On Tuesday, the King, 75, welcomed the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier Sarah John to Buckingham Palace to receive the first bank notes featuring his portrait. The sovereign, who has postponed public-facing duties while receiving cancer treatment, appeared in good spirits during the small audience, where he had a lighthearted reply to the £5, £10, £20 and £50 bills featuring his face. "Very elegant," King Charles said of the design, which is an engraving inspired by a picture of him taken in 2013, the BBC reported. According to the outlet, it’s tradition for the British sovereign to receive the first issues of a new tender. The new polymer banknotes will enter circulation on June 5 and the existing bills featuring the late Queen Elizabeth will remain in use. The Bank of England said that the new banknotes will only be printed to replace bills that have become worn or meet necessary increase.  "Our approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimize the environmental and financial impact of this change," the national bank explained in a statement — no surprise given King Charles’ lifelong interest in sustainability and conservation. The Bank of England Governor also told the King that the new money marked the hub’s first time swapping sovereigns on the currency, as Queen Elizabeth was the first sovereign to have her image on all Bank of England bills, the BBC said. Unlike the money famously affiliated with his late mother throughout her record 70-year reign, however, King Charles is not wearing a crown in the currency. The outlet added that the induction of the new money marks "one of the last major steps of the transition" to King Charles’ reign following his accession in September 2022 upon his mother’s death. His likeness is already featured across coins and stamps in the U.K., and where he is depicted without a crown in a portrait facing to the left. That shot is an adapted version of the portrait created by Martin Jennings for The Royal Mint. Kings "have not always worn a crown, so quite rightly, the King has decided that's the image he wants, and we are very happy to show that image as he chose," David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at the Royal Mail, said of what King Charles chose. The sovereign’s latest audience at Buckingham Palace came a week after his surprise Easter Sunday walkabout with Queen Camilla. In an unexpected move, the royal couple shook hands and exchanged holiday wishes with a small crowd following a service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on March 31.  The public interaction was unexpected, as the royal couple sat apart from the rest of the congregation (including several members of the royal family) in line with medical advice to minimize the risk of infection amid the King’s treatment.  The sovereign briefly spoke about his health during the mini walkabout, as seen in video shared to X by Rebecca English of the Daily Mail.  "Get well soon, Your Majesty," one woman said outside the chapel, prompting the King to reply, "I'm doing my best!" A royal source tells PEOPLE that the sovereign is "progressing well" in his treatment and there is an "amplified confidence" amid the sophisticated treatment receiving. "He is positive, the doctors are optimistic," the source says.   Source: People  

A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown extinct species of freshwater turtles far larger than any alive today. The team named the animal after a fictional turtle said to have created the universe. Fossil researchers led by Gabriel Ferreira from Germany's University of Tübingen have identified one of the largest freshwater turtle species — with a shell about 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) long. The team named the species Peltocephalus maturin — after a recurring giant sea turtle in novels by best-selling horror author Stephen King. What's important about the turtle? While such large animals were known to exist millions of years ago, Peltocephalus maturin is the youngest known occurrence of giant freshwater turtles. It lived much more recently, between 40,000 and 9,000 years ago in what is known as the late Pleistocene period.  The fossil remains — part of the armored reptile's lower jaw – were collected by gold miners at a quarry in Porto Velho, Brazil. Analysis revealed that the animal was far larger than present-day freshwater turtles like the Asian narrow-headed softshell, which has a maximum shell length of 140 centimeters. "This is very surprising because freshwater turtles — in contrast to their terrestrial and marine relatives — rarely have such gigantic forms," said Ferreira.  "In the past, we only know of a few turtles living in fresh waters that had a shell length of more than 150 centimeters," Ferreira said. Ferreira explained that the youngest previously known giant fossils came from the Miocene era — about 23 million to 5 million years ago. The research was published this week in the UK journal, Biology Letters. What else do we know about the turtle? The research team believes the species is related to the modern big-headed Amazon turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus. The scientists assume that the creature had an omnivorous diet.  "We named the new species after the giant turtle 'Maturin,' an overarching protagonist in the Stephen King multiverse," said Ferreira. "Maturin is responsible for the creation of the universe in King’s novels and films." The new find suggests a coexistence that the turtle lived alongside early human inhabitants in the Amazon region.  "People settled in the Amazon region around 12,600 years ago. We also know that large tortoises have been on the diet of hominins [the taxonomic group that includes humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas]  since the Paleolithic."   However, it is unclear whether Peltocephalus maturin was part of early settlers' diets and whether it, together with other South American megafauna, fell prey to human expansion.  "Here we need more data from the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene deposits of the Amazon Basin," Ferreira said.  

Britain's King Charles III said it was "heartening" to hear how sharing his diagnosis had helped promote understanding of the disease. In his first statement since being diagnosed with cancer, Britain's King Charles III on Saturday thanked well-wishers in a note posted on the monarch's website and the royal family's official page on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days," Charles said in a statement. Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that 75-year-old Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and that he would be postponing some engagements to undergo treatment. The diagnosis comes just 17 months into Charles' reign, following the death of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. King emboldened by support The king also said it was heartening to hear how his diagnosis had helped to shine a light on the organizations that support cancer patients in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement," Charles said. News of his cancer came after Charles spent three nights in the hospital last month when he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace has not given any details of his condition other than to say it was not prostate cancer but said the king was remaining "wholly positive" and looking forward to returning to public duty as soon as possible.

Sultan Ibrahim of the southern state of Johor began his five-year reign as king under Malaysia's unique rotating monarchy system. Billionaire Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of the southern state of Johor was installed as Malaysia's 17th king on Wednesday. He replaces Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who will return to lead his home state of Pahang at the end of his five-year tenure as king. "With this oath, I solemnly and truly profess to be faithful, to rule fairly for Malaysia in accordance with the laws and the constitution," Sultan Ibrahim said during a nationally televised event. Ibrahim Iskandar took his oath of office at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur and signed the instrument of the proclamation of office in a ceremony witnessed by other royal families, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet members. A coronation ceremony will be held later. Nine ethnic Malay state rulers have alternated as king for five-year terms under the world's only such system since Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia has 13 states, but only nine have royal families.   What is the king's role? Known as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, or He Who is Made Lord, the king of Malaysia plays a largely ceremonial role, as administrative power is left to the prime minister and parliament. The monarch is the nominal head of the government and the armed forces, and is held up as the protector of Islam and Malay tradition.   All laws, cabinet appointments and the dissolution of parliament for general elections require his approval. The king also has the power to declare a state of emergency and to pardon criminals.   Who is Sultan Ibrahim? Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar is of Malay-British descent and is an army, navy and air force officer who studied in the United States.   He also has significant business interests, including a stake in Forest City, a $100 billion (€92 billion) development project off the coast of Johor. The social media-savvy king has a vast collection of luxury and sports cars, as well as private jets.    Married with six children, he has in the past made annual trips around Johor on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to distribute alms to the poor.

King Charles III announced awards for show business royalty Shirley Bassey and Ridley Scott, while a bereaved father who took on social media giants over harmful online content was also recognized in the UK’s traditional New Year Honours. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who crowned the king in May, led those being honored for their role at the glittering ceremony in Westminster Abbey. Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke was also honored for cofounding the brain injury recovery charity SameYou after she survived two brain hemorrhages. The annual honors list recognizes the achievements and contributions of people across the UK. Bassey, who has sold more than 135 million records, became a Companion of Honour, an elite order that can only have 65 members at any one time. “My heart is full of emotion and I am truly humbled,” the singer, who already has damehood, said ahead of the announcement. Director and producer Ridley Scott, whose works include Gladiator, Alien and Napoleon, was also made a Knight Grand Cross, upgrading his previous knighthood, while “bonkbuster” author Jilly Cooper became a dame. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, who is to receive a knighthood, joked that he might hand over some tickets for the world-famous event at his investiture next year. “I think [Prince] William might do the ceremony. He’s made a few mentions of wanting to come to the festival, so I’ll probably take a couple of tickets in my pocket,” he said. Famed as much for its mud as its music, the festival at Worthy Farm in southwestern Somerset has become a fixture in British life since it began in 1970. In the world of sport, former England cricketer Stuart Broad, 37, was among those decorated. Broad announced his retirement from the sport during the final Ashes Test in the summer, bowing out in stunning fashion by hitting a six off his final ball and taking the match-winning wicket as England leveled the series at the Oval. Soccer players Millie Bright, Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp were recognized for their part in helping England reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in the summer. England lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney having won the UEFA European Championship last year. Others receiving awards included Ian Russell, 60, who campaigned against harmful online content and contributed to the establishment of online safety legislation after the death of his 14-year-old daughter Molly. Her family set up the Molly Rose Foundation suicide prevention charity in her memory. Russell said the London schoolgirl had been a caring person and would have been “tremendously proud” to have helped others struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health problems. The Online Safety Bill, currently making its way through parliament, has been introduced to crack down on harmful content including graphic self-harm and suicide material.   Source: Taipei Times

The Zulu monarch does not have formal executive power but is hugely influential as a custodian of the ethnic group's traditional customs and land. A South African court on Tuesday declared that President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision last year to recognize Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the king of the country's 15 million-strong Zulu nation was unlawful.   The ruling potentially sets off a new, lengthy succession battle. The court has ordered South Africa's government to launch an investigation into objections raised by some members of the Zulu royal family with regard to the rightful heir to the throne. What's behind the succession battle?   Last October, Misuzulu ascended the throne once held by his late father — Goodwill Zwelithini. His formal appointment comes after a year of bitter feuding over the royal succession. King Goodwill Zwelithini died in March 2021 after more than 50 years on the throne. He left six wives and at least 28 children but designated his third wife as regent in his will. The queen, however, died suddenly a month after Zwelithini, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as the next king. The development did not go down well with other family members. Another faction, which includes some of his late father's other wives and some of his siblings from the other palaces, recognized King Zwelithini's first-born son Prince Simakade as king. Why did the court criticize Ramaphosa? But Ramaphosa last year officially recognized Misuzulu Zulu as king at a colorful ceremony in the coastal city of Durban. The formalities included Ramaphosa handing over a giant framed certificate in front of tens of thousands of people — mostly Zulus dressed in their traditional attire and carrying shields and clubs. The judge has now criticized Ramaphosa for ignoring other family members' complaints. According to South African law, the president was supposed to launch an investigation as soon as he was aware of objections against the recognition of the new king. "It is declared that the recognition by the first respondent of the second respondent as Isilo of the Zulu nation was unlawful and invalid and the recognition decision is hereby set aside," reads the judgment. The judge noted that his ruling was not meant to determine whether the king was the rightful heir, but whether the correct processes had been followed. Ramaphonsa now has to set up a committee to investigate the disputes regarding the matter. What's the role of the Zulu king? The Zulu monarch does not have formal executive power but is hugely influential as a custodian of the ethnic group's traditional customs and land. The king controls vast swaths of land, estimated at about 3 million hectares or about 30% of the land in KwaZulu-Natal province, under an entity called the Ingonyama Trust. The monarch also receives an annual budget of more than $4 million (€3.7 million) from the provincial government for the upkeep of the royal households and cultural activities. Zulu kings are descendants of King Shaka, the 19th-century leader still revered for having united a large swath of the country as the Zulu nation, which fought bloody battles against the British colonizers.

King Charles III launches the Coronation Food Project on his birthday. He announced it by appearing on the cover of the Big Issue magazine for the homeless. Britain's King Charles celebrates his 75th birthday on Tuesday. He will use the occasion to officially launch the Coronation Food Project to tackle food poverty and reduce waste. With his wife, Queen Camilla, Charles is going to spend his birthday visiting a surplus food distribution center. He will also meet with major British supermarkets to see how his project can help redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste. Charles, who held a celebratory event for other individuals and organizations also turning 75 on Monday, will also host a reception on Tuesday to celebrate the work of nurses and midwives as part of events marking 75 years of the National Health Service. What has Charles said about the project? The Coronation Food Project, which aims to stop people going hungry, has already been announced in The Big Issue magazine, which is usually sold by street vendors, many of whom are homeless. In his article for the magazine, the King wrote: "For many years, I have been deeply concerned about the amount of food which goes to waste across our nation. At every stage of the food production process, millions of tonnes of food are sadly discarded." "Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste — and if a way could be found to bridge the gap between them, then it would address two problems in one," Charles said. "It is my great hope that this Coronation Food Project will find practical ways to do just that — rescuing more surplus food, and distributing it to those who need it most," he added. Food insecurity in Britain According to the project, 14 million people in Britain face food insecurity, and the rising cost of living has pushed even more into food poverty. Charities say there has been a 38% rise in those using food banks for the first time in the year to March 2023. The Coronation Food Project aims to support the delivery of 200 million meals to people experiencing food insecurity in the UK. King Charles's own history with The Big Issue goes back decades. He opened a magazine's office not long after the organization was founded in the 1990s.  Charles's son, the Prince of Wales, William, sold The Big Issue undercover last year and also appeared on the cover to mark his 40th birthday.

The Netherlands is marking a century and a half since the end of the Dutch slave trade which transported Africans to the Americas. King Willem-Alexander used the occasion to apologize on behalf of his country. Dutch King Willem-Alexander has apologized for his country's historic involvement in slavery and its ongoing repercussions, as the Netherlands on Saturday begins an official event to mark 150 years since the end of slavery in Dutch colonies. The king issued his apology during a speech marking the event.   "Today I'm standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising myself," Willem-Alexander said. "And I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul."   The king commissioned a study into the exact role the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, played in slavery in the Netherlands.   He asked for forgiveness "for the clear failure to act in the face of this crime against humanity."   Thousands of descendants from the former Dutch colony of Suriname and the Dutch overseas territories of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are attending celebrations in Amsterdam.   The event has been dubbed "Keti Koti," meaning "breaking chains" in Sranan Togo, a Creole language spoken in Suriname.   Queen Maxina and Prime Minister Mark Rutte are also expected to attend Keti Koti commemorations.   Activists had called for the king to apologize for the institution of slavery during his speech.   "That is important, especially because the Afro-Dutch community considers it important," Linda Nooitmeer, chairman of the National Institute of Dutch Slavery History and Legacy, told the NOS public broadcaster. "It is important for processing the history of slavery."   Last December, Rutte apologized for slavery on behalf of the Dutch government.   A number of Dutch cities, including Amsterdam, issued their own apologies before the prime minister did so.   600,000 people transported in Dutch slave trade Beginning in the 17th Century, the Netherlands grew into one of Europe's major colonial powers and was responsible for about 5% of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Some 600,000 slaves were transported from Africa to colonies in the Americas, and many Javanese and Balinese people were enslaved and taken to South Africa under Dutch colonial rule.   The Netherlands officially abolished slavery on July 1, 1863. However, slaves continued working on plantations in the Dutch Caribbean for another decade before abolition was put into practice.

Thousands gathered to witness the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla in a historic ceremony in London. Charles III and Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms on Saturday.  It was Britain's first coronation in nearly 70 years and the first of a king since 1937. Foreign leaders, dignitaries and other royal families attended the ceremony, while thousands lined the route to witness the coronation procession. Meanwhile, anti-monarchy protesters gathered in London, as well as in Glasgow in Scotland and Cardiff in Wales, with signs and flags that read: "Abolish the Monarchy," and "Not my King."  London police said 52 people were arrested on suspicion of planning "disruption."  Zelenskyy thanks 'true friends of Ukraine'  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted in his nightly online video address that his wife Olena Zelenska and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had attended the coronation in London.  "On behalf of the entire Ukrainian people, I congratulate Their Majesties, true friends of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. He wished Charles a long and successful reign and said that the ceremony marked the beginning of a "new era" for Britain's monarchy.  "It was an honor for me to meet His Majesty personally in London," Zelenskyy said, recalling a visit in February. "I remember our conversation, I remember the sincere emotion for Ukraine and all Ukrainians."  Police say 52 arrests made  Londons Metropolitan police said 52 people were arrested in connection to anti-monarchy protests, saying they had information that some people would seek to deface public monuments with paint and disrupt "official movements." "We absolutely understand public concern following the arrests we made this morning," Commander Karen Findlay of the London Metropolitan police said in a statement. "Over the past 24 hours there has been a significant police operation after we received information protesters were determined to disrupt the Coronation procession." A group campaigning to have the monarchy replaced said earlier on Saturday that protest organizers had been arrested by police. "Organisers of the #NotMyKing protest have been arrested — police won't say for what," the group claimed in a Twitter post. Anti-monarchy protesters want the monarchy replaced with an elected head of state and have been gathering at London's Trafalgar Square, although some have been seen brandishing yellow banners among the crowds lining The Mall. "They've arrested six of our organisers and seized hundreds of placards, they won't tell us why they've arrested them or where they're being held," a Republic activist told AFP in London's Trafalgar Square. Republic chief executive Graham Smith was one of those arrested before the group had a chance to wave placards declaring: "Not My King." Police did not confirm Smith's arrest. DW's Birgit Maass said the organizers of the anti-monarchy protest had sent her a photo and said that two of their group have been arrested. "They say their protest #NotMyKing was going to be peaceful and had been agreed with the police, and that they feel deprived of their democratic right," Maass said in a tweet.  Scholz, in Kenya, lauds Charles' environmental credentials While Germany's head of state, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, joined the pomp and pageantry in central London on Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was on a visit to Kenya.  Visiting one of Africa's largest geothermal power plants, in a rare developing country that generates the majority of its electricity from renewable sources, Scholz praised the British monarch's longstanding advocacy for the environment and conservation issues, an area where he had been ahead of many politicians of his time.  "For me, it was and is very important that he is someone who is committed to close cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union and who also has his own very important agenda to advance climate protection," Scholz said. "That will also help us."  King Charles, Queen Camilla, watch flypast The royal couple arrived at the Buckingham Palace balcony on Saturday afternoon, where they watched a Royal Air Force flypast. King Charles III and Queen Camilla gathered on the balcony alongside other members of the royal family. They were seen waving at the crowds who gathered to greet them, and watch the flypast. Cloudy skies forced the Defense Ministry to scale back the flypast, which was scheduled to include rare vintage aircraft.  Defense Ministry scales down flypast due to weather The British Defense Ministry announced shortly before the much-anticipated flypast that it would be scaled back due to "unsuitable" weather. The flypast was originally set to consist of 60 aircraft, including the Battle of the Britain Memorial Flight — a collection of still-operable World War II-era fighters and bombers that do regular events in the UK, the Red Arrows, modern F-35s and Typhoons. However, due to weather conditions, the Ministry of Defense scaled down the flypast to helicopters and the Royal Air Force aerobatic team The Red Arrows. The flypast was due to last for two-and-a-half minutes. Leaders congratulate the newly crowned king Several leaders have offered their words of congratulation to Charles III. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the coronation as "a testament to the enduring strength of the British monarchy." "A symbol of stability and continuity. My congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla," von der Leyen said on Twitter. The European Commission chief was among those who attended the ceremony. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also congratulated the new king. "For the great task that has now fallen to you, I wish you much strength and a lucky hand," he said on Twitter. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry offered its thanks to the whole of Great Britain for its support to Kyiv in the ongoing war. "On the eve of the historic coronation, we'd like to thank our British friends for your friendship. We are grateful for your unwavering support and partnership, especially in the past year!," the ministry said on Twitter.  US President Joe Biden hailed "the enduring friendship between the US and the UK" as a "source of strength for both our peoples."  "I am proud the First Lady is representing the United States for this historic occasion," said Biden, who missed Saturday's ceremony. China's President Xi Jinping also joined those offering congratulatory words to the king and queen. He said China was willing to expand cooperation and cultural exchanges with the UK, adding that both countries should jointly promote peace and cooperation, Chinese media reported. Newly-crowned king and queen leave Westminster Abbey King Charles and Queen Camilla have left Westminster Abbey and have now embarked on the coronation procession in the golden horse-drawn stage coach back to Buckingham Palace. Thousands of people have lined the route, many waving flags and some wearing crowns themselves. A little later the Charles and Camilla will receive a royal salute from the military in the palace gardens. They and other members of the royal family will appear on the palace balcony to watch a Royal Air Force flypast. Charles III crowned King Charles III has taken his oath and been crowned King in a ceremony witnessed by over two thousand guests and dignitaries in Westminster Abbey and millions more around the world. His wife Camilla has been crowned Queen. Gun salutes sounded across the UK as St Edward's Crown was placed on the King's head by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Next in line to the throne, Prince William swore allegiance before kissing his father on the cheek. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. World leaders among those witnessing coronation Both former and current world leaders are among those who have gathered to witness the coronation of King Charles. US first lady Jill Biden attended in the absence of President Joe Biden, while French President Emmanuel Macron was seen arriving with his wife Brigitte. Other world leaders on the guest list included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian leader Justin Trudeau. Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was among the over 2000 guests who included members of other royal households. A host of former British prime ministers were also seen filing into Westminster Abbey including, Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron, Tony Blair and John Major. Royal couple arrives at Westminster Abbey King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have arrived at Westminster Abbey, having traveled the route along which thousands of people have gathered to witness the coronation procession. Guests and dignitaries from all over the world are seated and ready to witness their coronation at the Abbey, were crownings have taking place for nearly a thousand years. The service is being conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. For the crowning the Dean of Westminster will deliver St Edward’s Crown to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who will offer a blessing before King Charles is crowned. The Archbishop will lead the congregation of Westminster Abbey in saying, "God save The King." Both Princes William and Harry are there for the event. Royal carriage departs Buckingham Palace King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla have set off from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a horse-drawn royal carriage for the coronation ceremony. Members of the British Armed Forces and thousands of people have lined the route of the coronation procession. Various regiments and detachments of the three branches of the armed forces numbering 4,000 personnel are involved in the ceremony. Members of the Household Cavalry are leading the procession to the Abbey. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Buckingham Palace King Charles III and Queen Camilla have departed Clarence House in London and are making their way to Buckingham Palace where they will be preparing themselves for the procession to Westminster Abbey. At 09.20 UTC the king and queen consort’s procession is expected to travel to the Abbey where the coronation is due to take place. Doors of Westminster Abbey opened The doors of Westminster Abbey have been opened so that guests and foreign dignitaries can take their seats ahead of the coronation ceremony. More than 2,000 people are expected inside the Abbey with representation from 203 countries and over 100 heads of state having accepted invitations to attend proceedings, among them Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier. US first lady Jill Biden will be attending in the absence of US President Joe Biden. King Charles along with the Queen consort will be making their way in procession from Buckingham palace to Westminster Abbey where they will be crowned at 10:00 UTC. The coronation procession will be taking place along a 1.3 mile (2.09 kilometer) route. Large crowds expected, thousands of police deployed In London, large crowds of royal fans have been building up during the week, gathering along The Mall outside Buckingham Palace. It's an indication that the royals still occupy a central role in British culture and history. Many who have been camping out to witness the coronation have flown in from abroad, highlighting the royal family's standing as Britain's leading global brand, despite a number of scandals over the years. More than 11,000 police have been deployed in the capital, ready to respond to any attempted disruptions. Thousands of personnel from the British Armed Forces are making their way to positions be part of proceedings, with troops seen arriving and moving on from London's Waterloo station. They have been conducting overnight rehearsals on the streets of London in the days leading up to the coronation. Controversy over royal jewels In the runup to Saturday's events, controversy has broken out over the royal diamonds and other jewels that are expected to be on display. Camilla, Queen Consort, will not wear the Koh-i-Noor diamond at the coronation of King Charles. Does this mean the UK may be close to relinquishing its rights over the celebrated diamond? Days before the coronation of King Charles III, some South Africans called on the United Kingdom to return diamonds set in the crown jewels. The world's largest clear-cut diamond was unearthed in 1905 and donated by the colonial government in South Africa to King Edward VII for his 66th birthday. It was cut up into several pieces, the largest of which is in the scepter the king will hold at Saturday's coronation. What to expect on coronation day The ceremonies and celebrations for King Charles III's coronation have been planned down to every last detail.  Viewing areas along the parade route will open in the early morning, although some already staked out their spots overnight. The coronation itself will take place at Westminster Abbey at 11:00 BST (10:00 UTC), including customs ranging back over 1,000 years — but with some modern twists. Following the ceremonies, the newly crowned King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will process back to Buckingham Palace in a golden coach. Other royals will join the parade along with 4,000 members of the British armed forces.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended at the Commonwealth Leaders event in London on Friday, May 5.The event started at 2:00 pm Bangladesh time at Marlborough House, Commonwealth Secretariat, Pall Mall. On the occasion, Sheikh Hasina interacted with the head of the Commonwealth King Charles III in the Delegate Lounge.  And then, she attended the Commonwealth joint family photo session in the gardens of Marlborough House. Sheikh Hasina attended the Commonwealth leaders' talks in the main conference room there, which was chaired by President of Rwanda and Commonwealth Chair Paul Kagame in the office. In the evening, PM Hasina attended a reception at Buckingham Palace for the coronation of the King and Queen Consort with heads of state, government and foreign representatives.