The 1953 Coronation became the first major televised event in UK history. The BBC’s innovations for the 2023 Coronation include a UHD HDR live feed and accessible online streams.
On Saturday 6th May, the BBC will offer comprehensive coverage of the Coronation of King Charles III across most of its TV and radio services.
The BBC will be offering iPlayer users access to a choice of options, including a live UHD stream which also use a Wide Colour Gamut, meaning viewers will see more colours than they ever usually see on TV – offering an even more lifelike view.
Additionally, iPlayer users will be able to access alternative commentary designed for viewers with sight loss and a commentary-free option, as well as a version with in-vision signing. Viewers with a newer connected TV box like Sky Q or a Smart TV will be able to press red to access all the different options on iPlayer.
Meanwhile, for viewers watching on traditional TV platforms, BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News and BBC RB1 will all carry coverage, with BBC Two taking a copy with in-vision signing. Meanwhile BBC RB1 (Red Button) will carry the alternative commentary for viewers with sight loss, presented by Petroc Trelawny.
▶ Coronation coverage on the BBC
Saturday 6th May 2023
| BBC One | BBC Two | BBC Red Button | iPlayer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main coverage of the event. | With signing | Alternative commentary for blind and partially sighted | All broadcast versions as live streams + UHD/HDR Wide Colour Gamut version + No commentary option |
| BBC News | BBC Radio | BBC Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for viewers in the UK and around the world. | Coverage on BBC Radio 3, 4, 5 Live, World Service, Radio Scotland, Radio Nan Gaidheal (in Gaelic), BBC Radio Ulster & Foyle, | Audio coverage from all participating BBC Radio stations |
▶ Who is presenting?
On the main BBC feed of the event, Kirsty Young will be in a studio at Buckingham Palace and JJ Chalmers will speak to members of the military as they prepare for one of the largest parades in living history.
Huw Edwards will provide commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey open and Sophie Raworth will be outside speaking to guests as they arrive.
Clare Balding will provide commentary for the ceremonial route, and Anita Rani will join the gathered crowds.
On radio, Martha Kearney will be in the studio, Eleanor Oldroyd will report live from Westminster Abbey and there will be expert insight and analysis from BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond.
▶ Coronation Concert
On Sunday 7th May, the Coronation Concert will be broadcast live from the grounds of Windsor Castle. For BBC Television and iPlayer, Kirsty Young will return to anchor the special live broadcast.
Clara Amfo and Jordan Banjo will be backstage with the artists who will perform in front of 20,000 members of the public, including guests from various affiliated charities. The concert will see a world-class orchestra play a host of musical favourites alongside world-class entertainers and performers.
Ahead of the event, BBC Radio 2 will capture the atmosphere of the concert live from Windsor Castle, with Zoe Ball speaking to the performers, while Dermot O’Leary will be amongst the crowds.
Marc Thornham