between the UK and nations around the world.
By 10:00am: Sovereign's Escort in position at Buckingham Palace
10:15am: Procession of Commonwealth Realms through the Abbey
10.20am: Carriage procession begins
The royal procession will set off from Buckingham Palace, providing an opportunity for people to catch a glimpse of the king and queen consort.
Departing from the norm, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will ride in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach instead of the older, less comfortable Gold State Coach.
They will arrive at Westminster Abbey at 10.53am, and it is likely the king will don military attire as opposed to the customary breeches and silk stockings of previous kings.
10.25am: Foreign royal family members arrive at Great West Door
Among these will be: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the UAE's Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania; Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki bin Mohammed, Minister of State; King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain; King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia; King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands; Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa; Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene; Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary; Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit; and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and Crown Princess Kiko.
10.35am: British royal family members arrive at Great West Door
Members of the British royal family will arrive at this time, including: the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence; The Earl and Countess of Wessex; The Duke of York; and Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Lastly, at 10.45am, the Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
10.50am: Members of the royal household arrive at the West Gate
The equerry and pages of honour to the king, along with equerry and pages of honour and companions to the queen consort, will arrive at the West Gate of Westminster Abbey where they will await the arrival of their majesties.
10.53am: The king and queen consort arrive in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach
The king and queen consort's carriage arrives at the Great West Gate of the Abbey. The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry, stationed in the Abbey, will sound a fanfare.
The King’s Procession, led by the Cross of Wales, begins.
10.54am: The bells of Westminster Abbey are rung
11am: Coronation service starts
The two-hour service at Westminster Abbey will feature hymns, prayers and speeches.
Upon his arrival, King Charles will enter through the Great West Door and proceed through the nave until reaching the central space within the Abbey.
Preceding him will be processions comprising faith leaders and representatives from various Commonwealth countries carrying their respective flags, accompanied by governors general and prime ministers, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is scheduled to give a reading later in the service.
The ceremony will feature music chosen by the king, including 12 newly commissioned pieces, one by Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as Greek Orthodox music in honour of the king's late father Prince Philip.
Prince George, the king's grandson, will be one of the pages present, alongside the queen consort's grandchildren Lola, Eliza, Gus, Louis and Freddy.
Some participants in the internal procession will carry the regalia ahead of the king, with most items placed on the altar until they are required for the ceremony.
Noon: The crowning of the king
The crowning of the king at midday will be the highlight of the affair, with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placing the St Edward's Crown on his head.
At the point of crowning, a fanfare will sound, the Abbey bells will ring for two minutes and a gun salute will be fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery stationed at Horse Guards Parade.
This will be accompanied by gun salutes at the Tower of London, fired by the Honourable Artillery Company, and at all saluting stations throughout the UK, Gibraltar, Bermuda and ships at sea.
After the ceremony, the royal couple will descend from their thrones and proceed to St Edward's Chapel behind the High Altar.
Here, King Charles will remove the solid gold St Edward's Crown and replace it with the lighter Imperial State Crown, as is the custom, before joining the procession out of the Abbey as the national anthem plays.
Circa 1.00pm: Royal procession departs for Buckingham Palace
After the service, the newly crowned king and queen will embark on their coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace, following a route through Parliament Square, Whitehall, around Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and down The Mall.
The Prince of Wales's three children are expected to join their parents in a carriage behind the Gold State Coach for the procession.
About 4,000 members of the UK armed forces and representatives of Commonwealth countries and British Overseas Territories will participate.
The Royal British Legion will provide a guard of honour, featuring 100 members, on the procession route, and the king and queen will receive a royal salute and cheers from military personnel upon their arrival.
At 2.3km, the route is considerably shorter than that of 1953, which measured 6.5km.
1.45pm: Royal salute in the palace gardens
The king and queen arrive on the West Terrace of Buckingham Palace where they will be received by the UK and Commonwealth Armed Forces with a royal salute from the palace gardens, honouring their new roles and acknowledging their loyalty to the crown.
2.30pm: Balcony appearance and fly-past
The royal couple will be joined on the Buckingham Palace balcony by other members of the royal family to watch a fly-past delivered, weather permitting, by the Ministry of Defence.
This special moment will be captured by photographers and broadcasters from around the world.
Viewing options for the public include big screens in the royal parks and at more than 57 locations across the UK, as well as TV broadcasts on BBC and ITV.
Presenters such as Kirsty Young, Huw Edwards, Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham will provide commentary and insights throughout the day.
Sunday, May 7
Coronation Big Lunch
Thousands of street parties will be held across the country as part of the Coronation Big Lunch, with people encouraged to come together to celebrate the historic occasion.
Royal family members will attend various events, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in Cranleigh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence in Swindon, and Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in Windsor.
Coronation concert at Windsor Castle
About 20,000 members of the public will attend a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle, with performances by Take That, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Steve Winwood and Nicole Scherzinger.
The show, hosted by Paddington and Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville, will also feature appearances by Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls and singer Sir Tom Jones via video message.
In addition to contemporary artists, classical stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and Chinese pianist Lang Lang will perform.
The Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal College of Music and the Royal College of Art will come together for the first time to create a one-off performance featuring Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Olivier Award nominee Mei Mac.
The event will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 8pm.
Lighting Up the Nation
Choreographed lasers, projections and drone displays will illuminate historic bridges and buildings at 10 sites across the UK, seven of which have been disclosed so far.
These include Blackpool seafront in Lancashire, Sheffield Town Hall's Peace Gardens, Newcastle's Tyne Bridge, Gateshead's Millennium Bridge and the Eden Project in Cornwall.
Light shows will also brighten up Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff at various locations. The remaining three places will be revealed during the concert.
Monday, May 8
The Big Help Out
Bank holiday Monday will see the Big Help Out take place, aiming to inspire and recruit a new generation of volunteers.
Various royal family members will participate in activities throughout the day, highlighting the positive impact volunteering has on communities.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will take part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs training centre in Reading, while the Princess Royal and her husband Sir Tim Laurence will attend a civic service recognising volunteers at Gloucester Cathedral.
The service will be followed by a short reception for invited volunteers and representatives of voluntary organisations from across Gloucestershire.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will meet young volunteers from the Coptic Orthodox Church at a coronation party at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in Kensington, west London.
A palace representative said that, according to the latest polling, an estimated 6.5 million people are planning to take part in the Big Help Out, ranging from community litter clean-ups to longer-term volunteering opportunities with a wide range of charities.
The palace also mentioned that while “wholly supportive” of the Big Help Out initiatives on Monday, King Charles and Queen Camilla will not be attending any of the events in person.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make
When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.
“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.
This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).
|
Age
|
$250 a month
|
$500 a month
|
$1,000 a month
|
|
25
|
$640,829
|
$1,281,657
|
$2,563,315
|
|
35
|
$303,219
|
$606,439
|
$1,212,877
|
|
45
|
$131,596
|
$263,191
|
$526,382
|
|
55
|
$44,351
|
$88,702
|
$177,403
|
HAJJAN
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.
There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.
The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
Company%20profile
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
MATCH INFO
Qalandars 109-3 (10ovs)
Salt 30, Malan 24, Trego 23, Jayasuriya 2-14
Bangla Tigers (9.4ovs)
Fletcher 52, Rossouw 31
Bangla Tigers win by six wickets
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
