Spectacular Flypast and Historic Moments to Mark the King Charles III Coronation

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, King Charles III will be officially crowned in a momentous event that will captivate millions around the world. The coronation ceremony will commence at 10:20am (UK time) as the King and the Queen Consort embark on a majestic procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in London.

Following an hour-long Coronation service, at 12:01pm, a resounding six-gun salute on Horse Guards Parade will announce the crowning of the new King. This extraordinary occasion will be celebrated with fervor and excitement by those gathered in London, as well as by people in towns and cities across the United Kingdom.

One of the highlights of the day will be a breathtaking Flypast featuring 68 aircraft, as the newly-crowned King returns to Buckingham Palace and graces the balcony alongside the Royal Family. The Flypast will showcase a diverse array of planes and helicopters from different eras, creating a mesmerizing spectacle in the skies above London.

The Flypast will consist of 14 waves, comprising aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. These aircraft will take off from various air stations across the United Kingdom, converging in formation over the southeast of England before proceeding towards Buckingham Palace. The slower aircraft will lead the formation, while the faster ones will follow at the rear.

The Flypast is meticulously choreographed to ensure perfect timing, speed, and distance between the aircraft. The formation will initially maintain wide spacing and gradually align into the correct positioning for the flypast over Buckingham Palace. This intricate maneuver requires precision and skill from the pilots involved.

The Flypast is scheduled to begin at 14:30pm, with the aircraft flying directly down The Mall and over Buckingham Palace. The spectacle will last approximately six minutes, offering an awe-inspiring display to the enthralled spectators.

Among the participating aircraft in the Flypast are Juno HT1 and Wildcat helicopters, Merlin Mark 2 and Mark 4 helicopters, Chinook and Puma HC2 helicopters, Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane planes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Phenom T1 and Texan T1 planes, A400M Atlas and C-130J Hercules planes, C-17 Globemaster, Voyager, Poseidon MRA1, RC-135W Rivet Joint, F-35B Lightning, RAF Typhoon FGR4, Envoy IV CC1, and the iconic Red Arrows with their Hawk aircraft.

The Flypast Mission Commander, Wing Commander Noel Rees, will be aboard the Poseidon MRA1 aircraft piloted by Wing Commander Adam Smolak. Flight Lieutenant Tom Knapp of 60 Squadron, 1 Flying Training School, an experienced Royal Air Force aviator, will lead the formation in a Juno HT1 helicopter.

Noteworthy participants in the Flypast include Wing Commander Kevin Terrett, leading the Lossiemouth element, who has recently been involved in defending NATO airspace following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Squadron Leader Tom Bould, responsible for the Red Arrows display, will lead the iconic aerobatic team in the final wave of the Flypast.

The Flypast will feature a range of aircraft, from the historic Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 to the contemporary Envoy IV CC1, which entered RAF service last year. This grand display of aviation prowess and national pride will be a fitting tribute to mark the coronation of King Charles III, an event that will be cherished for generations to come.