King Charles' Coronation - best spot for a view of the festivities

It's not a long route - so it will be super busy. If you don't go two days before, you might not see anything.

Chances are the best area will be at the end of the Mall as the viewing there will probably be a bit wider,but realistically you would be 15, 20 people back at best

I'm going to do exactly what I did for the Queens funeral......watch it on TV.

As was stated, unless you are ready to camp out.........good luck.

There will be large viewing screens in some of the parks......someone will be along soon to tell you exactly where and what times although you could easily google that......but unless being with other people is important, I still suggest the TV route.

This is the current (and it is still current, not yet updated, I have just checked) list of big screens, although extras are still expected to be added, and the TBA locations are still to be confirmed.
There are currently none scheduled for London, although that could reasonably be expected to change.
As of this morning there is still a huge lack of information on timings for the day on both of the official web sites, not even the time of the service has yet been confirmed. The official invitations have not even been sent out yet.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/the-coronation-big-screens

There is probably a choice between seeing everything (for which you will need the TV) or feeling the vibe (for which you need to be there, physically). I have a friend who waited in line 15 hours for the lying in state- and thinks it was worth every minute of the wait, and the discomfort, for the atmosphere, as much as the brief moments at the coffin.
Me I was quite happy to see the constant live stream of that from home, whenever I wanted.

Unless you are a royal fanatic or like seeing the back of people's heads, the best seat in the house is at home. Balcony appearance will probably be mobbed the night before. If it were me, I'd just take some pictures of the street decorations the day before. Unless you camp out or pay someone to save a spot, you. won't see much.

I was there for the Queen's Funeral and for several of the Jubilees. I do not camp out but I do have some strategies that may help you. If you are staying in London, then you need to get to the Mall or somewhere along the route (Whitehall perhaps) around 4:00-5:00 am in the morning. I think it is well worth getting up for.

Take a small back pack with drinks and food (get sandwiches the day before) or you can buy from some concessions stands that will be down the end of the Mall. Toilets (port a potties) are plentiful. Take hand Gell and wipes. If you get there after the trains start coming into central London, then you will be trying to find a spot with the train crowd. People with tents and chairs will be asked to pack up around 7:00 am and that will leave some spots that you maybe able to fill into, if you get lucky. Make friends with the people around you. Most will be in a joyful mood and chatty.

Getting close to the Palace is tricky. You may be better to stand in Whitehall somewhere (although I do not know the exact route). Once the procession has gone up the Mall, and the royal family are ready to come out on the balcony, People are able to walk into the Mall and move towards the Palace. Even if you don't get close it will still be a great experience to be nearby.

I will not be in London in May for this event, but if I was, I would definitely be going. I think it is not to be missed if you are in London.

keep tracking the London papers, they will probably start producing planning sections

Seating stands are now being installed outside Buckingham Palace and at Horseguards in preparation for the Coronation- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11946499/Workers-begin-erecting-seating-outside-Buckingham-Palace-ahead-King-Charles-IIIs-coronation.html?ico=topics_pagination_desktop

It has now been announced that there will be big screens in Hyde Park and Green Park, and stalls selling hot food all night the preceding night.

Thanks everyone for the tips, info and advice!! My family planned our trip well before the Coronation date was announced. At first we were nervous about being there at the same time, but now we're excited. I'll certainly make an attempt to see something and if it doesn't happen, that's fine. Just looking forward to being there and witnessing a piece of history!

Will say after decades of visiting London no one does pomp and circumstance like the British.

If the Wellington Guards are participating you could consider ( if permitted) standing on the corner of Birdcage Walk and Spur Road. The guards march to and from their barracks to the Palace during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Imagine same route for the Coronation.

Day before peruse the area. Stop and chat with the British citizens. Always nice to hear why they are there, how far they came, etc.

Enjoy a piece of history. It will be festive!

Just wanted to follow-up! The day of Coronation I left for a tube station at 4:30am and had a spot on the mall by 5am. Yes, I waited for a lonnnnnng time but I got to see everything and was quite close to Buckingham Palace. I had a great spot, simply by chance! I even got a close spot when they let us move up for the balcony appearance and flyover. It was a wild day that I'll never forget. So much pride and joy amongst the people that were there!

I am so glad you got up and out early! What a great spot you had near the Palace. Such a wonderful and memorable occasion for you. Thanks for taking the time to follow up on the forum - it's always nice to hear how things work out.

Thanks for the follow up. Getting to witness an historic event up close and personal. Bravo.