King Charles’ coronation dress rehearsal in photos, video

The dress rehearsal for King Charles III’s coronation is well underway — under the dark of night — in London.

The elaborate run-through took place overnight from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square and Downing Street and then onward to Westminster Abbey.

Thousands of soldiers from the UK’s army, navy and Royal Air Force participated in the practice in the evening, with many onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the session.

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach and Gold State Coach were also spotted trailing down the Mall for the rehearsal.

The all-night practice then featured soldiers playing instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, horns and cymbals as they marched down the street.

The official crowning will commence on Saturday, May 6, with about 2,000 guests filling up the 1,000-year-old church.

Pomp, circumstance and religious rituals will envelope the abbey, formally instating Charles, 74, as monarch of the United Kingdom and the country’s Commonwealth Realms.

The ceremony will be helmed by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The momentous event will showcase Charles being anointed with holy oil, and he will be gifted with his orb, coronation ring and a scepter.

His wife, Camilla, will be enthroned alongside him as well, effectively becoming queen.

Right after the sacred ceremony, Camilla, 75, and Charles will undertake the Coronation Procession, for which they will travel in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace.

As the historic day continues, the military will execute a flypast of more than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force over the Mall, which is located opposite Buckingham Palace.

An array of religious figures, royal family members, politicians, dignitaries and more are expected to attend the event.

There was much talk in recent weeks amongst royal watchers debating whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be making the trek across the pond to England for the coronation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex now live in Montecito, California, following their exit from the royal family in 2020.

May 6 is also the date of the duo’s son, Archie’s fourth birthday.

However, it was previous announced that the former actress, 41, will not be attending the crowinng, however, Harry, 38, will be going and spending a limited amount of time in London.

Markle has opted to stay home with Archie and her daughter, Lilibet Diana. A friend of the Invictus Games founder told People recently that he wants “to be at the service to support his father at this important moment in his life.”

It will be the first time Harry will see Charles and his family since the publication of his bombshell memoir “Spare” back in January. 

However, the sovereign is reportedly “very disappointed” that Markle is skipping the coronation.

Harry’s brother Prince William and his family will also be making an appearance at the investiture.

The Prince of Wales, 40, will be pledging his allegiance to his father on Saturday, by kneeling before him and reciting the “Homage of Royal Blood” speech.

The father of three will put his hands between the king’s and say: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”

William’s children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George also have special roles at their grandfather’s induction.

George, 9, will wield a ceremonial sword at the event, representing his role as protector of the monarch, as well as the second-in-line to the British throne behind the Duke of Cambridge.

He will also be one of Charles’ four Pages of Honor. As for Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, they will join George, Charles and Camilla when they leave the Abbey following the ceremony.